Club Med recently celebrated the great progress of the construction of its South African Resort. At an exclusive event held at the stunning North Coast beach location, key stakeholders, partners, and dignitaries gathered to witness the headway being made towards the highly anticipated July 2026 opening of Club Med South Africa.
At the construction site, guests experienced firsthand the advancements made and learnt more about the design, architecture, and interiors of what promises to be South Africa’s new flagship Resort. Among the distinguished attendees were Club Med’s senior management as well as executive teams from the Developer Collins Residential, the Investment Partners Africanbank, Industrial Development Corporation, Tinley Leisure Investment Women’s Group, and ABSA in its capacity as Funding Partner. Top travel trade partners, members of the media, and a French delegation led by His Excellency, French Ambassador David Martinon, were also present at the event.
Attendees were joined by Management from Craft of Architecture, long-time partners on the project, who explained how they integrated the unique topography of Tinley Manor into the resort’s design. By studying the landscape, they created a structure that harmonises with the environment, using the site’s natural elevations to avoid a linear layout, adding character and a sense of movement to the resort. Their wind and solar studies ensured natural ventilation and optimised lighting, contributing to sustainability. For the first time at a Club Med resort, all accommodations (342 rooms and 66 suites) will offer sea views, immersing guests in South Africa’s beauty.
Victoria Wood of Mobius Studio (working alongside on the project with Paris designers Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet of Studio MHNA), was also present and shared on the interior architecture elements and the design inspiration. Celebrating the breathtaking beauty and rich textures of the Dolphin Coast, each room offers panoramic views through wide openings, blending African woods, turquoise fabrics, and natural fibres to reflect the region’s craftsmanship. All with an aim to create a harmonious blend of nature, comfort, and elegance, where flora and fresh green hues create a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape. Other key partners on the project include Green Stars Consultant, responsible for eco-environmental construction certification, ensuring the resort remains at the forefront of both innovation and sustainability.
In a move that underscores the project’s positive impact on the local community, over 1,200 workers will be employed, with a large percentage sourced from within a 5km radius of the site. This includes input from three local wards and the traditional council, ensuring that the resort contributes meaningfully to the surrounding area, creating jobs and fostering local economic development.
This milestone signifies more than just a celebration of construction progress, it represents a defining moment for both Club Med and South African tourism. Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, Managing Director of Club Med Southern Africa remarked, “It was an honour to share our progress with our investment partners, media, and key stakeholders. This project, due to its scale and unique offering, will redefine tourism in South Africa.” Gino Andreetta, CEO of Club Med Europe and Africa Resorts, added, “With a solid legacy of creating world-class destinations, we are confident that Club Med South Africa will be a commercial success.”
One of the standout features highlighted during the event was the resort’s 500-seat convention centre, which is set to become a benchmark for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) in the region. This facility marks Club Med’s entry into the local business tourism market, offering both conferencing and experiential incentives with its distinctive upscale all-inclusive approach.
It was revealed that the next milestone event will give further insight into the resort’s offerings and guest experience.
