A flying trapeze, a Big Five game reserve, Zulu culture-inspired décor and a surf school are among the attractions for guests with cash to splash at South Africa’s first Club Med, set to open next year.
Just over a year ago, the 32ha site on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast — where the luxurious beach resort is being built — was a sugar-cane plantation with spectacular ocean views. Now it’s a hive of activity as the developers of the R2bn resort race to meet the July 2026 opening.
For several years, the French-owned Club Med company — which has resorts across the world — has been looking for the ideal location to build its first upmarket resort in South Africa, before settling on Tinley Manor on the north coast.
While the cost to stay at the resort has not been revealed, bookings are expected to open from October.
The average cost of a stay at a Club Med — depending on the resort’s location, amenities offered and the season — ranges from R75,000 to R380,000 for a family of four for a week’s stay.
Club Med Southern Africa MD Olivier Perillat-Piratoine said the local resort is being carefully crafted to provide an “unparalleled experience of relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion, while maintaining a deep respect for the environment”.
The resort has been designed by local firms Craft of Architecture and Mobius Interior Architecture, in collaboration with the French-based Studio Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet.
Perillat-Piratoine said the design team was inspired by “the vibrant art and traditions of the Zulu people and the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the north coast”.
“The architecture invites guests to indulge in the relaxed coastal surf vibe — whether it’s early morning paddle-outs, sunset beach bonfires or shaded cabanas reminiscent of Durban’s golden beaches. From sunrise surf sessions — a first for Club Med — to tranquil estuary walks, every aspect of Club Med South Africa is a tribute to the tropical beauty and laid-back coastal charm.”
A celebration of Zulu culture runs as a design thread throughout the resort, reflected in the choice of materials, finishes and decorative elements.
— Architect Victoria Wood
Victoria Wood, director of Mobius Interior Architecture, told the Sunday Times that local culture has been incorporated into the design and décor because Club Med “celebrates a strong sense of place in each of its resorts”.
“The brand places emphasis on ensuring that the architecture and interiors are uniquely reflective of their specific locations, while still delivering a consistent, high-quality brand experience.”
Wood said they have collaborated with local suppliers and artisans. “Evolving alongside the resort’s construction, this approach aims to bring a variety of traditional and contemporary crafts into the spaces, offering guests an authentic and immersive experience of the region’s creative talent.
“A celebration of Zulu culture runs as a design thread throughout the resort, reflected in the choice of materials, finishes and decorative elements. This cultural homage is brought to life most vividly in the main bar, where bold use of colour, form, pattern and materiality pays a vibrant and focused tribute to Zulu heritage.”
The resort will feature a range of room types, including 295 superior rooms (30-40m²), 50 deluxe rooms (36m²), and more than 60 exclusive collection space suites (70-90m²), many of which have sea-facing views.
The facilities will include a flying trapeze, six padel courts, bocce courts, swimming pools and a cardio-training room.
Club Med teamed up with Cirque du Soleil and — as they do in their resorts in Mexico, Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Mauritius — adults, teens and children can learn to “fly” the trapeze with trained professionals in a safe and monitored environment.
The activity is part of the all-inclusive package, allowing guests free access as part of their holiday. Aside from the trapeze, guests can also take juggling lessons and learn to stay on a slackline (similar to tightrope walking).
Perillat-Piratoine said the resort’s commitment to eco-conscious living will also be reflected in guest experiences, with conservation workshops, sustainability tours and opportunities to participate in community-based projects that support biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Club Med South Africa is also training 110 youngsters — recruited through a local nonprofit organisation, Nukakamma Hospitality School — for kitchen and restaurant roles.
“The construction site itself is providing employment to 1,200 people, the majority of whom have been sourced from within a 10km radius of the site, contributing to local economic growth.”
The resort will also feature a beach club, a hub for water sports, surfing and beachfront relaxation; a resort centre, with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues; and a 500-capacity convention centre and a children’s club.
It will also offer guests a wildlife experience, including a chance to spot the Big Five with Club Med Safari, located three hours away near Pongola on an 18,000ha nature reserve.
The resort also includes an adults-only Zen zone with a private lounge, as well as a jacuzzi, restaurant and bar.
Cobus Oelofse, CEO of the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, believes Club Med South Africa is the biggest resort development in South Africa since Sun City in 1979.
“The establishment of a premium resort brand on the north coast has significantly enhanced the region’s credibility, and showcased its potential as a leading tourism and hospitality destination — the buzz created has positioned our region comfortably on the international travel map,” he said. “It also sends a clear and compelling message about the region’s commitment to the strategic development of its tourism economy.”
Oelofse said Club Med’s presence in the region has already boosted confidence among investors, tourism operators and airlines, “further positioning the north coast as a compelling and credible destination for tourism growth and investment”.
“The unique beach and bush of Club Med is also a catalyst for much broader tourism interest than just the north coast region.”
He said it would encourage longer stays and higher spending, “while promoting year-round tourism, stabilising the traditional seasonal nature of the industry”.
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