Club Med is set to make its debut in South Africa with the launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari, located on the breathtaking Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Scheduled to open in July 2026, with sales commencing in October 2025, this project is the country’s first high-end all-inclusive resort, combining the best of beachside relaxation and exclusive Big Five safari adventure.
Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med East, South Asia and Pacific (ESAP), said, “The launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari marks an exciting first for our brand – our very first footprint in South Africa. 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 offering that we believe will deeply appeal to our clients in ESAP and beyond, who are consistently seeking new and immersive travel experiences.”
This landmark opening will reinforce Club Med’s pioneering spirit by bringing its unique brand of premium all-inclusive holidays to a region still relatively untouched by international tourism. The resort will be situated just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport 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. Designed in collaboration with South African architects Craft of Architecture and supported by interior designers Mobius and MHNA of Paris, the resort will blend harmoniously into its natural environment while paying homage to Zulu culture through the use of locally sourced materials, authentic design motifs and a natural palette.
Beach, Safari and Wellness – A World of Adventures
Guests at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari can look forward to a rich and varied holiday experience that combines world-class resort amenities with unrivalled opportunities for discovery. The resort will feature four swimming pools, including a lively 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, from the vibrant Injabulo Bar, with its coffee shop corner, to the ocean-facing Dunes Beach Bar that captures the energy of the local surf culture. Beyond dining, the resort will uphold Club Med’s signature festive spirit with evening entertainment inspired by South African culture and occasional beachside garden parties overlooking the ocean.
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, 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. Families will also be able to enjoy specially adapted drives designed for younger children, while evenings will feature traditional Boma gatherings with barbecues and storytelling around the fire, bringing the authentic magic of the African savannah to life.
Activities and wellbeing are central to the Club Med experience, and this resort will be no exception. The Dolphin Coast will play host to Club Med’s very first Surf School, where children and adults can learn from professionals on one of South Africa’s most beautiful stretches of ocean. Guests will also enjoy guided gravel biking tours through sugarcane fields and coastal trails, yoga and fitness classes, flying trapeze, padel and tennis, and water sports including kayaking and paddle boarding.
A full wellness centre will provide spa treatments, hammam rituals and yoga palapas, while the resort’s lush gardens and Zen spaces will offer opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Families are especially welcome, with Baby Club Med (from 4 months), Mini Club Med+, and the Chill Pass for teens all ensuring that every generation has a tailored programme designed to inspire discovery, play and connection.
Commitment to Communities and Sustainability
The opening of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari also carries significant economic and social benefits for the region. Representing an investment of more than 2 billion rand (approximately €100 million), the project is being developed in partnership with Collins Residential and a South African Investment Consortium. It is expected to generate over 800 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs, with 1,200 construction workers already employed from neighbouring communities. The project also includes a collaboration with the NukaKamma Hospitality School, where more than 100 young South Africans are being trained to eventually join the resort team, gaining international experience across Club Med resorts worldwide before returning to KwaZulu-Natal to apply their skills.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the resort’s vision, in line with Club Med’s global Happy to Care programme. The property will seek Green Globe certification for its operations and a 4-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa. Eco-friendly practices such as solar car parks, water-saving systems, natural ventilation and green roofing will be introduced from the outset. The resort will also implement Club Med’s “Bye-Bye Plastics” initiative, eliminating single-use plastics, and partner with the French NGO Agrisud to integrate local farmers into its supply chain, reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth and long-term positive impact.
