Lusaka’s hospitality scene is having a moment, and right in the heart of Ibex Hill sits The Cubes with an Afro industrial aesthetic take on serviced compact apartment living. It’s stylish and clearly designed for people coming for a short stay but like many things that look good in photos, the real experience has a few layers worth unpacking. If you’re someone who enjoys feeling tucked away and completely shielded, this might take some getting used to especially at night when it is more noticeable.

The design is lovely to look at from the outside as it leans heavily into glass with lots of it but while it adds to the aesthetic with lots of natural light, it also means privacy takes a bit of a back seat depending on which side of the place you are booked into. If you’re a light sleeper or value a darker, more cocooned space it’s an adjustment. They do have air conditioning which is an essential both upstairs and downstairs, a kettle for your tea moments, a fridge, cooker, TV which is practical and wifi which is comfortable.

The Cubes is undeniably stylish, fresh, different and clearly designed with intention for travellers who appreciate modern design and don’t mind a bit of exposure to the outside world, literally. It offers a unique stay but it’s also a reminder that great design isn’t just about how a space looks it’s about how it feels to live in it.