Club Med marks significant milestone in Malaysia, planting a rich foundation at its future resort in Kuala Penyu, Sabah

Kuala Penyu, on Monday, 25 November 2019, in the presence of:

- YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd. Shafie bin Haji Apdal, Chief Minister of Sabah;

- YB Datuk Christina Liew Chin Jin, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Sabah;

- YB Datuk Dr Yusof B. Yacob, Minister of Education and Innovation, Sabah;

- YB Dr. Daud bin Yusof, Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Sabah;

- YB Datuk Limus bin Jury, State Assemblyman for Kuala Penyu, Sabah;

- Tuan Sebastian Ingkim, District Officer, Kuala Penyu District Council, Sabah;

- Peter Wong Leong Siang, Managing Director of Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd;

- Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO of APAC Resorts, Club Med, officially planting a rooted foundation for the future Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, with a ceremonial tree.

Planting a rich foundation for the beginning of Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu as part of the ground breaking ceremony.

(From left to right: Mr Peter Wong Leong Siang, Managing Director, Golden Sands Beach Resort City; YB Datuk Christina Liew, Deputy Chief Minister And Minister Of Tourism, Culture And Environment, Sabah; YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohamad Shafie Haji Apdal, Chief Minister and Minister Of Finance, Sabah; and Mr. Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO of APAC Resorts, Club Med)

A project with significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Kuala Penyu, Sabah

Club Med and the owning company, Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd (GSBRC), a Sabah based company, held a celebratory event on the morning of 25 November 2019, to plant a rooted foundation for the resort with their first ceremonial tree.The Club Med team was accompanied by government officials from Sabah, including YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd. Shafie bin Haji Apdal,Chief Minister of Sabah, a key figure in the development of this project, as well as over 400 guests from the region. 

The construction of this premium resort (4-Trident) with a Club Med Exclusive Collection Space (5-Trident), will begin in Q2 2020 and is expected to welcome its first guests in late 2022.

This resort marks a significant milestone for Club Med, as the brand celebrates its 70th anniversary next year. Having opened its first resort in Asia Pacific in Cherating 39 years ago, which ignited decades of growth across the region, Club Med is very pleased to extend its commitment as a partner to Malaysian Tourism, in a destination such as Sabah which is seeing increased airlift and interest from travellers across the globe.

Following the success of Club Med Cherating Beach, establishing the new location in Sabah is a strategic move for Club Med, as the state has excellent connectivity with other Asian countries, receiving 3.9 million visitors in 2018 alone. With the abundance of flora and fauna species, opportunities to enhance the unrivalled beauty in Sabah’s biodiversity and good weather all-year around, there is massive growth potential for Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu to be recognized as the top upscale resort at the holiday destination.

Built on 41 acres of land flanked by tropical rainforests, fronted by kilometres of pristine beach with picture-perfect white sand, and located next to a mangrove reserve, Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu will be the brand’s first large-scale sustainably-built beach resort in Asia Pacific certified by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). The focus on eco-sustainability shared by both Club Med and GSBRC looks to ensure that the location’s natural beauty is preserved while increasing their positive impact to the community.

Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu will create approximately 400 job opportunities for the community of Kuala Penyu, contributing to the local economy while simultaneously showcasing Sabah’s beautiful surroundings by unveiling this hidden gem to the world.   

Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu, Club Med’s new eco-chic resort in Malaysia with unique experiences to enjoy

Located at Kuala Penyu Beach, the premium all-inclusive Club Med resort will offer a pristine paradise, with proximity to famous landmarks in the vicinity such as Mount Kinabalu, the Menumbok Forest Reserve, and Pulau Tiga.

The resort, just 90-minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, will be particularly appealing to families thanks to its complete range of kids clubs for children aged from 4 months to 17 years, but will also be aiming at adventure-seeking couples.

Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu will boast 400 rooms within its property, including 40 luxury suites for the Club Med Exclusive Collection space, with occupancy of 1038 guests in total. The resort will also feature 3 restaurants, 4 pools, a spa, meetings and events spaces, a ballroom, as well as the first Club Med tennis academy in the Asia Pacific region.

