Beach meets bush in style

Club Med is setting its sights on South Africa – and bookings are just around the corner. 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.

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Coastal luxury on the Dolphin Coast

Just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and under an hour from Durban, the beachside resort will be spread over 32 hectares of coastal forest, dunes, and white sand beaches. South African firm Craft of Architecture designed the property to blend into its surroundings, with earthy tones, ocean-inspired interiors, and locally sourced décor.

The 411-room resort includes a mix of Superior and Deluxe rooms, while the exclusive Ilanga Collection will offer 66 luxury suites set apart from the main village.

All rooms are built around lush gardens and four distinct pools: a central main pool, a tranquil Zen pool for adults, a splash-friendly family zone, and a private pool exclusive to Ilanga guests.

Dining will be a highlight. Expect global cuisine at Oceana and fine dining at the Nguni Gourmet Club, which spotlights South African seafood and seasonal produce. For drinks and downtime, guests can relax at the all-day Injabulo bar or sip cocktails with an ocean breeze at the Dunes Beach Bar.

Into the wild: Mpilo Safari Lodge

The second half of the experience begins inland. Located on an 18,000-hectare private game reserve, Mpilo Safari Lodge will offer a wilderness escape just a 45-minute flight (or a scenic 4.5-hour drive) from the coast.

Open exclusively to Club Med guests aged four and up, the lodge brings the Big Five right to your doorstep.

Daily game drives led by expert rangers will explore the surrounding bush, with special safaris tailored to families with younger children.The lodge itself will host 75 luxury tents, each offering panoramic views and full comforts, including a family play zone, splash-friendly water features, a restaurant, and a quiet adults’ lounge with a pool.

While not included in Club Med’s standard all-inclusive offering, the safari stay can be added à la carte. A minimum of five nights at the beach resort is required to book this optional bush extension.