Club Med’s all-inclusive model, where meals, drinks and activities are part of the package, may actually make it more accessible than many expect.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (29 September 2025) – South Africa is buzzing with excitement as Club Med prepares to open its first-ever resorts in our country in July 2026. The dual-destination concept, a seaside escape on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast paired with a safari adventure in Zululand, is unlike anything the country has seen before. It’s bold, it’s beautiful and it’s already making waves by creating over 1,700 jobs and reducing crime in the local area by 60%.
But alongside the celebrations, an important question has surfaced: will South Africans actually be able to afford to stay there?
Luxury travel anywhere in the world comes at a price and Club Med is no different. We asked the Club Med team what the rates looked like for this new resort. We tried to get an idea for a weekend getaway, or a whole week’s stay, so we worked on a 3-night stay and a 7-night stay for both single and shared accommodations. And this is what they had to say.
3-night stays (excluding flights and transfers):
- From R4,791 per person per night (single rate)
- From R4,365 per person per night (sharing/double occupancy)
7-night stays (excluding flights and transfers):
- From R4,730 per person per night (single rate)
- From R4,304 per person per night (sharing)
But they are running a pre-opening special. So, book now for 2026 and get a lekker little discount.
October special for 3 nights (excluding flights and transfers):
- From R4,088 per person per night (single rate)
- From R3,726 per person per night (sharing)
October special 7 nights (excluding flights and transfers):
- From R4,027 per person per night (single rate)
- From R3,665 per person per night (sharing)
At first glance, these numbers may feel steep. And for many South African households, they are. Luxury travel, whether coastal or safari, remains aspirational.
But how does it compare to other luxury resorts in South Africa?
Well, here’s where perspective helps. South Africa’s most sought-after safari lodges often start from R4,000 to R12,000 per person per night, with some of the ultra-luxury escapes topping R20,000+ per night. Even well-known coastal resorts can average R2,000 to R12,000 per person per night, and that’s usually before adding meals, drinks and activities. By comparison, Club Med’s pricing is in line, or lower than many of these options, and crucially, it follows an all-inclusive model. This means accommodation, meals, drinks, entertainment, and most activities are already bundled into the price, eliminating the hidden extras that can make luxury holidays spiral out of control.
Another side to the new resort is conferencing. Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari has built a 450-person conference centre, which will give many South African corporates a new spot to host big events. And at a corporate all-inclusive rate, a conference at Club Med might sound like a great idea.
We know it’s still expensive for some. And not every South African will be able to book a stay here. That is a reality. But affordability isn’t the only measure of impact. What Club Med Beach & Safari brings to the table is much bigger.
Job creation: Over 1,700 jobs already created, with hundreds more permanent positions to follow.
Community upliftment: Crime in the area has dropped by 60% thanks to employment opportunities.
Tourism growth: KwaZulu-Natal is being positioned as a new international hotspot, drawing visitors who will also support local businesses, tour operators and artisans.
Sustainability: From eco-conscious construction to anti-poaching patrols, the project is building with a long-term vision of preserving the environment.
While the resorts will certainly attract international tourists (and rightly so… this is the kind of holiday overseas travellers dream about), South Africans shouldn’t rule themselves out. For honeymoons, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or family getaways where budgeting upfront matters, Club Med’s all-inclusive model might make it easier to plan for luxury without the constant add-ons.
And with the “October Special” bringing prices closer to R3,700 per person per night, it’s not entirely out of reach compared with many of the resorts already operating in South Africa.
We believe Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari is a good things story! It’s a lekker resort but it’s also a statement that our country is ready to welcome the world, showcase its beauty and uplift communities in the process. Yes, affordability is a fair concern and luxury travel will always have limits on who can access it. But for South Africa, the benefits stretch far beyond the guest list. Jobs, growth, global attention, and community pride are already part of the story… and those wins belong to all of us.
by 