Club Med South Africa: Groundbreaking Beach Resort in KwaZulu-Natal to Transform Tourism
Club Med, a leader in global resorts, is set to launch a groundbreaking 400-plus-room property in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) that promises to transform South African tourism and the North Coast. Absa Group's interim CEO, Charles Russon, emphasized this during a recent Moneyweb interview, highlighting the resort's potential to attract international tourists.
The site, located in Tinley Manor near Ballito, is a collaborative project involving Club Med executives, developers Collins Residential, and financiers such as African Bank and the Industrial Development Corporation. Russon stated, “This major tourism and property project will significantly impact both the KZN North Coast and South Africa as a whole.”
The Club Med South Africa project, valued at over R2 billion, marks the country’s first fully-fledged beach resort, showcasing the region’s stunning coastal views. Since 2007, Club Med has been searching for the ideal resort location along the KZN coast, previously considering sites like the Isimangaliso Wetland Park.
Gino Andreetta, CEO of Club Med Europe and Africa, noted the company’s long history of creating global destinations, including iconic resorts in Mauritius and Phuket. He expressed confidence in the success of Club Med South Africa, affirming the company's commitment to the region.
Unique to this resort, Club Med will offer its first-ever dual beach and safari experience. The main beach resort in Tinley Manor will be complemented by an 80-room safari lodge being developed in Pongola, located in a Big Five game reserve. This innovative combination positions Club Med South Africa as a unique entry in the company’s portfolio.
Officially announced in September last year, the resort was initially dubbed Club Med Tinley but has since been simplified to Club Med South Africa. Andreetta explained, “This location is one-of-a-kind, making it a strategic choice for our 'sun resorts' portfolio. It will also feature Club Med’s first surf school, allowing guests to enjoy surfing and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean waters.”
Murray Collins, founding director of Collins Residential, confirmed that construction is progressing well, with the beach resort expected to open in July 2026. The project will also include a 500-seat convention facility, distinguishing it from other Club Med resorts globally.
This major development not only reinforces Club Med’s commitment to South Africa but also positions the KZN North Coast as a premier tourist destination, set to draw visitors from around the world.