Minor Hotel Group (MHG), Bangkok, has made a US$4 million investment in the luxury boutique hotel brand Per Aquum Retreats • Resorts • Residences, equating to a 50% stake in the lifestyle brand. As part of this strategic partnership with Universal Enterprises PTY LTD, Maldives, MHG and Universal plan to jointly develop the brand to encompass at least five additional properties within the next five years.
Per Aquum currently boasts three properties — two in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi and Niyama, in addition to Desert Palm in Dubai. The planned expansion will mirror MHG’s current footprint across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa. The addition of the three Per Aquum resorts takes MHG’s overall portfolio to 91 properties in operation across 12 countries.
MHG has an ongoing partnership with the Maniku family, principals of Universal Resorts, since the launch of three luxury resorts in the Maldives in 2006 and 2007 — Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Anantara Veli Resort & Spa and Naladhu Maldives. MHG’s presence in the Maldives has subsequently been strengthened by the opening of Anantara Kihavah Villas in early 2011.