New R2 billion 5-star super-resort in South Africa opening next month

The new Club Med South Africa on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast will open on 4 July 2026, offering a luxury beach resort and safari lodge experience.

Club Med South Africa is developed in partnership with Collins Residential Consortium and managed by Club Med. The project leader is Chris du Toit.

Club Med will bring its signature all-inclusive experience to South Africa, where guests can expect premium accommodation, gourmet meals, and open bars.

It has 411 accommodations, including 310 superior rooms, 35 deluxe rooms and 66 suites in the exclusive collection.

The beach resort also offers land and water activities, as well as a dedicated kids’ club with tailored facilities and certified staff.

There is a strong focus on sport. Club Med visitors will enjoy sailing, surfing, diving, snorkelling, racket sports, and a surf school.

What sets Club Med South Africa apart from other luxury beach resorts is that it will offer guests the option of a unique bush experience.

This experience is offered through an exclusive safari lodge in the heart of a Big Five game reserve in the north of KwaZulu-Natal.

The lodge is located within the private Mpilo Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which covers over 18,000 hectares.

The 80-room lodge is developed to Club Med standards to offer guests a dual beach-and-safari experience during their stay.

A short flight or drive from the beach resort, the lodge will feature 75 premium tents and the Club Med experience, set against the backdrop of the wild African safari.

It is set on a hill, with 180-degree views of mountain ranges and the Mkuze River, in the nature resort. To maintain an exclusive feel, the lodge caps its capacity at approximately 225 guests per night.

Towards the end of 2025, Club Med opened bookings, allowing people to request quotes for a holiday when it launches on 4 July 2026.

Newsday visited the new Club Med South Africa

Club Med South Africa’s project leader, Chris du Toit, said that they were ready for their 4 July 2026 launch.

Du Toit has been involved with the project since 2018 and played an integral part in the early days, alongside Club Med, to make it a reality.

Over the last few weeks, he posted numerous updates as part of a countdown to the resort’s official opening.

A month ago, he said the Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality, Sduduzo Gumede, handed over the Occupation Certificate at the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort.

This ceremonial handover marked the formal completion of the development phase of the Club Med South Africa project.

Three weeks ago, he showed the completed Vikela Safari Lodge, which will serve as Club Med South Africa’s 5-star safari lodge.

“Delivering a 75-room safari lodge in just 12 months is a challenge anywhere in the world,” he said.

“Even more so in a remote location with the logistical, environmental, and operational complexities that come with it.”

“What has made this possible is the commitment, collaboration, and problem-solving ability of an exceptional contractor and professional team.”

Du Toit said that they have consistently found ways to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum on site.

Newsday visited the new Club Med South Africa in June 2026, and it was clear that the luxury beach resort was ready for guests in July.

The entrance was welcoming, the buildings were completed, and the security around the resort was in place.

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Club Med South Africa beach resort photos

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