The resort design will be inspired by numerous traditional Borneo ethnic cultures while seamlessly integrating its structures with the surrounding rainforest, and feature plenty of spaces that is interconnected with nature, using local and sustainably sourced natural materials.

It will offer a wide range of unique sports, wellness, cultural and culinary activities, allowing guests to appreciate Borneo’s rich heritage and natural beauty, ranging from excursions highlighting Sabah’s diverse wildlife and ecosystem to a journey of discovery on Sabahan traditions and lifestyle.

The new Club Med property will allow guests to embark on hassle-free holidays with excellent value for money in Sabah, and concurrently cements Club Med’s unique position as the world leader in premium, all-inclusive holidays in the whole region.

Since 1950, Club Med has been known for its strong pioneering spirit, continually innovate its product offering to exceed consumer expectations and offer new experiences to its international clientele. Establishing new destinations is at the core of the company, being the first to build a resort in Cancun, Mexico; and in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, among other destinations.

Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO of APAC Resorts, Club Med, stated, "I am pleased to celebrate the new beginning of Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu, alongside elected representatives and our partners in Sabah. This marks a significant milestone highlighting Club Med’s pioneer spirit in seeking and creating tomorrow’s hotspots for upscale family holidays. With excellent accessibility to major Asian markets and the strategic geographical location of Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu will join our fleet of emblematic resorts settled as pioneers in now world-renowned destinations such as Bali, Maldives and Phuket in Asia". 

About Club Med

Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, invented the all-inclusive holiday club concept, adding in activities especially for children with the creation of the Mini Club in 1967. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med seeks out exceptional destinations and sites. Today, Club Med is the world’s leading provider of upscale, all-inclusive holiday packages with a French touch for families and working couples. Club Med operates nearly 70 resorts, of which 85% are rated Premium & Exclusive Collection. Present in 30 countries around the world, the Group employs more than 23,000 Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) and Gentils Employés (GEs), representing 110 nationalities.

CLUB MED TO PIONEER NEW SUSTAINABLE RESORT IN SECRET KOTA KINABALU LOCATION

Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu to open in Sabah late 2022, merging the best of Borneo’s greenery and beachfront vistas

Club Med, the pioneer of Premium All-Inclusive holidays, announced plans to open its first resort near Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state, in the northern part of Borneo island late 2022. Located at Kuala Penyu Beach – just 90-minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport – the premium all-inclusive Club Med resort with a Club Med Exclusive Collection space (5 Tridents Space) will offer a pristine paradise where virgin jungle meets idyllic powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Club Med is collaborating closely with owners Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd (GSBR) to create the brand’s first large-scale sustainably-built BREEAM-certified beach resort in Asia Pacific. This resort is Club Med’s second resort in Malaysia, after Club Med Cherating Beach, an eco-nature getaway located in Pahang.

“The Club Med spirit has always been to create new resorts that seamlessly blend into naturally beautiful locations and become discoverable bucket list destinations in their own right,” said Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President of Club Med. “Opening in Kuala Penyu allows us to showcase Sabah’s beautiful surroundings in a relatively undiscovered part of the world. This will be our second resort in Malaysia in a destination that is seeing increased airlift and interest from travellers across globe including China, Korea, Southeast Asia and Australia.”

GSBRC, the owning company of the future resort, is a Sabah based company which was formed by like-minded investors purposely to bring Club Med to Borneo. The group behind GSBRC has extensive business experience in Malaysia and abroad with specific focus on Hospitality and Property Developments in Sabah & Kuala Lumpur.

Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu – an idyllic paradise surrounded by lush jungles and pristine beaches

With the international and modern millennial family in mind, Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu will provide a dynamic and wholesome experience that truly takes advantage of the resort’s unparalleled location. 41 acres of land flanked by tropical rainforests, fronted by kilometres of pristine beach with picture-perfect white sand, Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu’s convenient, exceptional location with unobstructed sunset views, is perfect for a destination getaway for families, friends, and couples.

