Club Med, a global luxury hospitality brand has officially opened its new South Africa beach resort and adjoining safari lodge, marking the completion of a $129.4-million development that combines coastal leisure with Big Five wildlife viewing in one destination.

The launch brings together the Club Med South Africa Beach Resort and the Vikela Safari Lodge, following nearly a decade of planning, financing, and construction work.

The project, first conceived in 2017, moved through a lengthy approvals and design phase before breaking ground in early 2024. Construction was completed in about 28 months, with the property receiving its occupancy certificate in May 2026 ahead of a phased opening.

Club Med partners with consortium

Chris du Toit, who led the development, described the opening as the result of sustained collaboration across multiple partners and contractors.

“What began as a vision has become a world-class destination, made possible through dedication, passion and collaboration,” he said at the launch. “It has been an honour to lead this journey.”

The project was developed by Club Med in partnership with the Collins Residential Consortium and supported by South African financial institutions, including Absa, African Bank, and the Industrial Development Corporation. It carries a total investment value of about R2.1 billion ($129.4 million).

After a brief soft-opening period and staff training phase, the resort officially welcomed its first full wave of guests on 4 July 2026.

A Dual Destination: Coast and Safari

The development is positioned as a dual-experience offering, combining a beachfront resort with a safari lodge located in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The beach resort features 411 rooms, including superior rooms, deluxe accommodations, and suites within Club Med’s premium collection. Guests are offered an all-inclusive package that covers accommodation, dining, and beverages, alongside curated leisure activities.

Facilities include a wide range of sports and recreation options, from sailing, surfing, diving, and snorkelling to racket sports and a dedicated surf school. The property also includes a children’s club with supervised activities and trained staff.

What sets the South African resort apart within Club Med’s global portfolio is its connection to a bush experience at the Vikela Safari Lodge, located within the private Mpilo Game Reserve. The reserve spans more than 18,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five.

The safari lodge sits on elevated terrain with wide views of surrounding mountains and the Mkuze River basin. It features 75 premium tented suites and is designed to accommodate about 225 guests per night, maintaining a limited-capacity model intended to preserve privacy and space.

Guests can reach the lodge by a short flight or road transfer from the coastal resort, allowing for a single itinerary that blends ocean and wildlife tourism.

Built over seven years of planning

The broader project required a seven-year planning and regulatory process before construction began. Developers say the timeline reflected the complexity of combining hospitality infrastructure, environmental requirements, and large-scale financing.

Founded in France in 1950, Club Med pioneered the all-inclusive resort model and today operates premium holiday destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. Its South African development expands the company’s footprint on the continent while introducing a tourism model that brings together beach, adventure and safari experiences in one destination.