A Sneak Peak at Club Med’s First South African Resort
Club Med is currently constructing its first South African resort, which is scheduled to open in July 2026. Officially named Club Med South Africa, this destination will offer a perfect blend of beachside relaxation and safari experiences.
The resort will be located on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast, bordering on wildlife reserves. As a result, it will serve as an ideal escape for both international and local travellers seeking not only tranquillity but also adventure.
Key Milestones and Construction Phases
The resort’s construction is progressing in phases to expedite the project. At present, the focus is on three key areas:
1. The Hotel Section: Club Med is currently building the main hotel, which will feature 345 rooms and has already reached the first floor. Furthermore, the resort centre, including the main pool, restaurant, bar, welcome area and boutique, is also under construction. Facilities such as the family pool, kids’ clubs and sports area are also progressing to provide a full guest experience.
2. Exclusive Collection Villas: The construction team has prepared platforms and started piling for the 66 luxury villas that will overlook the estuary.
3. Convention Centre and Parking: Groundwork is being laid for a state-of-the-art conference venue, which will be able to accommodate 500 delegates. In addition, they are constructing a parking area designed to maintain a vehicle-free zone for guest safety.
Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, MD of Club Med South Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying: “I am delighted to share that construction is well on track for the opening in July 2026. We look forward to onboarding the market and engaging with our customers on this fantastic venture. We will share more information on the Resort and the future experience our guests can expect as the construction progresses.”
Commitment to Best Practices and Local Involvement
Club Med remains committed to sustainability by adhering to the Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) principles. Not only does the project aim to achieve a 4-star GBCSA rating, but it also demonstrates Club Med’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
At the peak of construction, Club Med expects to employ over 1 200 workers. In fact, the current workforce is already reaching 40% of that target. Since most of the labour force comes from within a 5km radius of the site, the project ensures a positive impact on the local community.
Chris du Toit, Project Director, emphasised: “This project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared vision. By combining global standards with local expertise, we are not only building a resort, but also contributing to the growth and development of the region.”
Club Med will make history with its first resort in South Africa, bringing its renowned all-inclusive experience to the country. Guests can expect premium accommodations, gourmet meals, an open bar, a variety of land and water activities and kids’ clubs – all included in the price.
This resort will join Club Med’s prestigious portfolio of sun and snow resorts. It will introduce a new and unique bush experience through an exclusive safari lodge in Zululand. In addition, it will also feature the first-ever Club Med surf school, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
