We're an ever-evolving society, and even more so because we're living life with a pandemic.
From the rise of remote and hybrid work movements to an at-home revolution born from the lockdown – well prioritized lives are more important to us than ever before. One of these movements includes the appreciation for more meaningful spaces to spend our time in.
The Property24 My Spaces series delves into interesting spaces, shaped by inspirational South African taste- and change-makers.
We caught up with Curiocity Founder and CEO, Bheki Dube to find out about one of his favourite spaces in Cape Town.
He is one of Africa’s youngest and most successful tourism entrepreneurs, having started the Main Street Walks tour company at 16-years-old and opening his first design-led hostel at 21. In the video below Dube shares that his design language is grounded by “How we reside in Africa", referencing the conceptual influence of concentric circles.
“I am a Pan-Africanist at core, and at heart. I always go back to that base of our African Heritage."
Dube’s design palette has also grown over the years to be elevated by a number of principles. These include the Wabi-Sabi philosophy of appreciating that a passage of time adds value to both humans and things, and that there is beauty in imperfection. He is inspired by the concept of "less is more and letting the environment and nature of the space that you're in lead".
"Each Curiocity property has always aimed to be a space for people of all ages to better connect with the city they’re visiting, whether you're a CEO of a company or an adventurous millennial backpacker. Our spaces allow you to get beneath the city's skin," he says.
And with Tourism being one of the hardest hit sectors due to the lockdown restrictions over the past 20 months, he and his team are determined to help the industry recover.
Instead of gearing their offerings only to internationals, they've launched a monthly Curious Locals programme, "to give South Africans the chance to reawaken their senses, rediscover their own cities and connect with local storytellers and themselves at affordable prices".
Dube's mission to reshape the way people travel in Africa, along with his desire for travellers to hear stories from the entrepreneurs and creatives who live here, sees the Curious Locals campaign offer an array of experiences, co-hosted with creatives, guides, local chefs and wellness coaches.
From Storytelling Penthouse dinners with wine and whiskey tastings to sunset hikes, Sunday FARMHOUSE lunches, art walks, ceramic classes, biking and yoga in nature - locals are invited to dive into the city with all their senses for a fusion of the best food, drinks, art, exploration and outdoor escapes.
“We got too caught up trying to go to places like Bali and Europe to try and find ourselves yet this is all accessible, here at home.
“Come with an open heart and mind, seek beauty from within, seek beauty from your local spaces. We’ve got amazing stories within our communities and let’s look within and find that beauty and those stories that resonate with us and let’s get back to the soul and the heart of what makes us the South Africa that we are," he says.
CURIOCITY’s growing chain of African hybrid hotels are designed with style and soul for the curious traveller. CURIOCITY properties currently include a hostel and premium apartment suites in Johannesburg, a wellness property in the Cradle of Humankind and a new design-led hybrid hotel in Cape Town- the first hybrid hotel in Africa. Click here to find out more.
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