Club Med, the global pioneer of premium all-inclusive vacations, has officially announced a comprehensive, full resort renovation of its iconic Malaysia resort, Club Med Cherating, beginning 11 October 2026. This extensive transformation will take Club Med Cherating into a new era of all-inclusive hospitality, anchoring it as a truly unique resort sanctuary deeply integrated into the lush, tropical surrounds.
A Historic Milestone for the Brand
Originally opened in 1979 as the very first Club Med resort in Asia, Cherating was meticulously chosen by Gilbert Trigano, the co-founder of Club Med, for its prime, untouched forest and sweeping beachfront. Decades later, this transformation honours that original pioneering spirit, seamlessly blending modern upscale luxury with the resort’s natural assets.
Club Med Cherating remains the only resort in Asia boasting a completely self-contained, in-resort jungle. Rather than serving as a distant backdrop, the preservation of this 80-hectare lush ecosystem ensures that nature is fully embedded into the guest experience, allowing an instinctive transition from high-energy outdoor exploration beneath lush green canopies to sophisticated relaxation on the shore.
“Club Med Cherating holds a special place in our history as our first home in Asia,” said Rachael Harding, CEO for Southeast Asia and Pacific at Club Med. “When guests arrive, they do not simply enter a resort; they step into a living jungle playground, where the forest, the sea and the spirit of discovery come together in a way that is unique to Cherating. This transformation will open a new chapter for this iconic destination, creating a more sophisticated yet deeply natural escape where guests can leave daily life behind and reconnect with the world around them.”
A Jungle Playground: Where Nature Sets the Adventure in Motion
At Club Med Cherating, the journey begins the moment guests step into the jungle where the canopy becomes a natural invitation to explore, the shoreline a place to pause, and every path a new opportunity to move, play and discover. From cliffside trails and treetop adventures to quiet moments by the sea, each experience unfolds with Club Med’s signature sense of l’Esprit Libre, turning the resort into a living playground shaped by nature itself.
A Design Rooted in the Spirit of Exploration
The reimagined architectural design brings the jungle into the heart of the guest journey. Rather than framing nature from a distance, the resort invites it in, allowing the local textures, light, sounds and movement of the canopy to become part of the stay from arrival to departure.
Rooted in Club Med’s philosophy of joy and l’Esprit Libre, the open layout is designed as a sequence of discoveries. Guests are encouraged to follow their curiosity through spaces steeped in local character, where shaded walkways and communal areas progressively reveal views that create a natural rhythm between adventure, relaxation and connection.
The result is a resort atmosphere that feels vibrant, social and instinctively integrated with its surroundings. Guests gather naturally and share moments of discovery all as they experience the beauty of Cherating not as a backdrop, but as an ever-present part of the story.
Signature Curated Experiences
To anchor the refreshed resort experience, Club Med Cherating will be introducing 5 signature experiences that allow guests to fully connect with the vibrant environment:
- Hop on the Jungle Express: A signature transit experience that beautifully journeys through the dense, 80-hectare preserved jungle, revealing a stunning, hidden Pantai beach on the other side of the resort.
- The Cliffside Challenge: An exhilarating eco-adventure where guests climb real, natural rock cliffs that rise dramatically above the sea on Pantai beach. At the summit, climbers are rewarded with panoramic ocean views.
- Jungle Discovery Trails (Developed with a Local NGO): Led by an expert Green G.O (Gentle Organiser), guests can step into the jungle to uncover a hidden world through a new series of guided trails. These include specialized sunrise hikes, which reward with animal spotting and birdwatching opportunities during the day and mysterious fluorescent hikes as night falls.
- Farm-to-Fork in the Jungle: Guests can take the Jungle Express to the Rembulan gourmet club to taste fresh, sustainably sourced local produce before finishing the evening with specially crafted cocktails at the lively, social heart of the resort.
- Firefly Mangrove Cruise: As darkness falls, nature presents its most magical side. Guests glide along the calm mangrove river as a backdrop of fireflies beautifully illuminate the surrounding trees.
A Commitment to Sustainable Luxury
In alignment with Club Med’s global Happy to Care sustainability philosophy, the renovation will place ecological preservation at the forefront. The low-density architectural footprint will respect the existing terrain, ensuring the protection of local biodiversity while offering modern, premium amenities for families, couples and experiential travellers alike.
Be part of the journey
Don’t miss the chance to visit Club Med Cherating before its transformation. Club Med Cherating is welcoming celebrating this milestone with special activities and celebrations. From fun “Challenge The G.O” friendly tournaments to vibrant celebrations, the resort has some surprises in store to make this lap one to remember before it closes for transformation on 11 October 2026.
For the first time in its history, Club Med Cherating is inviting all to take home a piece of itself. For many loyal guests, the resort has evolved to become a third space for them – where memories are created and friendships forged.
Street Market
Giving more opportunity to guests to be part of the journey, a fun street-style market will grace the theatre of the resort weekly from mid-August. Bringing back nostalgia, guests will be handed a necklace of beads, just like when Club Med Cherating first began more than four decades ago, to trade for quirky finds and vintage wares alongside cherished treasures to take home!
Auction with Heart
Happening once a week from September, culminating in a grand auction on the night of 8th October, everyone can participate in a fun auction and bid to take home a piece of history. From well-loved signages to signature furnishing and the favourite treasures of the Chef de Village, proceeds from this auction will go towards charity.
Timeline & Memory Wall
Walk down an interactive memory lane and discover what makes Club Med Cherating so special in the hearts of many guests. Engage with the story of the resort and be a part of it too as you take some photos and share your moments and wishes as the resort prepares for its transformation ahead.
Challenge The G.O
In true Club Med spirit, guests are welcomed to challenge our G.Os in various friendly sporting tournaments in various sports. Come and see if you can emerge champion. Our G.Os are always up for a good game or two!
Club Med Cherating Top 40 hits
Celebrate the best of Club Med Cherating to the tunes that defined each decade. Groove to the tunes that spin nightly as the resort team gets creative with surprises in store.
Book your stay today to celebrate this exciting milestone and be a part of the opening chapter of this magnificent transformation: https://www.clubmed.com.sg/l/cherating-an-icon-born-in-the-jungle
