Club Med South Africa - Beach & Safari Resort Investment Snapshot
Project Overview
Club Med is making history with its first Beach & Safari Resort in South Africa, set along KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast. Scheduled to open in July 2026, this R2bn project is one of the most ambitious mixed-use hospitality and leisure developments in the country, bringing together global tourism expertise with a strong local development vision.
Developed by Tinley Leisure Pty Ltd in partnership with Collins Residential and backed by African Bank, IDC, ABSA, and the Tinley Leisure Women’s Investment Group, the project is more than a luxury resort, it’s a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive, and world-class development.
Investor Snapshot
- Owner / Developer: Tinley Leisure Pty Ltd & Collins Residential
- Architects & Designers: Craft of Architecture, Mobius, Studio Marc Hertrich & Nicolas Adnet (France)
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, Dolphin Coast (near Ballito, 15 min from King Shaka International Airport)
- Size: 32-hectare coastal site, surrounded by dune forests, wetlands, and estuaries
- Investment Value: ±R2 billion
- Accommodation Mix:
295 Superior Rooms (30–40m²)
50 Deluxe Rooms (36m²)
60+ Exclusive Collection Suites (70–90m², sea-facing)
- Facilities: Beach Club, Family Pool, Sports Facilities, 500-seat Convention Centre, Kids Clubs (ages 4 months – 17 years), Villas, Spa & Wellness Centre
- Pricing & Returns: Premium sqm rates expected at R70,000–R100,000/sqm with top-end units reaching R20m+. Strong demand forecast from semigration buyers, international investors, and tourism operators.
Highlights of the Are
- Tourism Gateway: Situated along the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphin Coast, renowned for pristine beaches, warm climate, and proximity to Big 5 safaris.
- Accessibility: 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, 30 minutes to Durban, direct access for international tourism.
- Lifestyle Demand: The Dolphin Coast is experiencing record residential and tourism investment growth, driven by semigration and international buyers.
- Rental & Tourism Returns: The resort will target high occupancy from Club Med’s global network (70+ resorts in 32 countries), ensuring year-round demand.
The Offering
- All-Inclusive Luxury: Club Med’s global concept of premium holidays for families and couples, including food, beverages, activities, childcare, and cultural immersion.
- Sustainability-First Build:
- Floating roofs for natural cooling
- Locally sourced stone and sustainable timber
- Photovoltaic solar roofs
- Indigenous landscaping protecting biodiversity
- Social Impact: 1,400+ local construction jobs, training 220+ hospitality staff from surrounding communities, and ongoing community partnerships.
Why Invest in Club Med South Africa?
- First-mover advantage: South Africa’s first Club Med resort, supported by Club Med’s global booking platform.
- Tourism growth: KwaZulu-Natal Dolphin Coast is one of the fastest-growing tourism and semigration nodes in SA.
- Proven demand: International buyers and semigration families continue to drive premium pricing.
- Secure returns: Strong mix of leisure, conferencing, family, and international tourism ensures multi-seasonal demand.
Contact for Investment Enquiries
Collins Residential – Development Manager info@collinsresidential.com