Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is expanding its global footprint with the addition of new hotel and spa properties in Mozambique in conjunction with long term strategic partners – Dubai-based Rani Investment.

All three sites will be reflagged as MGH’s Anantara and AVANI brands by the end of 2014.

MHG has invested a 25 per cent equity in the three properties. All are situated on the northern coastline of Mozambique and currently operate as part of the Rani Resorts Portfolio.

Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa will be re-branded as AVANI Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa. The 185-key hotel currently hosts a 500sq m (5,381sq ft) Sanctuary Spa which comprises of hot and cold treatment rooms, saunas, steamrooms plus an array of therapies such as Swedish massage, milk baths, body brushes, body wraps and facials.

The 13-chalet Medjumbe Private Island and 24-villa Matemo Island – both located in the Quirimbas Archipelago – will be rebranded as Anantara properties.

Matemo Island is currently closed for extensive renovation, after a maintenance project expected to take place last year between February and April was abandoned when an inspection of the property highlighted serious structural damage.

The renovation will include the addition of more bedrooms and structural repairs to the main buildings – weakened by an extended period of exposure to severe weather conditions.

MHG operates 100 hotels and resorts in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean and the rebranding of these Rani properties will take MGH’s total rooms in operation to over 13,000.

“We are actively exploring other opportunities to expand our footprint in Africa through the expansion of all our brands and are very excited about these latest additions to our portfolio in Mozambique,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of MHG.

Rani Investment formed a joint venture company in August 2013 for the ownership of Indigo Bay Resort & Spa in Mozambique, which was then rebranded to Antara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa in November.

Rani Investment, investment arm of Aujan Group Holding, is the largest private hospitality owner-operator in Mozambique.