South Africa is about to welcome its first-ever Club Med. And it’s not just a holiday destination, it’s a bold celebration of culture, community and coastal magic that’s set to transform tourism forever.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (11 April 2025) – The Good Things Guy team has just had a sneak peek at something that’s going to change the local travel game forever… and we’re very excited.
Nestled along the unspoilt coastline of KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, Club Med Tinley is shaping up to be one of the most exciting hospitality developments our country has seen in decades. Scheduled to open in July 2026, this isn’t just a resort, it’s a bold celebration of South African culture, a game-changer for tourism and a massive boost for the economy.
And honestly? It’s giving us all the holiday feels already.
Club Med Tinley is set to be the largest hospitality development in South Africa in over thirty years and it’s bringing a wave of opportunity with it. The resort is expected to create over 800 direct jobs, 1,500 indirect jobs, and employ 1,200 local construction workers during its build. That’s not just progress; it’s empowerment. Families will be uplifted, local businesses supported, and the tourism sector revitalised.
“Club Med Tinley represents a great step forward in the hospitality industry, serving as one of the larger hospitality projects in South Africa,” the team shared.
Designed With Heart and Soul
More than just a luxury destination, Club Med Tinley is being designed to reflect the soul of South Africa. The collaboration between South African firms Craft of Architecture and Mobius, alongside French design studio Studio Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet, is producing something truly unique.
Zulu artistry and traditions are seamlessly woven into every corner from bold beadwork patterns on the façades to colourful, handwoven textiles in the interiors. Even the public spaces have been curated with local art and craftsmanship, offering guests a deep, immersive experience that honours heritage while embracing a global standard.
And then there’s the beach culture. Think: surf at sunrise, bonfires at sunset, wide-open terraces and coastal calm. It’s Durban meets design chic, and it’s stunning.
The 32-hectare site was once a sugarcane plantation, now being thoughtfully transformed into a sanctuary that celebrates nature, not replaces it. Flanked by estuaries, wetlands and dune forests, the entire project is being developed with sustainability front and centre.
Floating roofs for natural airflow, solar panels, water-saving systems, and indigenous landscaping are just a few of the eco-conscious features. In fact, the resort is gunning for a Green Star 4 rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa… a bold move that proves luxury and sustainability can absolutely go hand in hand.
It’s Not Just a Resort. It’s a Movement.
Club Med Tinley is also deeply invested in its people. Through partnerships with the Nukakamma School, over 110 young South Africans from Ballito townships are already being trained in hospitality, with many gaining experience at other Club Med resorts globally before returning home to run their own.
By the time the resort opens, at least 220 locals will be fully trained and employed. This is a real, lasting impact for the community. And the construction phase alone is already changing lives, with over 1,200 workers sourced mostly from within 10km of the site.
Whether you’re a family looking for all-inclusive fun, a couple chasing sunsets and spa days, or a solo traveller wanting beach-to-bush bliss — Club Med Tinley will have it all:
- A vibrant Beach Club for water lovers.
- A buzzing Resort Centre with bars, restaurants and live entertainment.
- Kids Clubs for every age (yes, even toddlers).
- Over 400 rooms including luxurious Exclusive Collection Suites.
- A 500-person convention centre for events, retreats and conferences.
- A commitment to community tourism and eco-friendly living.
Why is this a Good Thing? Because it’s more than a resort. It’s a love letter to South Africa. It’s jobs and skills and sustainability. It’s a celebration of Zulu culture and coastal beauty. It’s the kind of tourism we should be proud of… grounded, inclusive and future-facing.
And honestly, we can’t wait for it to open!
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