The resort located next to a mangrove reserve will offer a plethora of activities that encourage guests to preserve the location’s natural beauty and discover local gems, including island hopping to the beautiful Pulau Tiga, a river ride that showcases Sabah’s diverse wildlife and ecosystem as well as an adrenaline-pumping white-water river rafting adventure. Guests can also immerse themselves in Borneo’s rich heritage through activities like evening dance shows, traditional rug and jewellery making, and interactive culinary classes and coffee tastings.

The resort design will be inspired by numerous traditional Borneo ethnic cultures while seamlessly integrating its structures with the surrounding rainforest. The resort will feature plenty of spaces that is interconnected with nature, using local and sustainably sourced natural materials.

Guests at the new resort will also be able to enjoy: 

·         400 rooms – 360 spacious rooms across various categories for Club Med Premium Resort and 40 luxury suites for the Club Med Exclusive Collection space (5 Tridents Space)

·         An all-day buffet restaurant serving international cuisines as well a “Gourmet Lounge”, an a la carte specialty restaurant that is included in Club Med’s all-inclusive offer

·         Free-flow bar with integrated entertainment space showcasing Club Med’s signature circus and musical shows as well as a pool bar dedicated to the Exclusive Collection Space.

·         Children’s Club facilities and dedicated services for kids of all ages (from 4 months to 17 years old)

·         Full range of Club Med facilities, including up to 30 types of land and water sports activities, and excursions to discover Kota Kinabalu and Sabah (Romantically described as The Land Below the Wind).

Club Med has been building resorts that blend harmoniously into its exceptional locations, with a focus on minimising the environmental footprint being extremely vigilant on energy efficiency, treating and recycling water, promoting renewable energy sources and waste recycling techniques. Its partnership with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu from the outset will create a benchmark for Club Med to construct new resorts that meet stringent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standards.

About Club Med

Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, invented the all-inclusive holiday club concept, adding in activities especially for children with the creation of the Mini Club in 1967. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med seeks out exceptional destinations and sites. Today, Club Med is the world’s leading provider of upscale, all-inclusive holiday packages with a French touch for families and working couples. Club Med operates nearly 70 resorts, of which 85% are rated Premium & Exclusive Collection. Present in 30 countries around the world, the Group employs more than 23,000 Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) and Gentils Employés (GEs), representing 110 nationalities.

About the Owners

Golden Sands Beach Resort City (GSBRC), the owning company of the upcoming Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu, is a Sabah based company which was formed by like-minded investors purposely to bring Club Med to Borneo. The group behind GSBRC has extensive business experience in Malaysia and abroad with specific focus on Hospitality and Property Developments in Sabah & Kuala Lumpur

Club Med re-launches Sahoro Hokkaido resort in December with a local Ainu influence

Club Med, the premium all-inclusive operator and global snow holiday leader has confirmed the launch of the renovated Club Med Sahoro, Hokkaido resort on 29 November 2019. With over 20 ski resorts across the globe, Club Med continues to expand its leadership of the mountains with ambitious growth plans to cater to global and regional demand for snow holidays and new mountain adventures.

At the newly renovated Club Med Sahoro, Hokkaido resort, guests will learn more about the Ainu culture – the indigenous tribe from Hokkaido – through the resort’s new design and public spaces. The public spaces including the bar, theater and reception have gone through a major overhaul, featuring a fresh modern look this November. Drawing inspiration from the Ainu ornaments, stitching and embroidery, the resort interior preserves the beauty and splendor of the culture, presenting a harmonious mix with a modern twist to the traditional Ainu patterns.

Additionally, a new “Magic Carpet”, an outdoor moving walkway which will take children and adult-beginner skiers to the top of the training slope, will also be created for the launch of the new resort. Facilitated by certified Club Med instructors, the Magic Carpet provides a safe and exciting experience for first-time skiers.

