I spent three nights at Club Med South Africa juggling work, seafood, bubbles and a little bit of holiday magic. Here’s what the new resort is like.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (30 September 2026) – Brent Lindeque, the Founder of Good Things Guy, has written extensively about his travels to various Club Med destinations, including the build-up to South Africa’s very own all-inclusive resort. And yet, when the time came for the official launch and inauguration, his schedule prevented him from joining… That was good news for me!
This here Editor (hello, I am Tyler Leigh Vivier, if we are only just meeting) was sent in Brent’s place… For three nights… at an all-inclusive resort.
I wanted to share my experience and thoughts on the trip. We were supplied with all the stats, the numbers and the eco-ratings, but I figured you would want the meat of the story up front. So here it is.
Before I left, I was sent an itinerary that shared all the evening events we would experience; these nights are themed, and you are encouraged to dress up. I was in for the iconic White Night, the new Africa night and a good old Elegant night. So I made sure to pack accordingly.
Day 1, Night 1 – White Night
I landed at King Shaka International to the dreariest, rainiest weather and thought that my beach holiday was ruined. It wasn’t; the sun came out as we drove the 30 minutes from the airport to the resort. The weather for the trip was predicted to be rainy and boring, but I will get to that a little bit later.
Arriving at the resort, we were greeted by a group of marimba players, filling the air with the sweet sounds of well-loved local songs. Our bags were unloaded for us, and we were ushered indoors to some of the most exquisite coastal views you can imagine.
After a refreshing drink, I got my room key (which was a beautiful beaded bracelet) and set off to see where I would live over the next 4 days. I was in room 5009, so that meant a bit of a hike up to the top of the resort. It also meant a higher vantage point for spotting whales and dolphins, and the chance for a real joie de vivre moment. Plus, it helped because I overate at literally every meal.
Once settled in, emails answered and bags delivered to my door, I started getting ready for White Night. Appetisers were served in the Injabulo Bar from 7 pm, but I wandered down earlier. The bar was already full of people enjoying cocktails and snacks.
I was introduced to a Cape Spritz cocktail that was delightful and paid homage to our locally sourced bubbles. I then moved on to drinking bubbles, lots and lots of bubbles. It was on this first night that I would learn the dangers to one’s morning routine when all-inclusive comes to play.
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Cape Town's Pink Lady Ranks in 50 Best Hotels for 2026!Bubbles aside, the food already had me excited, and we had not even ventured into the garden where White Night is hosted. After a little socialisation, dinner was called, and we were wowed by performers and trapeze artists falling from the sky as we headed into the garden.
We wove our way through different food and drink stands. Towering piles of crayfish, prawns, scallops, and fish lined the way. Surrounded by mountains of lamb ribs, fillet steaks, sauces and the best sides. You could dip into pots of local curry, soups and stews. The fully loaded dessert table sat next to oozing cheeses, wholesome crackers, and jars filled with deliciously infused honey. All you had to do was grab your plate and dish up your heart’s desire.
After the most wholesome show of staff support, honouring all the men and women who put the show on, cooked and served the meals and gave us a night I won’t forget, the dinner ended, and the party began.
We were ushered up to the Dune Beach Bar where musicians sang all night, lots of synchronised dancing (known as Crazy Signs) took place, and the bubbles overflowed. I must let you know, there is a great number of drink options; I just decided to stick with bubbles so that I could avoid a sore head.
All in all, day 1 was the best introduction to an all-inclusive stay. I have been nagging my beloved partner to look at the options overseas for a while now, so having this right on our doorstep, no visa required (just double-check that if you are travelling from outside South Africa) feels like an absolute win!
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Day 2, Night 2 – Africa Night
I woke up at around 5 am to the sound of the waves crashing in the distance and the sky slowly lightening. I had to remind myself that in Durban, the sun rises over the ocean (this Capetonian gal grew up with it the other way around). I brewed myself a tea and just sat on my patio, revelling in the beauty of the morning and cursing my very sore head. I wish I had walked down to the beach to see the sun rise up close and personal. Next time!
I joined the hustle and bustle of breakfast at the Oceana Restaurant, once again in awe of the food on offer. I think you are starting to understand that food plays a big role in what impresses me about any stay. I loaded up on a warm breakfast, followed by fruit and cereal and got ready for a day of touring the entire resort.
Once all the media were ready, we set off on a proper snoop of all the spaces. From the more premium family suites that overlook the beach, to the adults-only swimming and relaxation area, the gym and all the kids’ spaces. What I gathered is that Club Med is family-forward, but if you don’t have children, you can still have an incredible, undisturbed holiday.
