Club Med Marks 75th Anniversary With Global Expansion, New Openings and Renovations

Image: A rendering of the forthcomng Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort, set to open in 2026. (Photo Credit: Courtesy ClubMed)
Image: A rendering of the forthcomng Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort, set to open in 2026. (Photo Credit: Courtesy ClubMed)
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:45 PM ET, Thu October 9, 2025

Club Med, a pioneering leader in the all-inclusive resort industry, is marking its 75th anniversary this year and as the global company acknowledges that major milestone, it does so with a flurry of brand expansions and renovations worldwide.

In 2025, Club Med accelerated its global expansion with plans for new ski resort projects in Canada and Italy. At the same time, the company has set its sights on unveiling major renovations this fall at its flagship Punta Cana resort.

In addition to all of that news, the all-inclusive resort pioneer is preparing to open resorts in South Africa and Malaysia, a move meant to reinforce its presence across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Buena Vista Lounge at Club Med Punta Cana

A rendering of the redesigned Buena Vista Lounge at Club Med Punta Cana (Photo Credit: Courtesy ClubMed)

Club Med Punta Cana to Unveil Luxury Renovations

Club Med’s flagship North America resort in Punta Cana is undergoing five major renovations, which are expected to be completed this year, including: Brand new social spaces, fresh culinary experiences and newly renovated accommodations. 

The company said all of the projects are “designed to offer more elevated, immersive experience for all types of guests.”

Renovations are being led by GG&Grace International, an award-winning design firm known for creating distinctive hospitality experiences. Some of the notable efforts that are part of this project include:

  • Costa Del Coco, Deluxe Rooms: The newly renovated rooms were designed to reflect the tranquil beauty of the Dominican Republic’s coconut-lined coast. 

Designed for relaxation and sophistication, each room includes a private balcony and a luxurious spa-like bathroom with a rain shower. 
  • The Buena Vista Lounge: Known as the “heartbeat of the resort,” this 360-degree panoramic welcome area offers a bohemian chic aesthetic. The open-air entrance is surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant new pathways and offers a breathtaking ocean view.
  • El Mundo Food Club: From the elegance of French cuisine at Loulou to the fiery Latin flair of Chula, the bold Asian tastes of Kyo, the sun-kissed Mediterranean dishes at Soléa, and the grill experience at Smokey’s, Club Med’s re-imagined main dining concept fuses global flavors together to meet the palates of all guests. Designed with a breezy Caribbean charm and bohemian styles in mind, guests can enjoy global flavors and sips seated both indoors and outdoors.
  • Joia Bar: Newly transformed and inspired by the charm of a Dominican “Casita,” this versatile poolside bar offers space for daytime lounging or evening socializing, with cozy seatings and the main resort pool as the backdrop.
  • The Coffee Shop: The lively and inviting coffee shop offers a selection of coffees and teas, pastries, snacks and treats in a relaxed, tropical setting.

 

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort

A rendering of the forthcomng Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort, set to open in 2026. (Photo Credit: Courtesy ClubMed)

On the Horizon for 2026: Club Med’s First Resort in South Africa

Located on the Indian Ocean coast in Kwazulu-Natal, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort, set to open next year, will be Club Med’s first South African resort. 

The 411-room resort, located about 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and 45 minutes from Durban, will offer surfing and safari experiences and a beachside location along South Africa’s Dolphin Coast. 

The new South African resort will feature the brand’s first ever Surf School. And as an Exclusive Collection space, the property will feature a soothing and revitalizing holiday atmosphere with an emphasis on lifestyle. 

In addition to the primary resort, a 4.5-hour drive north brings guests to an 80-room safari lodge set on an 18,000 hectares in the Hluhluwe game reserve, which is home to Africa’s "Big Five" wildlife. The safari lodge is available exclusively for Club Med guests. 

The new South Africa property is also being developed with a focus on sustainability and community empowerment, according to Club Med officials. That effort includes targeting Green Globe certification and a 4-star Green Star rating. The resort will also implement Club Med’s “Bye-Bye Plastics” initiative from day one. 

Bookings for Club Med’s new South Africa property open this month and to kick things off the company is launching a major sale. Bookings made between October 13 and October 17 will receive an instant savings of up to $990 pr person, per week, for travel that takes place between May 30 and November 27, 226.

Solid Business Performance for the Brand

Also notable as the company celebrates three-quarters of a century, business is also booming for the industry pioneer. Club Med brand reported that its Mountain Resorts saw a 7 percent increase in business volume and a 6 percent rise in Average Daily Rate (ADR). 

Similarly, the company’s Exclusive Collection, which is Club Med’s luxury all-inclusive line, saw a 6 percent ADR increase. Club Med officials say the success of its Exclusive Collection underscores continued strong demand for upscale holiday experiences. 

More broadly, 1.5 million guests visited Club Med in the 2024 fiscal year, with 75 percent coming from abroad. That’s a 12-point increase over the past decade, according to Club Med.

Booking data for the remainder of the year and beyond indicates continued strong performance for Club Med. “Forward bookings for the rest of the year and into 2026 show continued momentum in an uncertain environment, supported by robust demand for mountain destinations and upscale experiences,” said Stéphane Maquaire, president of Club Med.


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Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

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