“The renovation of Club Med Sahoro, Hokkaido looks to provide our guests with a transformative mountain experience that will not only provide a fantastic snow getaway but will also leave them enriched with authentic Japanese culture and heritage” said Xavier Desaulles, Chief Executive Officer, APAC Markets Club Med.

The new-and-improved Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido resort will also include facilities and activities to provide guests with a holistic snow holiday experience, from an open-air hot Canadian bath amidst natural surroundings, to hands-on traditional soba-making classes that are perfect for families

The resort aims to honor local Japanese traditions, while infusing the lively and convivial essence of Club Med. Moreover, Hokkaido is known for the best, premium quality powder snow in Japan which is perfect for winter sports and activities. This is ideal especially for snow holiday goers from India as the country has the highest percentage i.e. 75% of snow holiday vacationers in APAC that enjoy skiing and snowboarding as per Club Med’s latest Asia-Pacific (APAC) Snow Brand Study 2019. At Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido, professional instructors offer lessons for all levels without the hassle of long queues and provide lift passes; all of which is included in one’s stay at the resort.

With Japan being one of the top travel destinations in Asia, Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido is the perfect location to reconnect with loved ones and begin new traditions amongst the snow-topped peaks of the Hidaka Mountains, complete with picturesque views.

ABOUT CLUB MED

Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, invented the all-inclusive holiday club concept, adding in activities especially for children with the creation of the Mini Club in 1967. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med seeks out exceptional destinations and sites. Today, Club Med is the world’s leading provider of upscale, all-inclusive holiday packages with a French touch for families and working couples. Club Med operates nearly 70 resorts, of which 85% are rated Premium & Exclusive Collection. Present in 30 countries around the world, the Group employs more than 23,000 Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) and Gentils Employés (GEs), representing 110 nationalities.

10 things you probably didn’t know about Club Med

Since 1950, Club Med has been creating exceptional holiday memories for families and couples. Currently with 70+ resorts present in 26 countries around the world, Club Med has been the pioneer of kids clubs, all-inclusive concept that offers upscale holiday packages with a French touch and is the biggest snow holidays supplier in the world.

Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Club Med:

1.       Club Med’s premium all-inclusive holidays offer unlimited activities, meal options and entertainment that are absolute value for money. There is no need to choose, guests can have it all, all day and as many times as they want. From transfers, sports and activities, gourmet cuisine and premium spirits, child-care facilities to entertainment and parties, they have got everything covered; so travelers can forget worrying about logistics on the trip.

2.       The brand employs Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) and Gentils Employés (GEs) representing 110 nationalities who are ambassadors of Club Med spirit. These are multicultural staff that makes the Club Med experience truly unique by offering harmonious blend of fun activities and services within the resorts.

3.       Did you know? Club Med is buzzing every evening with great entertainment options that are all organized and performed by in-house staff which includes a professional circus team as well. Guests within the resort can choose from calm, intimate evenings with live music, to live shows, circus and grand dance performances.

4.       Around 40 resorts receiving the Green Globe certification, sustainability has been a part of Club Med’s DNA. All resorts are extremely vigilant with energy efficiency, saving, treating and recycling water, promoting renewable energy sources and waste management.

5.       Club Med offers all-day dining and multi-cuisine restaurants for guests to enjoy delicious local and international dishes along with Indian food available in some of the resorts. 90% of food materials and produce within the resorts are purchased from local and agro-ecological farmers, providing guests with in-season, organic and pesticide-free food that goes directly from farm to fork.

6.       Whether cocktails by the beach or wine for dinner,  Club Med’s premium open bar is where guests can have unlimited options of spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, juices or soft drinks without paying any extra charges.

7.       Guests get an opportunity to learn and discover new sensations as most of the resorts organize professional group lessons to teach basics of various activities like Golf, Trapeze, Tai chi, Ski, Tennis, Surf among others can be included within the package.

