Among the trailblazers of South African timeshare is Weston Dickson, a visionary known for creating nature-inspired holidays that have left a lasting impact on the timeshare landscape. He shares his story, which began with a dream 36 years ago.

A FAMILY DREAM

The start-up days of South African timeshare in the 1980s were filled with excitement and opportunity -something Weston Dickson didn’t miss. As a chartered accountant passionate about property, he quickly recognised the profound impact timeshare would have on the leisure and hospitality industry.

In 1988, he seized the opportunity to enter and shape the timeshare landscape with a start-up company, Leisure Options, which later became Dream Hotels & Resorts. Operating as a family business with a heartfelt focus on encouraging family travel, his guiding mantra, “A family that plays together, stays together,” has become a testament to their success.

A VISIONARY BUSINESS MODEL

While the initial timeshare developments focused primarily on the coastline, Dickson found his inspiration elsewhere.

“My passion for nature and birdwatching led me to envision holidays beyond the typical beach experience. I wanted to create getaways that offered rest, relaxation, and a true immersion in the abundant natural beauty of South Africa’s diverse landscapes.”

“This vision took shape in the heart of Mpumalanga, where we established Millstream Resort. It was here that our journey truly began, setting a new standard for nature-inspired holidays and marking our first significant milestone.”

By identifying and revitalising hidden gems, each of Dream Hotels & Resorts’ properties have been transformed into distinct and unique experiences designed for exploring and rediscovering the less-travelled paths of South Africa.

“Owners, guests and families who visit our resorts are not just staying at a holiday accommodation – they are embarking on an adventure.”

In 2014, the company made a significant move by acquiring The Peninsula from the Three Cities Management Company. The hotel’s prime Sea Point location and family-oriented layout of its units were key factors in the decision to purchase it.

“Our vision was to develop mixed-use resorts that offer the best of both worlds by combining traditional timeshare ownership with hotel amenities. Owners use during their designated timeshare weeks and when these units are unoccupied, they are made available to hotel guests, ensuring that the resort remains vibrant and fully utilised throughout the year. The Peninsula provided a perfect blend of stability and personal investment of timeshare ownership with the flexibility of hotel accommodations, catering to a broader range of holiday preferences and needs.”

Building on the success of The Peninsula in 2014, Dream Hotels & Resorts expanded its portfolio significantly by opening and refurbishing several new properties across South Africa. These include Burchell’s Bush Lodge offering a unique bush experience close to the Kruger National Park and Highland Run providing guests with a secluded retreat in Mpumalanga perfect for fishing and nature walks.

Jackalberry Ridge offers a rustic yet luxury tented accommodation near the Kruger National Park, Mjejane Bush Camp situated along the Crocodile River with exclusive access to the Kruger National Park and Olifants River Lodge known for its serene setting along the Olifants River.

LESS IS MORE

At the heart of Dickson’s success lies a simple yet profound philosophy: Less is more! His dedication to quality over quantity and prioritising satisfaction above all else established a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating that sometimes, less truly is more.

“By acquiring only the stock that members genuinely desire, every acquisition is thoughtful and deliberate, enhancing member satisfaction while also minimising excess inventory.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Dickson remains steadfast in his belief that timeshare will always have a place in South African hospitality and tourism.

“People genuinely love what timeshare offers – a sense of ownership, the promise of regular holidays, and the comfort of consistent quality surroundings.”

The torch has now been passed to his children – Nick, Brent and Anthea – who are guided by the same principles of excellence instilled by their father. Their journey is not merely about maintaining the status quo but about innovating and expanding, while staying true to the foundational principles that marked the beginning of this remarkable story.