A new chapter of wanderlust unfolds on the unspoilt Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal as Club Med announces the opening of its very first South African destination: Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari. Launching in July 2026, the resort marks the brand’s debut footprint in the country, fusing barefoot luxury with the untamed thrill of the African savannah.
Designed in harmony with its natural surroundings by South Africa’s Craft of Architecture alongside Parisian studios Mobius and MHNA, the resort spans 32 hectares and brings together 411 rooms and suites, including an Exclusive Collection of Ilanga villas. Zulu influences echo through locally sourced materials, earthy palettes, and motifs that pay homage to regional artistry.
Guests will discover four shimmering pools, world-class dining from the all-day Oceana restaurant to the refined Nguni Gourmet Club, and vibrant bars including the ocean-facing Dunes Beach Bar. Yet, the real allure lies beyond the resort: for the first time in Club Med’s history, the beach experience will be paired with an exclusive Big Five safari at the private Mpilo Safari Lodge. Tented suites with panoramic views, evening Boma fires, and guided game drives promise an adventure that feels cinematic yet intimate.
The experience extends further with a Surf School on the Dolphin Coast, gravel biking through sugarcane fields, yoga, flying trapeze, padel and tennis, and a full wellness centre offering spa rituals and hammam indulgence. Families remain at the heart of the journey, with tailored programmes for infants, children, and teens ensuring that every generation finds discovery and delight.
With an investment of more than 2 billion rand, the project is also a story of community. Over 1,200 construction workers are already employed locally, and future staff are being trained through the NukaKamma Hospitality School to gain international experience before returning to South Africa. Sustainability, too, is woven into its DNA, with solar car parks, water-saving systems, green roofs, and a commitment to eliminating single-use plastics.
Bookings open October 2025—an invitation to be among the first to experience a seamless blend of sun, sea, and safari unlike anything South Africa has seen before.