8.       Club Med has embraced technology across its resorts by incorporating digital bracelets to open doors, easy to use mobile application that acts as a quick guide for guests and an online easy-arrival service that helps guests to pre-register to various activities. Club Med is also using 360-degree virtual reality technology to provide virtual tours of its resorts.

9.       The Amazing Family program introduced by Club Med has made travelling with kids much easier. Club Med offers the award- winning Kids Club, and child friendly activities under the guidance of professional caretakers where kids and teenagers can make new friends, practice kids’ yoga and partake in exciting outdoor adventures at various age-specific clubs while parents have their own private moments or indulge in luxurious spa experience.

10.   For family with toddlers, a baby welcome pack is given upon arrival which includes all essentials such as a cot, baby bathtub, bottle warmers, prams etc. As a part of Baby Club Med®, there’s also a baby corner & baby restaurant that serves kids meals and to top it up one can avail personalized babysitting service.

Club Med Introduces Its First-Ever Eco-Music Festival, Green Beats

Drawing eco-warriors across the globe alongside a line-up of inspiring green activities for guests to learn, experience and celebrate nature

Mumbai, 1^st August 2019 – Club Med, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays, announced its inaugural eco-music festival Green Beats, along with a slew of conscious activities across its APAC resorts for the year. Aiming to provide transformative holiday experiences that will leave guests inspired with new perspectives, guests can come together to explore new conscious habits through hands-on workshops organised by local eco organisations and celebrate the beauty of nature with stellar performances by international celebrities from Asia.

“At Club Med, we are always looking to push the boundaries of travel, aiming to turn a getaway into a transformative experience,” Xavier Desaulles, Chief Executive Officer of Club Med, APAC, “Eco-consciousness is a part of that journey, and this year we are excited to announce Green Beats, along with a series of activities across the region that will aim to drive awareness and inspire guests to take positive action in their daily lifestyle that can continue beyond the their stay in Club Med.”

Party with amazing music, food, and art with mother nature at Green Beats

Hosted at Club Med’s most recently awarded Green Globe Certified resort, Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido, Green Beats looks to unite guests through eco and conscious communities across the region through electrifying music, exquisite food, and expressive arts. All in the heart of Hokkaido’s natural mountain landscapes, Green Beats will encourage guests to view the natural world through new perspectives. Open to all guests from 14 to 16 September 2019, the three-day festival will ignite the senses through four touchpoints to bring guests an unforgettable getaway:

·         Mountain Beats – Featuring an exhilarating line-up of renowned international DJs including Lee Lang from Seoul, Korea, Chee Shimizu from Tokyo, Japan and Umbra from Taipei City. Be enthralled by live music by local Japanese artists, such as The Cynical Store and Kuniyuki Takahashi from Sapporo, Japan.

·         Mountain Care – Reconnect with nature through eco-conscious workshops that aim to inspire and grow the eco-community across the world. These include the Nature Photography Workshop conducted by National Geographic’s Nature 2017 photographer of the year, design Festival Bingata Tote Bags depicting the surrounding natural elements using Traditional Japanese Bingata Art, and Hapazome Leaf Printing creating natural imprints of plants onto different materials.

·         Mountain Bites – Explore the unique food and culture of Hokkaido, featuring an all-inclusive menu filled with specialties from the region. Take a sip and unwind at the Whisky and Sake tastings at the cozy Nest Bar for an extra immersive educational experience or take part in Hokkaido cooking lessons with step-by-step demonstration by the Chefs.

·         Mountain Feel – Embrace the natural environment through a variety of excursions and adventures around Hokkaido’s gorgeous mountain. Explore Mount Tomamu through a guided nature hike and discover the flora and fauna of the summer landscapes, soar through the skies on the only flying trapeze in Tomamu, or ride across the landscape on a mountain biking adventure – all within the sunny mountain escape!

Supporting the environment, Club Med has dedicated a proportion of the proceeds from ticket sales and room revenue will be donated to a local NGO. For more details on the full activities list, please visit the website https://www.clubmed.asia/