By Staff Reporter
IT looked as it would seem in a storybook. The sights, the sounds, the smells and the tastes were out of the world.
The sky, punched with clouds stretching like a dome. You could smell the caramel in the air and the music of the meadow echoed in revellers’ ears.
The meadow looked like a hideaway of the lost heaven. The sense of inner peace and harmony was unmatched.
The grasses seemed to have a party with the wind, dancing in their own rhythm.
The lush greeny, the landscape, the warmth of the sunlight, everything seemed so coherent. You could hear the chorus of the pleasant sounding birds. The palm trees seemed like silhouttes in the glorious expanse. My feet brushed past the fluffy grass, as soft as the marshmallows.
Magnum Opus of God, Isn’t it?
This is the most apt description of DMAC Lifestyle Centre, a pleasurable place so beautiful it has been nicknamed Little Dubai, whose Marina section was launched amid pomp and fanfare
View pictures People cool themselves in the swimming pool at DMAC Lifestyle Centre in Harare Sunday amid melodious music by a live band
View pictures The mock beach at DMAC’s Marina section is a marvel
Located in Southerton area, about 12 kilometers from Harare’s CBD, DMAC Lifestyle Centre offers a relaxing atmosphere for both the old and young ones.
“DMAC Lifestyle Centre is a result of exposure that I got while traveling the world. It is inspired by what I noticed in Dubai. I realised that as a country we are losing lots of money traveling to Dubai and I said to myself why not bring Dubai here,” said the proprietor of the place Vimbai Chakanetsa.View pictures
DMC founder Vimbai Chakanetsa
Chakanetsa said he was inspired by the workmanship shown by people in Dubai in building their resorts.
“They do not have soil to plant trees and flowers. They import their soils here. Their best garden is seasonal because of their weather. We have the best climate here, I just said to myself why can’t we do it here,” he said.
The place offers a whole range of products from entertainment to business events.
“Apart from relaxing and getting inspiration, the place also provides for events such as weddings, business conferences and birthday parties. We also have a restaurant and a world class bar,” he said.View pictures i
Chakanetsa who holds several post-graduate degrees from several universities among them Cambridge University and London Business School said the concept will soon be rolled out in several African cities.
“We are planning to roll out the concept in several African cities. Our next stop is Kigali, Rwanda. We have done our due diligence there and the papers are already in order,” he said.
He challenged other business people in Zimbabwe to invest in the motherland.
“People are building mansions yet our industry is dying. Why can’t we invest in our industry. If we have twenty people building a place like this, our country will change for the better,” he said.
It is however, the pool and the man made beach which has seen the place dubbed Little Dubai.
When this news crew visited the place on Sunday, people were soaking themselves in the pool running away from the scorching October heat.
Among the people who were enjoying themselves was popular comedian and social media influencer Madam Boss.
View pictures Madam Boss enjoys a moment in the DMAC swimming pool
“This is a place to be on weekends. I am just chilling and recharging my batteries preparing for the week ahead,” she said.
