Maiden Club Med Resort now launches in South Africa
The first-ever Club Med resort in South Africa is now open in Tinley Manor, just north of Ballito.
The property is one of the most anticipated tourism developments.
The milestone follows the official handover of the resort’s occupation certificate by KwaDukuza Municipality, marking the completion of the multi-billion-rand development and paving the way for guests to check in from July 2026.
The new Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari resort is the first of its kind in the country, combining a luxury beachfront holiday with the option of a Big Five safari experience in Zululand.
A major tourism milestone for KwaZulu Natal
The occupation certificate was officially handed over at a ceremony attended by municipal leaders and project partners, celebrating the completion of the massive 54,000m² development comprising 64 buildings.
KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor Siduduzo Gumede commented: “This is a significant investment for our area, being the first of its kind. Through this development, jobs have been created, and we are confident that tourism in this region will grow meaningfully. This is a project of a high international standard that will help improve the lives of our people.”
Project partners also praised the collaboration between the municipality and developers, saying the resort will boost tourism, investment and long-term employment on the North Coast.
Murray Collins, representing Collins Residential, said: “We’re incredibly excited about what this means not only for KwaZulu-Natal and the North Coast, but for South Africa as a whole; from tourism growth and job creation to truly putting this destination on the global map.
It’s been a long time coming, and we’re proud to see the world represented here on the North Coast.”
South Africa’s first-ever Club Med resort has officially opened in Tinley Manor, bringing all-inclusive beach holidays, safari adventures and luxury accommodation to KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.
Club Med South Africa Beach & SafariSouth Africa’s first-ever Club Med resort has officially opened in Tinley Manor, bringing all-inclusive beach holidays, safari adventures and luxury accommodation to KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.
What can visitors expect at Club Med South Africa?
Located about 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, the resort brings Club Med’s all-inclusive resort experience to South African shores.
Guests can enjoy a total of 345 contemporary Superior and Deluxe rooms, 66 luxury suites in the exclusive Ilanga Collection, Multiple restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine, Surf lessons (a first for any Club Med resort worldwide) and Flying trapeze.
It also features, Padel courts, Snorkelling, sailing and other watersports, Yoga, spa and wellness facilities, Dedicated kids’ clubs from four months old, Family entertainment and activities and Adult-only Zen relaxation areas.
One of its biggest attractions is the optional stay at Mpilo Safari Lodge in Zululand, where guests can extend their holiday with a Big Five safari experience.
Add a Big Five safari to your beach holiday
Club Med South Africa also extends your stay with a luxury safari adventure at the new Mpilo Safari Lodge in Zululand.
Club Med South Africa Beach & SafariClub Med South Africa also extends your stay with a luxury safari adventure at the new Mpilo Safari Lodge in Zululand.
Club Med South Africa also extends your stay with a luxury safari adventure at the new Mpilo Safari Lodge in Zululand.
Located within an 18,000-hectare private Big Five game reserve near Pongola, the lodge is linked to the beach resort through Club Med’s exclusive dual-destination package, with guests travelling between the two via a scheduled 45-minute charter flight.
The safari lodge has been designed to offer an intimate bush experience, featuring just 75 luxury tented suites with panoramic views across the reserve.
Guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards, alongside guided wildlife experiences, outdoor boma dinners under the stars, stargazing decks, community beading workshops and relaxing evenings around private fire pits.
A boost for the local economy
Beyond attracting international visitors, the development is expected to make a major economic impact.
The resort has already supported more than 1,200 construction jobs and is expected to create around 800 permanent jobs and over 1,500 indirect employment opportunities, with many positions filled by people from surrounding communities.
The resort has also been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating solar energy, water-saving systems, reduced single-use plastics and locally sourced produce wherever possible.