Club Med South Africa's luxury Resort on schedule for July 2026 opening

JOHANNESBURG - Promising a distinctive location that offers the ideal blend of safari adventures and seaside leisure, construction on Club Med South Africa's first all-inclusive resort is progressing well. 
 
After announcing intentions to build the first all-inclusive resort in South Africa, Club Med invested R2 billion in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Collins Residential, and a global hospitality firm, last year.
 
On Monday, Eyewitness News had the chance to visit the new Club Med South Africa construction site, which is situated in Tinley Manor on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast.
 
The first level of the Club Med South Africa Beach main hotel, which would have 345 rooms, has already been constructed.

Club Med South Africa's MD, Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, said the project was proceeding according to plan to open in July 2026.

"We are excited to engage with our clients and onboard the market on this amazing endeavour. As development moves forward, we will provide additional details about the Resort and the experience our guests can anticipate in the future."
 
Approximately 1,200 workers are expected to be employed during the peak of development. Primarily, labour from three local wards and the traditional council within a 5km radius around the project will be used to construct the resort.

We heard from Gino Andreetta, CEO of Club Med Europe & Africa Resort Operations, about the concept of introducing Club Med to KwaZulu Natal and the rationale behind choosing KZN over Cape Town.

When asked how they would ensure that they integrate into their South African resort given that the country speaks 12 different languages, they responded: "We are smart followers, and we will make sure that we learn everything that we need to learn about South Africa and the different cultures that they have.
 
"In order to ensure that we accurately portray South Africa, it is imperative that we incorporate the local culture into our resort, along with its history," said Gino Andreetta, CEO of Club Med Europe & Africa Resort Operations.
 
At the resort, the first-ever Club Med surf school will open as well.

We also got to witness that the 66 luxurious villas, each with breathtaking views of the estuary, have platforms ready and piling started.  Additionally, the Resort Centre,  which will feature a primary restaurant and bar, boutique, welcome area, and pool, is starting to take shape to be the lively focal point of the property.
 
Families are in for a treat, no longer needing to worry about finding time to spend with their young children, thanks to a kid's club to ensure the little one has a blast as well, allowing parents to enjoy their vacation with peace of mind.

Victoria Wood also talked to us about the interior design and the rationale behind selecting the Tinley Manor Resort's aesthetic.