Minor Hotel Group is expanding its presence in East Africa with plans to relaunch the Essque Zalu Zanzibar as a Per AQUUM boutique resort. After assuming the management contract, the group intends to complete the transformation by the end of 2015, positioning the property as a distinctive luxury retreat on Zanzibar’s northeastern shore.
Set in a sheltered cove, the resort comprises 40 suites and nine spacious villas with three and four bedrooms. Guests will find a curated selection of dining options that emphasize local, organic produce across three restaurants. The resort program also offers a variety of activities for adults and children, along with a full-service spa presenting revitalizing and holistic treatments.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, described the partnership as an ideal alignment of values: “This partnership represents a true meeting of minds as the Essque team shares Per AQUUM’s passion for defying expectations and delivering luxury that dares to be different.” He added that the company aims to expand the Per AQUUM portfolio by at least five properties within five years, reflecting Minor Hotel Group’s broader growth strategy and commitment to increasing options for guests and trade partners.
Per AQUUM’s current portfolio includes notable properties such as Huvafen Fushi and NIYAMA in the Maldives, and Desert Palm in Dubai, and the added Zanzibar resort will extend the brand’s presence in the Indian Ocean region.