Cover From innovative wellness programs to eco-friendly resorts, Club Med has set a standard for seamless and worry-free travel experiences
From innovative wellness programs to eco-friendly resorts, Club Med has set a standard for seamless and worry-free travel experiences
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With an emphasis on emotional value, cultural immersion and sustainable design, Club Med is reimagining the concept of all-inclusive travel
The definition of luxury travel is no longer confined to five-star dining or butler-on-call indulgence. Today’s travellers are increasingly drawn to something more elusive yet profoundly valuable: uninterrupted time with loved ones. This has led to a growing demand for seamless, stress-free travel experiences, one that prioritises ease and connection.
Enter Club Med, the original pioneer of the all-inclusive resort that has been redefining what all-inclusive can look and feel like for a new generation of travellers.
According to Club Med’s deputy chief executive officer Gregory Lanter, time is what Club Med offers, highlighting the brand’s dedication to creating opportunities for meaningful connections and shared experiences.
Club Med’s all-inclusive approach allows guests to immerse themselves in the moment without worrying about logistics or hidden costs. Over the years, the brand has evolved this concept beyond meals and lodging, encompassing everything from wellness programs to unique local experiences.
Read more: Review: Summer revelry at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido, an all-inclusive family-friendly resort
Above Club Med's CEO, ESAP, Rachael Harding (Photo: Club Med)
Above Club Med's deputy CEO Gregory Lanter (Photo: Club Med)
Club Med's CEO, ESAP, Rachael Harding (Photo: Club Med)
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Having been in the industry for 20 years, Lanter has observed an industry shift towards all-inclusive travel, driven by changing consumer expectations for seamless, hassle-free vacations. He emphasises that Club Med doesn’t do all-inclusive travel as a mere trend. “For Club Med, all-inclusive is the way we live, breathe and operate … our focus is on creating emotions within the guests. I believe that’s where we reshape things,” he says.
He explains how other hospitality players adopt all-inclusive models as an end in itself. While many in the industry solely focus on the ‘all-inclusive’ tag, Club Med focuses on creating emotions and memories for its guests instead.
Above Lanter explains how perceptions of all-inclusive travel have shifted over the past 20 years (Photo: Facebook / Club Med)
Lanter explains how perceptions of all-inclusive travel have shifted over the past 20 years (Photo: Facebook / Club Med)
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Reflecting on the evolution of all-inclusive travel, Lanter explains how perceptions have shifted over the past few years. Back then, all-inclusive was known as being “just a good bargain”. But over the years, Club Med has transformed this image by focusing on the needs of each guest, from the parents to the kids, while also offering a seamless experience that allows travellers to fully enjoy their holiday.
“All-inclusive can be an extremely upscale experience. The best example is properties we have in Hokkaido, where we are welcoming the most affluent families in Asia,” he says, adding that many families choose to return, having discovered how the all-inclusive experience caters to everyone’s needs.
Above This year, Club Med celebrates its 75th anniversary (Photo: Facebook / Club Med)
This year, Club Med celebrates its 75th anniversary (Photo: Facebook / Club Med)
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Another misconception of all-inclusive properties is that travellers miss out on experiencing the destination. Club Med’s CEO, ESAP, Rachael Harding shares: “[On the contrary], we make sure that we bring in a lot of touch points that allow you to have a deep, immersive connection with local culture, whether it be through food, activities or people.”
Beyond immersing guests in local experiences, the brand also committed to supporting the communities it operates in. Lanter explains that sustainability has always been part of the brand’s DNA, with a strong focus on prioritising local people and safeguarding the natural environment surrounding its resorts.
Above Following the recent reopening of Club Med Phuket, Lanter hints at a series of properties in Southeast Asia that fully epitomise the brand’s vision of upscale family travel (Photo: Facebook / Club Med)
Following the recent reopening of Club Med Phuket, Lanter hints at a series of properties in Southeast Asia that fully epitomise the brand’s vision of upscale family travel (Photo: Facebook / Club Med)
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This year, Club Med celebrates its 75th anniversary, a significant milestone for the all-inclusive travel brand. Looking ahead, Lanter is optimistic about the brand’s upcoming projects. “We are at a pivotal moment for this region because we are starting a major transformation,” he says. “I believe that the biggest differentiation element of Club Med is our capability to offer a perfect product for families. But we are not going to stop there.”
Following the recent reopening of Club Med Phuket, Lanter hints at a series of properties in Southeast Asia that fully epitomise the brand’s vision of upscale family travel. “The first opening that we are aiming at is the Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, which will open in June next year. It will be a natural experience, a full climate resort where there will be an exclusive collection space with only suites and dedicated public facilities. That’s going to be a landmark and a milestone,” he adds.
By focusing on quality time with loved ones and crafting unforgettable memories, Club Med is not only reshaping perceptions of all-inclusive holidays but also setting new standards for the future of family travel.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
