Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your sunhats, for Club Med is about to embark on a grand adventure in the heart of South Africa! Imagine a place where you can sip cocktails on a sandy shore in the morning and then embark on a thrilling safari expedition in the afternoon. That's the tantalizing promise of Club Med Tinley, a brand-new escape that's set to redefine the art of vacationing.
Now, how did this marvelous concoction come to be, you might wonder? Well, it's the result of a rather intriguing partnership between Club Med and the Collins Residential Consortium. Picture this: a collaboration that not only promises an all-inclusive resort but also aims to breathe life into the local community and nurture sustainable growth.
Club Med Tinley is poised to become one of South Africa's most colossal hospitality endeavors, and it's set to boost the local economy with a symphony of jobs. We're talking about 800 direct jobs, 1,500 indirect jobs, and a bustling 1,200 construction jobs during the building phase. With South African financial and equity partners on board, the investment is nothing short of a whopping 2 billion rands, courtesy of Tinley Leisure Pty Ltd. They're rolling up their sleeves for what's estimated to be a 28-month construction marathon, aiming to put the finishing touches by early 2024 and officially welcoming guests around July 2026.
But hold on, there's more! Club Med is on a quest for eco-friendly nirvana, and they're not doing it halfway. They've pledged to eco-certify the construction of all their new resorts with BREEAM, an international heavyweight in the world of eco-construction certifications. In South Africa, their sights are set on clinching a four-star rating from the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) for this mammoth development.
Once the doors swing open, Club Med Tinley is all set to dance to the eco-conscious tune of the Green Globe Standard, a tourism certification that rewards establishments committed to improving their environmental and social practices. You guessed it, all Club Med resorts are proudly Green Globe certified.
Now, sustainability isn't just a buzzword here; it's a way of life. Club Med Tinley is leading the charge with the "Bye Bye Plastics" movement, which aims to kick those pesky plastic water bottles and single-use plastics to the curb. They've already aced this commitment in their resorts worldwide. Plus, they're on a mission to reduce food waste across all their resorts by 2030. And if that's not enough, they're in cahoots with Agrisud, a distinguished non-profit, to boost local businesses within the resort's supply chain.
Nestled along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Club Med Tinley is a haven that promises lavish accommodation, year-round sunshine, and a dollop of cosmopolitan charm. And guess what? It's just a stone's throw away from the swanky King Shaka International Airport, making it an irresistible draw for both local adventurers and globetrotters alike. Fun fact: This airport has been crowned the best regional airport in Africa since 2015 by the International Skytrax awards.
But wait, there's more to this paradise! Club Med Tinley isn't just about lazy days on the beach. It's a celebration of art, local culture, and the magnificent African continent itself. Think panoramic views of pristine beaches and coastal dunes. Think interiors, entertainment, food, and drinks that pay homage to Southern Africa's rich tapestry of influences. Choose between Premium Rooms and the Exclusive Collection – the choice is yours.
Families, fear not! Club Med Tinley has you covered with top-notch kids' clubs, staffed by certified experts, catering to little ones as young as four months old. And if you're the active type, get ready for a smorgasbord of land and water activities, the trademark of any Club Med experience. You'll find everything from surfing and snorkeling to archery and beach rugby.
What's on the menu, you ask? How about sailing, diving, paddle tennis, yoga, and even a Zen pool and bar for the grown-ups to find their inner peace? Hungry? The resort center is a veritable paradise for shopping, dining, and sipping on fine wines. Oh, and prepare to be entertained day and night with a dash of artistic flair.
And for those seeking the pinnacle of indulgence, the Exclusive Collection space offers a tranquil oasis complete with a lounge, a chic bar, a luxurious pool, and an array of exclusive services.
But hold on to your safari hats because there's more! Club Med Tinley isn't just about surf and sand. You can also embark on a Big-5 Game Reserve adventure, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the resort. An 80-room lodge, built to Club Med standards, awaits you for a once-in-a-lifetime dual beach and safari experience.
In the words of Henri Giscard d'Estaing, president of Club Med, "Since its creation in 1950, Club Med has been a pioneer in discovering new exceptional destinations." And with Club Med Tinley, they're not just creating a destination – they're creating value for local communities and shining a global spotlight on the breathtaking province of KwaZulu-Natal.
So, folks, prepare for an African odyssey like no other, where sandy beaches, thrilling safaris, and a commitment to sustainability collide in a crescendo of wonder and adventure. Club Med Tinley, the stage is set, and the world is ready to be amazed.