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If you ever needed proof that the French still know how to throw a cracking good party, look no further than Club Med’s 75th birthday bash — a celebration of sun, snow, and savoir-faire staged with signature style beneath the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in China’s ancient Lijiang.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — Club Med? Still around? Still relevant? Still fun? The answer, dear readers, is a resounding “Oui!” And if you’d been at the Lijiang Resort last week, you’d know they’ve still got it — that unmistakable mix of holiday hedonism and chic, carefree confidence the French call L’Esprit Libre.

The celebration theme — “That’s 75 Years of L’Esprit Libre” — wasn’t just marketing guff. It was a jubilant, globe-trotting nod to three-quarters of a century of doing holidays differently. And in true Club Med fashion, this milestone wasn’t just about looking back — it was a bold look ahead at where premium travel is heading, with China now firmly on the map.

China: From Boutique Market to Club Med Powerhouse

2010 Club Med opened its first Chinese resort in Yabuli, a snowy northwest wonderland. Fast forward 15 years, and China is now the group’s second-largest source market, with a whopping 300,000-plus guests annually across 11 resorts.

Andrew Xu, Co-President of Fosun Tourism Group and Global Deputy CEO of Club Med, gave a stirring tribute to the brand’s evolution.

“Since its founding, Club Med has led the premium vacation lifestyle globally,” Xu told media, partners and government officials in attendance. “Thanks to our ‘Glocal’ approach — combining global standards with local charm — we’ve seen a 50% rise in global business volume and a fivefold increase in operating profit since 2015.”

That’s not just a birthday candle — that’s a bonfire.

A Celebration Drenched in History (and a Few French Wines)

Over 100 guests gathered in Lijiang to toast the occasion, wandering through a specially curated exhibition that traced the brand’s humble beginnings in post-war France to its current international footprint, now spanning 70 resorts across 40 countries.

From grainy black-and-white snaps of its first European villages to vibrant resort shots in Mauritius and the Maldives, the display was a nostalgic meander through travel history. A reminder that while fashions may fade, a well-poured piña colada at sunset never goes out of style.

Yoga, Archery, Star-Gazing… and Naxi Dumplings

But let’s not pretend this was all boardroom talk and speeches. In true Club Med fashion, the party spilled into every corner of the Lijiang Resort. Guests could be seen downward-dogging at dawn, drawing bows at midday, and scoffing French pastries by late afternoon — all before settling in for firework displays and G.O.-led musical revelry under the stars.

Better yet, guests were immersed in the local culture. Lijiang’s surrounding region is home to the Naxi people, and Club Med did a bang-up job showcasing traditional cuisine, crafts, and ancient customs.

There were side trips to Baisha Ancient Town to soak up authentic local life, while down the road at AMAZE Camp, visitors tried their hand at everything from frisbee and fresco painting to knot-tying and sky-watching.

The observatory there, dubbed AMAZE•ASTRAlL, offers professional telescopes and the cleanest night sky on this side of the Himalayas. One guest, flushed with wine and wonder, was overheard declaring, “I think I just saw the Southern Cross… or maybe that was the wine.”

Nature, Nurture and a Touch of SPF

Not one to leave its guests scorched or unprepared, Club Med partnered with premium sun care brand Lancaster to hand out UV protection packs — a thoughtful nod to outdoor luxury living.

They also teamed up with Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak, creating a chic camping zone where guests tied knots like old sea captains and learned how to ‘glamp’ like a five-star general. It was all part of the resort’s new push toward experiential, immersive, nature-led stays — a refreshing counterpoint to the usual resort treadmill of buffets and sun lounges.

From Legacy to Liftoff: What’s Next for Club Med?

At 75, many might be winding down. Club Med, on the other hand, is just hitting its stride.

With its “Happy Digital” strategy, international brand integration, and premium positioning, it plans to continue expanding its global footprint while keeping its French soul—the croissants, cabaret, and carefree vibes—well and truly alive.

The Lijiang event proved that Club Med isn’t just riding the wave of nostalgia. It’s surfing confidently into the future, with China as its rising tide and a very international compass.

And if that all sounds like your kind of holiday, you can book directly via Club Med’s official website, where L’Esprit Libre awaits — no passport stamp required.