Club Med to offer a new South African experience

South Africa remains one of the best "bang for your buck" travel destinations anywhere on the planet. 

Now Club Med, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays, is set to make its debut in South Africa with the launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari. 

The new resort is located on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and is scheduled to open in July. 

“The launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari marks an exciting first for our brand – our very first footprint in South Africa," said Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med East, South Asia and Pacific. 

"This project not only celebrates the extraordinary beauty of KwaZulu-Natal but also introduces a one-of-a-kind combination of beach and safari experiences. It's a truly unique (sic) offering that we believe will deeply appeal to our clients in ESAP and beyond, who are consistently seeking new and immersive travel experiences.”

The resort will be situated just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport [in Durban] and developed across 32 hectares of unspoilt natural surroundings.

It will feature 411 accommodations, including superior and deluxe rooms as well as an Exclusive Collection Ilanga section with 66 suites.

Guests at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari can look forward to "a holiday experience that combines world-class resort amenities with unrivalled opportunities for discovery". 

The resort will feature four swimming pools, including a main pool, a family pool, an adult-only Zen pool and a dedicated Exclusive Collection pool. 

Dining options will include Oceana, an all-day restaurant showcasing international cuisine, and the Nguni Gourmet Club, a refined dining venue highlighting South African seafood and regional produce. 

Several bars will complete the offering. 

For the first time in Club Med's history, a resort experience will be paired with an exclusive private safari adventure.

Located within an 18,000-hectare game reserve four plus hours north of the resort, Mpilo Safari Lodge will be reserved for Club Med guests, offering premium tented accommodation with panoramic views and a full range of amenities. 

Daily guided drives led by experienced rangers will give guests the opportunity to encounter the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo – in their natural element. 

The Dolphin Coast will also play host to Club Med's very first Surf School while a wellness centre will provide spa treatments, hammam rituals and yoga palapas. 

See Club Med's website. 

Club Med to land in South Africa

Ever wanted to stay at a Club Med resort?

Tempted by exploring a game reserve in South Africa?

You will soon be able to do both at the same time after Club Med unveiled plans for its first South African resort.

The all-inclusive resort operator has announced Club Med Tinley, which it says will offer a combination of beach and safari experiences.

Set to open in 2026, Club Med Tinley is situated on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, around an hour north of the city of Durban, TravelMole reports.

It will showcase the opportunity to stay on a Big-5 Game Reserve for a safari adventure in Northern KZN.

The resort will be located just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and is planned to have 342 rooms and 64 suites. There will be 80 rooms in the game lodge, and a convention centre.

Club Med Tinley, overlooking the Indian Ocean, will offer a range of family activities, land and water sports, a kid’s club, plus the first surf school at a Club Med facility.

The South African resort will also offer a spa, fitness centre, yoga school and an adults only pool and bar.