A Beach. A Bush. A Future. Club Med’s R2 Billion Resort Is Transforming KwaZulu-Natal

What started as a luxury holiday project on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most exciting development stories, blending big travel ambitions with real community upliftment.

The new Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari Resort, currently under construction near Tinley Manor just north of Ballito, is not just about sundowners and splash pools. With an R2 billion investment, the resort promises a five-star experience for international travellers, and a serious pipeline of training, jobs, and long-term career opportunities for local residents.

Holidays Built With Heart

When the resort opens its doors in July 2026, it’s expected to welcome over 1,000 guests on day one. But what makes this project particularly unique is how much is already happening behind the scenes. More than 1,400 construction workers, many from nearby communities, are currently on-site.

Once fully operational, the resort will support 800+ direct jobs and generate another 1,500 indirect ones across hospitality, maintenance, tourism, and supplier networks.

To ensure these jobs benefit locals, Club Med has partnered with the NukaKamma Hospitality School, a top-tier training centre based in Addo, Eastern Cape. Already, 110 young South Africans are deep into their apprenticeships, learning world-class hospitality skills they’ll bring home to Tinley Manor and beyond.

“This isn’t just theory in a classroom,” says NukaKamma’s Gilles Blanc. “They’re gaining real service experience, especially in food and beverage, and the talent we’ve uncovered is incredible.”

Training is intense: six months of hands-on learning followed by eight months working in real hotels and restaurants. Once qualified, these trainees will be offered permanent roles at the new resort and potentially even internationally across the Club Med group.

Local Talent, Global Standards

Club Med has pulled in global expertise to support the programme. Michelin-starred Chef Pascal Favre d’Anne is mentoring the culinary development, ensuring that not only guests but also young professionals are served the best possible start.

“The goal is to build a South African hospitality workforce that meets, or beats, global standards,” says Club Med Southern Africa’s MD, Olivier Perillat-Piratoine.

Importantly, the training model was designed for sustainability. Trainees pay a R2,000 enrolment fee (a stretch for many), but the programme itself is fully funded by Club Med and other corporate sponsors. Candidates are recruited through local NGOs like Africa Ignite in Durban, prioritising motivated individuals from disadvantaged communities.

What Guests Can Expect

The beach resort is nearing its halfway mark in construction. Key infrastructure, roads, pipelines, electricity, and accommodation blocks, is already in place. Painting and interior fit-outs are now under way.

Facilities will include:

• A Convention Centre

• Family pool, Kids Club, and Beach Club

• Full sports facilities

• Staff housing for 200 team members

Guests can expect the signature Club Med all-inclusive experience: high-end accommodation, open bars, curated meals, and a full menu of beach, water, and land-based activities at a single price.

The Safari Twist: Mpilo Lodge

But this is not just about the beach. In a bold “dual-destination” move, Club Med is also building a Big Five safari experience just a short charter flight away.

Enter Mpilo Safari Lodge, located on a pristine 18,000-hectare reserve near Pongola. Currently under construction, it’s being designed for nature lovers who also want comfort. The lodge overlooks the Mkuze River, with 75 luxury tented rooms, 55 of them family-friendly and 20 designed for adults only.

Expect earthy elegance: neutral tones, local design, privacy, and purpose. With a strict cap of 225 guests per night, the focus is on intimacy and environmental preservation.

Why It Matters

The Club Med project began as a joint vision between the global travel brand and Collins Residential Consortium, dating back to 2018. What sets it apart is its long-term approach. It’s not just about creating luxury; it’s about creating legacy.

This isn’t a parachute-in, fly-out development. It’s a model for how large-scale tourism can coexist with skills development, sustainability, and real transformation on the ground.

On social media, early reactions have been enthusiastic. Posts like “Finally, an international resort that includes local communities!” and “Can’t wait to book both beach and bush!” show that South Africans are watching and rooting for it to succeed.

Bookings Open Soon

Travellers can start making bookings from September 2025. With its twin offerings, ocean serenity and safari soul, the Club Med South Africa Resort is shaping up to be more than just a vacation. It’s a vision of what thoughtful tourism can look like in 2026.

Also read: Durban’s Pride Gets a Glow-Up: Inside the R240 Million Moses Mabhida Stadium Upgrade

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Source: Business Tech

Featured Image: Daily Investor