Australians Flocking to Club Med for Luxury, All-Inclusive Holidays

Australians have always been drawn to sun-kissed destinations, but lately, many have developed a taste for something more luxurious. Enter Club Med, the once-budget-friendly holiday hotspot that's now upping its game to cater to premium and luxury travelers.

With its acquisition by Fosun Tourism Group in 2015, Club Med began shifting its focus to all-inclusive resorts that offer luxurious experiences. Since then, the brand has expanded into new destinations, including South Africa, Borneo, and Oman. Its most ambitious project yet is the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari resort, set to open this July.

Located on KwaZulu-Natal's Dolphin Coast, the resort boasts a unique dual-location concept, where guests can split their stay between a beach resort and a private safari lodge in a Big Five reserve. This innovative design allows for a more immersive experience, combining coastal downtime with guided game drives all under one umbrella.

But what's driving the growing appeal of Club Med among Australian tourists? Michelle Davies, general manager for Club Med Pacific, provides some insight. 'Forward sales for 2026 are up 23% compared to last year, with new guests increasing by almost 5%.' She says that this demonstrates that more Australians are choosing all-inclusive holidays as their preferred way to travel.

The all-inclusive model offers several advantages, Davies points out. It gives guests clarity and certainty, allowing them to budget a single upfront cost that covers accommodation, dining, activities, entertainment, and even Kids' Clubs. In the current economic climate, this level of predictability can be particularly valuable.

Club Med's data shows that 80% of its website traffic is focused on Asia sun destinations like Bali, Bintan in Indonesia, and Phuket, Thailand. Japan ski holidays are particularly popular, with forward sales up 32% and Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido emerging as a standout property.

Booking momentum remains strong, especially in destinations like Phuket and Bintan, with multi-generational holidays seeing a notable increase. Forward sales for 2026 are up 56%, reflecting the growing trend of family and multi-generational holidays.

The 'slow return effect' is also becoming more common, with guests ending their trips with a few days of rest in a resort-style setting. This trend is driven by travelers seeking a more relaxed pace.

However, the gap between legacy resorts and newer builds can be significant. Nonetheless, across the board, Club Med is clearly appealing to Australian travelers and the way they want to travel today.

The Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari resort is an example of this shift. Its innovative design combines luxury and sustainability, incorporating green spaces and energy-efficient features. This focus on eco-friendly tourism is a welcome trend, especially among affluent travelers who are eager to indulge in high-end experiences while also doing their part for the planet.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that Club Med is adapting to the changing needs of its customers. By offering immersive experiences, luxury amenities, and a commitment to sustainability, the brand is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium all-inclusive holidays.

Wealthy travelers can now look forward to experiencing the best of what each destination has to offer, without breaking the bank, thanks to Club Med's luxury offerings. Michelle Davies, general manager for Club Med Pacific, says, 'We're proud to offer our guests the chance to experience the best of what each destination has to offer without breaking the bank.'