OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group has appointed Chris Long as General Manager of the upcoming OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort, scheduled to open in February 2026. Long took charge in April 2025 and brings nearly a decade of leadership experience with OUTRIGGER, along with extensive operational and culinary expertise across island destinations in the Maldives and Southeast Asia.
His appointment marks a significant milestone in the resort’s evolution into a five-star Thai retreat that blends Southern Thailand’s natural beauty, local culture and understated barefoot luxury. For Long, this role also represents a professional homecoming, as he returns to Asia for his first General Manager assignment after years in senior culinary leadership roles within the group.
Known for his place-driven approach to hospitality, Long’s leadership philosophy centres on meaningful, uncomplicated guest experiences rooted in local culture. His background in remote island operations, local sourcing and culinary storytelling aligns closely with the resort’s village-inspired layout and its setting along the Andaman Sea.
Located on Laem Tong Beach at the secluded northern tip of Phi Phi Don, the resort is accessible only by boat, allowing guests to arrive directly on the sand before moving along shaded pathways to 63 suites and villas designed to reflect the natural rhythm of traditional Thai village life.
Sustainability will form the backbone of operations under Long’s stewardship. The resort is developing on-site chef’s gardens, prioritising Thai-grown materials and working closely with local Urak Lawoi fishermen to source daily seafood. Coconut husks will be repurposed into charcoal for grilling, while circular food-waste systems and freshwater pools will help minimise environmental impact. Guest awareness of sustainability initiatives will be offered discreetly through QR-based information rather than overt messaging.
Culinary experiences will play a central role in expressing the destination’s identity. Mala Kitchen will highlight Southern Thai flavours through live cooking and breakfast theatre, while Edgewater Bar & Grill will offer open-grill dining focused on local ingredients and interactive preparation.
Beyond dining, guests will be able to engage with Phi Phi’s cultural and ecological heritage through low-impact marine activities, Thai cooking sessions, traditional bead-making experiences with the Urak Lawoi community and wellness rituals at Zeavola Spa inspired by Southern Thai healing traditions.
OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort will become part of the brand’s expanding Thailand portfolio, alongside properties in Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Phuket. Inspired by the Thai philosophy of Nit Thra, or the soul of rest, the resort aims to deliver experiences deeply connected to local craft, cuisine and the protected landscape of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
