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Club Med and the origin of all-inclusive holidays.
The story of Club Med began with the dream of Gérard Blitz, a Belgian athlete who loved freedom and wanted to offer moments of complete relaxation after World War II. The idea of a "holiday village" where guests could enjoy sports, dining, entertainment, and childcare all in one package without worrying about extra costs was born. Club Med pioneered the concept of "all-inclusive" vacations, turning it from a dream into reality and spreading it worldwide.
Club Med designs resorts like villages, where guests can enjoy a complete vacation with full amenities and diverse experiences.
For decades, this philosophy has remained at the heart of the brand. At each resort, guests can enjoy kayaking, skiing, golfing, participating in sports classes, yoga, evening dancing, or watching art performances, all without paying any extra fees.
At Club Med, what makes a vacation memorable isn't just the blue sea, golden sunshine, or luxurious amenities. It's the friendly, approachable, and energetic nature of the people. The GO (Gentils Organisateurs) team, organizers from over 100 countries, are the heart and soul of this atmosphere. They act as a bridge connecting strangers from different cultures, ensuring every activity is vibrant and authentic.
The very presence of GO makes Club Med unlike a typical five-star resort. It's more like a "holiday village" that offers a comfortable, home-like feeling, even if it's their first time there.
While staying at Club Med, guests have experiences that foster connection between people and nature, and between people themselves.
Impressive destinations and premium ecosystems
In the global resort market, Club Med distinguishes itself by selecting locations based on very specific criteria. They don't just choose places with beautiful scenery; they seek out areas with unique topography, pristine nature, and rich potential for exploration.
From the snow-capped slopes of the Alps, the pristine palm forests of Mauritius, the white sandy beaches of the Maldives to the cultural heritage region of Lijiang (China), Club Med resorts are often found in locations that command attention not only for their beauty, but also for the feeling of being in touch with a part of the world that remains unspoiled.
Club Med builds resorts in exceptional locations with beautiful landscapes and great potential.
Following a brand repositioning process, by 2024, the entire Club Med resort system was divided into two main lines: Premium and Exclusive Collection.
The Premium line targets modern travelers who seek comfortable vacations while still valuing connection and community. Here, services ranging from accommodation and dining to sports, childcare, and entertainment are standardized to a high level, suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends who appreciate quality travel.
Conversely, the Exclusive Collection is the choice for those who prioritize privacy, personalization, and refined aesthetics. Resorts in this category are typically located in secluded areas, featuring private villas, private pools, private butlers, and spa and culinary services tailored to each guest's individual needs.
Resorts like Finolhu Villas (Maldives), Cefalù (Italy), or Michès Playa Esmeralda (Dominican Republic) are prime examples of this type of vacation... where each holiday is not just about relaxation, but also about experiencing a new lifestyle.
Club Med not only offers an ideal retreat, but also provides exciting experiences and explorations amidst nature.
Beyond just service, Club Med also invests heavily in technology to enhance the guest experience. Smart booking apps, cashless payment bracelets, and multilingual chatbot systems have become standard at many resorts, ensuring a seamless vacation from start to finish.
The numbers confirm its position and future expansion.
In 2024, Club Med recorded over 1.5 million global visitors, achieving an occupancy rate of 75% and revenue reaching €2.09 billion – an impressive figure for any travel group. Notably, the snow-capped mountain resort segment saw strong growth, accounting for over 35% of total revenue, while emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific experienced 24% growth with over 260,000 visitors. The Vietnamese market also saw a 32% increase last year, reflecting the growing demand for luxury vacations in the region.
After 75 years of development, Club Med is increasingly asserting its position in the international tourism market with impressive achievements.
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Club Med launched a global series of events called “L’Esprit Libre” – The Spirit of Freedom, as a way to remind and reaffirm the brand's original philosophy. Instead of choosing major cities as a destination, Club Med held the event in Lijiang (China) – a region nestled between snow-capped mountains and ancient architecture, representing the harmony between nature and culture.
Andrew Xu, Co-Chairman of Fosun Tourism Group, emphasized that Club Med's success over the past decade stems from its global expansion strategy while maintaining its local identity and promoting digital transformation. He also revealed that in the next two years, Club Med will continue to develop new resorts in Borneo (Malaysia), South Korea, and South Africa, focusing on destinations close to nature, connected to the ecosystem and local culture.
Club Med is organizing a global series of events called “L’Esprit Libre” to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Despite constantly innovating to adapt to the times, Club Med remains true to its spirit of creating a holistic retreat – a place where people are connected to nature. A vacation here is not just a break to rest, but an opportunity to recharge and rediscover inspiration. After 75 years, Club Med is not simply a resort brand, but has become a symbol of a lifestyle for those who appreciate every moment and choose to enjoy life fully and freely.
