Maegan-Leigh JacobsNestled along the pristine coastline of the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Club Med South Africa is set to redefine all-inclusive holidays with a design philosophy that harmoniously blends with its beautiful natural setting. Launching in October, the new Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will offer travellers a dual experience.
This experience is set to be a seaside stay on the Dolphin Coast combined with a luxury safari adventure at Mpilo Safari Lodge in Zululand, and the full resort is expected to open its doors in mid-2026.
The Resort is being carefully crafted to provide an unparalleled experience of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion while maintaining a deep respect for the environment.
A Fusion of heritage and culture
Designed by South African firms Craft of Architecture and Mobius, in collaboration with French-based Studio Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet, the project integrates both local and global expertise and seamlessly combines South Africa’s rich heritage and landscape. Taking inspiration from the vibrant art and traditions of the Zulu people and the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the north coast, it celebrates the region through partnerships with artisans and cultural historians.
At the heart of it all is the incorporation of traditional Zulu culture, reinterpreted with a modern twist. The bold, geometric patterns found in the beadwork and basket weaving are reflected in the facades, while the bright fabrics and crafts influence the interior palettes. Public spaces, such as the lobby and bars, showcase locally crafted art pieces and textiles, creating an immersive experience that combines Zulu heritage with a contemporary global aesthetic.
Key to the look and feel are elements that celebrate the tropical and coastal lifestyle of the north coast. The Resort embraces the lively beach lifestyle of KwaZulu-Natal with open-air lounge spaces, breezy terraces, and decor inspired by the rhythms of the ocean. The architecture invites guests to indulge in the relaxed coastal surf vibe, whether it’s through early morning paddle-outs, sunset beach bonfires, or shaded cabanas reminiscent of Durban’s golden beaches. From sunrise surf sessions (a first for Club Med) to tranquil estuary walks, every aspect of Club Med South Africa is a tribute to the tropical beauty and laid-back coastal charm.
Architectural elegance and organic flow
In this project, the guest experience is prioritised over mere aesthetics. Buildings are positioned to maximise views and vantage points, ensuring breathtaking scenes of the ocean and rolling hills. The organic layout mimics the contours of the surroundings, allowing the landscape to dictate the placement of structures. The orientation and layout of the buildings take full advantage of natural ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency, guest comfort and optimising lighting. Lighting throughout is carefully adapted based on the positioning of buildings to respect the surroundings.
Additionally, it incorporates acoustic prevention measures to ensure a serene environment and thermal comfort through insulation, optimising indoor temperatures for an enhanced guest experience. Victoria Wood from Mobius highlights the vision behind the architectural approach, stating, “The vision is to create a blend with nature, offering guests a comfortable retreat amidst the stunning Dolphin Coast. Each space is designed to evoke a sense of relaxation, with wide openings that provide panoramic views of the ocean.”
Key highlights include:
- The Beach club: A vibrant hub for water sports, surfing, and beachfront relaxation.
- The Resort centre: A lively gathering space with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
- Kids’ clubs: Supervised interactive childcare facilities for kids from 4 months to 17 years old.
- Exclusive collection of villa-suites, deluxe and superior accommodation: Offering premium and tranquil retreats for guests.
- Conference facilities: A 500-capacity convention centre with 9 meeting rooms catering to corporate events and retreats.
Supplied
Premium comfort meets authenticity
The accommodations are designed with the utmost attention to detail, blending comfort with authenticity. The Resort will feature a range of room types, including 295 superior rooms (30 – 40m²), 50 deluxe rooms (36m²), and over 60 Exclusive Collection Space suites (70 – 90m²), many of which have sea-facing views and offering maximum comfort while embracing the area’s aesthetics. The rooms will assimilate materials such as stone flooring and handwoven textiles, providing a sanctuary that is both contemporary and deeply connected to its African roots. Natural light floods the rooms, thanks to large windows and sliding glass doors that lead to private terraces or balconies, allowing guests to experience the beauty of the landscape from the comfort of their accommodations.
In Harmony with nature
The 32-hectare site, formerly a sugarcane plantation, is bordered by diverse and sensitive ecosystems, including dune forests, wetlands, and estuarine habitats. Sustainability has always been part of Club Med’s DNA, and as part of this new project, the architectural approach embraces these natural elements, incorporating indigenous vegetation and ensuring minimal disruption to the landscape. This initiative falls under the Happy to Care strategic pillar, reinforcing Club Med’s dedication to responsible tourism. With sustainability at its core, Club Med South Africa aims to achieve international environmental accreditation, including a Green Star 4 rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa. This commitment is evident in the use of (amongst other things):
- Floating, tree-like roofs that provide natural shade and ventilation.
- Locally sourced natural stone cladding that integrates with the landscape.
- Sustainable composite timber components that offer durability without harming the environment.
- Vertical screens inspired by traditional weaving techniques, adding a cultural touch to the modern look.
- Photovoltaic roofs at the car park, reducing its environmental footprint while embracing sustainability.
Celebrating nature through sustainable design
Club Med South Africa integrates sustainability into its architecture and landscaping, ensuring harmony with KwaZulu-Natal’s natural beauty. Outdoor spaces emphasise the preservation of native ecosystems, with lush gardens featuring indigenous fauna and flora and pathways lined with indigenous grasses and shrubs. Several masterful trees have been preserved, and protected natural areas remain untouched to maintain biodiversity. Sustainability extends beyond the landscaping to every aspect of the Resort. The buildings integrate energy-efficient technologies, passive climate control, and eco-friendly materials to minimise environmental impact. Solar panels contribute to renewable energy solutions, while water-saving systems help reduce consumption.
The commitment to eco-conscious living is also reflected in guest experiences, with conservation workshops, sustainability tours, and opportunities to participate in community-based projects that support biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives include ongoing studies into supply partnerships, such as potential collaborations with AgriSud for food and beverage sourcing, as well as excursion partnerships that offer visits to local communities. Additionally, leisure partnerships are being explored to support local crafts and cultural performances.
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Image: Supplied
