How much it costs to stay at the most expensive resort ever built in South Africa
Club Med’s new resort at Tinley Manor on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first guests on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
With a development cost of just over R2 billion, the project is regarded as the most expensive resort ever built in the country.
It is also considered South Africa’s largest hospitality investment since Sun City, combining a luxury beachfront resort and a Big Five safari lodge to create what the company described as an integrated “beach and bush” holiday experience.
Construction began in early 2024 and took 28 months to complete. The development was undertaken through a partnership between Club Med and the Collins Residential Consortium, with funding provided entirely by South African investors.
Speaking at the launch, project leader Chris du Toit described the opening as the culmination of years of work.
“What began as a vision has become a world-class destination, made possible through the dedication, passion and collaboration,” he said.
“It has been an honour to lead this remarkable journey. Wishing our first guests an unforgettable South African experience.”
The new resort’s prices are broadly aligned with Club Med’s established La Pointe aux Canonniers resort in Mauritius.
For a five-night stay in mid-July 2026, two adults can expect to pay about R47,000. This works out to approximately R9,400 per night, or less than R5,000 per person.
A family of four would pay R59,478 for the same five-night stay, which is just under R15,000 per person.
These rates apply only to the beachfront resort. Guests wanting to include the company’s new Vikela Safari Lodge must book the safari portion separately at an additional cost.
Several optional upgrades can also increase the total bill. A sea-view room costs an extra R4,656 for the five-night stay, while upgrading to a Deluxe room adds R9,312.
Those choosing one of the resort’s premium Exclusive Collection suites can expect to pay R89,102 for the same five-night holiday.
Additional services are also charged separately. Airport transfers to and from King Shaka International Airport cost R2,088, while excursions beyond the resort are priced individually.
What to expect
The beachfront development includes 411 accommodation units, made up of 310 Superior rooms, 35 Deluxe rooms and 66 suites in Club Med’s premium Exclusive Collection category.
The resort follows Club Med’s all-inclusive model, with accommodation, meals, beverages and access to numerous recreational activities included in the standard rate.
Facilities are aimed at both families and couples. Dedicated children’s clubs cater for infants from four months old through to teenagers.
Activities include sailing, surfing, snorkelling, diving, tennis, padel, archery, circus and trapeze experiences. Guests also have access to several swimming pools and other leisure facilities.
The development also includes a 500-seat convention centre, allowing the resort to cater for conferences and business events alongside traditional leisure tourism.
The Vikela Safari Lodge, situated within the 18,000-hectare private Mpilo Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is around four-and-a-half hours from the beach resort.
The lodge features 80 luxury rooms overlooking the Mkuze River and the surrounding mountains, allowing visitors to combine a seaside holiday with a Big Five safari.
The lodge features 75 premium tents and the Club Med experience, set against the backdrop of the wild African safari.
It is set on a hill, with 180-degree views of mountain ranges and the Mkuze River, in the nature resort.
To maintain an exclusive feel, the lodge caps its capacity at approximately 225 guests per night.
Club Med noted that the resort has received strong international interest, attracting bookings from more than 40 overseas markets before opening.
Demand has been particularly strong from Europe, alongside bookings from South African travellers seeking a new luxury holiday destination.
Club Med South Africa photos
Vikela Safari Lodge images
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