An aerial view of Tinley Manor in Ballito, the construction site for Club Med South Africa. Picture: Supplied
The construction of Club Med South Africa on Tinley Manor in Ballito on the north coast of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal is on track for its scheduled opening in July 2026.
Club Med South Africa hosted a celebration marking the advancement in the construction of Club Med’s first all-inclusive resort in South Africa.
Club Med Europe and Africa Resorts CEO, Gino Andreetta, and Club Med South Africa Managing Director, Olivier Perillat-Piratoine shared progress on the architecture and design of the resort in Ballito.
According to Club Med SA, the resort promises to be a unique destination providing a perfect mix of beachside relaxation and safari experiences.
“Bordered by vibrant wildlife reserves, the resort will be an ideal escape for both international and local travellers looking for a blend of tranquillity and adventure,” said Club Med SA.
When it comes to the key milestones in the resort’s construction, Club Med SA revealed that the construction of its hotel section has reached the first floor of the main hotel at Club Med South Africa Beach.
The hotel will consist of 345 rooms.
“The Resort centre, which will have a main pool, main restaurant and bar, welcome area and boutique, is also taking shape and promising to be a vibrant centrepiece for the Resort.
“Progress on the family area which, will include a family pool and kids’ clubs, and the sports area is equally on track, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all guests,” said Club Med SA.
The resort also revealed that platforms have been prepared and piling has begun on the 66 luxury villas, each offering stunning views over the estuary.
Commenting on this, Perillat-Piratoine said he is delighted to share that construction is well on track for the opening in July 2026.
“We look forward to onboarding the market and engaging with our customers on this fantastic venture. We will share more information on the Resort and the future experience our guests can expect as the construction progresses,” said Perillat-Piratoine.
Club Med SA also said that the project exemplifies a perfect partnership between global best practices and local expertise, with the construction being guided by the principles of Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).
“The development is on track to achieve a 4-star GBCSA rating, underscoring Club Med’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Over 1 200 workers are expected to be employed at the peak of construction, with the workforce currently at 40% of this target.
“Notably, most labour is sourced from within a 5km radius of the site, including input from three local wards and the traditional council, ensuring the project has a meaningful and positive impact on the surrounding community,” said the resort.
Chris du Toit, Project Director for the Development, said that this project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared vision.
“By combining global standards with local expertise, we are not only building a Resort but also contributing to the growth and development of the region,” said Du Toit.