There are also a whole bunch of activities to enjoy, including South Africa’s new favourite sport, Padel, tennis, Pickleball, archery, trapeze, the first-ever Club Med surf school and so, so much more. The only activities not included in the all-inclusive are any spa treatments and any off-resort excursions.
After the tour, we were left to our own devices to enjoy the resort. In my case, work needed doing, so I set off for the coffee shop and had some serious time to focus on my work for the day. During this time, the sun slipped away, making way for rain that stuck with us for the rest of the trip.
Getting ready for Africa night was a breeze; the interpretation for the evening’s dinner was anything from safari chic to celebrating one’s heritage with traditional wear. Thankfully, the supplied umbrella went well with my leopard print outfit, because the skies opened up just as dinner started.
Dinner this time was hosted in the Oceana Restaurant. It was at this point that I decided I would only be eating seafood for the entire trip. Being a Gauteng resident, I have always believed the best seafood you can get is when you are by the sea.
Oysters, they had piles and piles of oysters, of prawns, of langoustines. A woman was grilling fish with such delicacy that it practically melted on my fork. I may have stuck to the seafood, but there was a whole host of cuisines, from pizza and pasta to the grilled foods, veggies to make your mouth water and a salad bar I dipped into a few times because the olives were so good.
But let me tell you about the most decadent part of this night, my joie de vivre moment. They had the most delightful gelato stand, serving a selection of local flavours for everyone to enjoy. I grabbed my umbrella, a sugar cone stuffed with delicious mango sorbet, and walked slowly back up to my room in the rain, enjoying my ice cream. I felt free, like I really was on a holiday.
In my joy to get back to my comfortable bed, I did happen to miss DJ Fresh playing at the Injabulo Bar. My evening walk with my sorbet sweet treat took the sting out of missing the party, though, and the next day, my head was happy for it.
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Day 3, Night 3 – Elegance Night
Day 3 was the reason we were all there, the official inauguration. After yet another fulfilling breakfast and spotting a large pod of dolphins (highlight!!!), we ventured downstairs to witness the cutting of the ribbon. It was during the event, MC’d by the stunning Jo-Anne Strauss, that the South African government, business partners and Club Med officials all took their chance to explain just how important this resort is, showcasing all the hard work that went into getting to the opening and thanking everyone involved.
The investment made into the KwaZulu-Natal beachfront resort has been one of the largest in South African history, coming in second of all time. With R2.5 billion helping to build the resort and the bush lodge, the investment has meant employment for so many South Africans.
As you walk around the resort, you can feel the pride of having a job at Club Med. For many, it’s their very first job. Employee development is a big thing at the resort, and opportunities for growth are international. This means the world opens up to those who are eager to pursue it.
I think my favourite part is that employing locals isn’t just helping one family; it’s feeding entire communities. The teams source local foods, promote South African flavours, and introduce international travellers to a South Africa they are falling in love with. South Africans are filling entertainment roles, service roles and keeping holidaymakers safe through lifesaving placements, whether at the beach, the pools or the dam.
And then there is the support of the arts. From the local decor sourced to give the resort an authentic African feel, to the talented choir that sang for us, the local orchestra that performed on night 3 and the dancers. Every show was filled with local talent.
The coffee shop quickly became my refuge from the rain and the busyness of the resort. I spent another afternoon getting some work done in this space. It was a comfort to have access to it.
For dinner we did something a little more intimate. We ventured to Nguni, the second restaurant at the resort. This space is smaller; you book a table, order off a menu, and the focus is more braai-style… So naturally I had the prawns.
Because it was our final night, I indulged in a few more glasses of bubbles and hit the afterparty for a bit of fun. It was very vibey once again. There was live music; everyone was dancing and singing along. It felt like a really great note to end on.
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Day 4 – Final Goodbyes
We were due to head back to the airport at 10 am, giving us all the chance to indulge in a buffet breakfast one last time. As I sipped my indigenous tea blend, I contemplated the whole experience. I was able to enjoy all the best parts of the resort that served my interests. I ate, I walked, I took in the views of the natural space around me. Was I sad that I didn’t hit the gym or take a yoga class? Nope. Was I sad that I didn’t go to all the parties? Also nope. I was a little sad that I didn’t get second helpings of the delicious things.
I spent my time well, doing all the things I loved in my free time and working in one of the most beautiful spaces along the KZN coastline.
Your trip will look a little different to mine. You can go morning to night, enjoying every amenity, every meal and as many glasses of bubbles as you like. I definitely hope to go back again without my laptop. So yes, Club Med ticked off a bucket list travel item for me. Now to go back again and do it for pleasure, and not business.
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