Cover Paradise found
at Club Med Finolhu in the Maldives
Paradise found at Club Med Finolhu in the Maldives
1 / 1
Club Med has been redefining the holiday experience for three-quarters of a century: this is how
He might not have known it at the time, but in 1950, former Olympic water polo player Gérard Blitz was about to disrupt the world of luxury hospitality as people knew it. He did so by launching Club Med, a brand that has shaken up everything about the world of travel, pioneering the idea of the all-inclusive holiday and creating uniquely stylish environments for travellers to relax, explore and be the best versions of themselves.
Blitz founded Club Med as an escape from the years of austerity following the Second World War. He created a utopia of canvas tents on the beautiful sands of Alcudia in Majorca, Spain, attracting 2,400 people to enjoy the sun, sea, sand, a range of activities from waterskiing to diving, as well as communal meals eaten using army surplus tableware amid an atmosphere of fun, informality and self-discovery.
That first Club Med camp was very different from the luxury resorts of today. But over the brand’s 75 years, while its evolution has been a profound one, upgrading everything about its offer and changing up the nature of travel, it has been sure to retain the same spirit that fired Blitz back in 1950: one of leaving behind the cares of everyday life, meeting like-minded people and enjoying some of the world’s most spectacular locations, relaxing in the knowledge that everything from accommodation to meals to activities to entertainment is included in the price.
See also: Review: Inside Club Med Lijiang, a quaint sanctuary made for slow travel enthusiasts
Above Club Med Val D’isere is a jewel in the French alps
Club Med Val D’isere is a jewel in the French alps
1 / 1
The principal change in recent years has been a move upscale. From their initial rustic simplicity, Club Med resorts have continuously evolved to emphasise increasing comfort and quality. This vision was fully realised in 2025, with all of its properties now falling under its Premium and Exclusive Collection ranges—the result of a years-long process that involved opening new resorts, renovating others and closing still others.
“Over the decades, as the travel industry diversified and consumer expectations grew, our brand’s philosophy adapted significantly,” says Rachael Harding, Club Med’s CEO of East, South Asia and Pacific. “This shift maintains the all-inclusive ethos but infuses it with gourmet dining, enhanced wellness facilities, sophisticated design and curated experiences that resonate with a more affluent and experience-seeking clientele. This isn't about creating stuffy, formal environments; it’s about elevating comfort and choice while maintaining the relaxed, carefree atmosphere that uniquely defines a Club Med holiday.
“In the last 20 years, we have consistently evolved the Club Med experience to remain relevant to modern travellers and their expectations. Guests are often surprised by the quality of design, culinary innovation and personalisation they experience. Our 75-year journey reveals that we have masterfully refined our offering while retaining the foundational elements of freedom, epicureanism, nature and social connection.”
Above Activities for children and families are plentiful at Club Med properties around the world
Activities for children and families are plentiful at Club Med properties around the world
1 / 1
Along the way, Club Med has consistently blazed a trail. Most famously, it pioneered the concept of the all-inclusive holiday, providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are no hidden charges—a boon during the financially straitened post-war era that has today become a guarantee of quality and diversity of experience. The allure of Club Med's all-inclusive concept soon stretched beyond its collection of beach resorts on Europe's sunny shores, transforming the very notion of a holiday with the opening of the first winter resort atop the Swiss Alps in Leysin. That was in 1957. Today, its mountain footprint has expanded dramatically, encompassing coveted destinations throughout Europe, Canada, China, and Japan.
For those little extras, such as drinks, Club Med introduced cashless payment as early as 1957—originally using beaded necklaces. Club Med was also among the first to introduce wearable digital room keys in the form of bracelets, which also functioned as a seamless way for charges to be allocated during one’s stay. In 2012, Club Med introduced an app to make bookings across its resorts—from restaurant reservations to spa treatments and activities.
And, with the introduction of the Mini Club in 1967, Club Med single-handedly invented the idea of the holiday kids’ club, and remains a uniquely family-friendly proposition to this day.
“Our history of innovation isn’t just a collection of past achievements; it’s ingrained in our DNA and constantly propels us forward,” says Harding. “Our pioneering spirit means we are never satisfied with the status quo. We are always asking: ‘How can we make this experience even more enjoyable, more freeing, more enriching?’ This relentless pursuit of happiness and innovation continues to be the driving force behind Club Med’s global success.”
That extends to new experiences including lifestyle and sporting activities, from trapeze to padel and pickleball, alongside bespoke experiences such as sessions with professional athletes, culinary and cultural exchanges, and Club Med Live artistes. It also takes in a commitment to sustainability, with all of Club Med’s Asian resorts receiving Green Globe sustainable tourism certification.
Today, Club Med’s ethos is wrapped up in what it refers to as “l’Esprit libre”—the spirit of freedom.
“To me, the Club Med spirit celebrates shared happiness through immersive experiences, authentic connections and carefree exploration in beautiful locations, all marked by a subtle sense of quality and vibrant, positive energy,” says Harding. “Club Med’s 75th anniversary is a powerful moment to honour our rich brand legacy while setting an audacious vision for the future: to position Club Med as one of the most iconic global lifestyle brands, synonymous with joyful, enriching and seamlessly personalised travel that redefines modern luxury.”
NOW READ
Review: Inside Club Med Kiroro Grand, a new all-inclusive family-friendly resort
Review: Inside Club Med Lijiang, a quaint sanctuary made for slow travel enthusiasts
Hotel Marcel, a net-zero hotel in the US blending heritage and sustainability
The high life: 10 mountain escapes for non-beach lovers
