Club Med Cherating Announces Full Resort Renovation Starting October 2026

Tucked along Malaysia's untouched eastern coastline, dense emerald canopies meet soft golden sands in a setting that feels distinctly world-apart. Back in 1979, Club Med co-founder Gilbert Trigano handpicked this exact 80-hectare coastal forest to launch the brand's very first footprint in Asia. Decades later, Club Med Cherating stands ready to write its next chapter, announcing a full, comprehensive resort renovation commencing on October 11, 2026.

This major transformation promises to propel the legendary property into a sophisticated era of eco-luxury all-inclusive hospitality. Rather than altering the landscape, the redesigned resort will embed guests even deeper into Cherating's pristine, self-contained jungle ecosystem.

Living the Spirit of l'Esprit Libre

Modern luxury travelers increasingly seek authentic immersion over gated isolation. Cherating remains the only resort in Asia to feature an intact, thriving rainforest within its own perimeter. The upcoming architectural overhaul honors this natural asset by removing physical boundaries between nature and guest spaces.

Rachael Harding, CEO for Southeast Asia and Pacific at Club Med, shares the sentimental and strategic weight of this project:

“Club Med Cherating holds a special place in our history as our first home in Asia. 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.”

Five New Signature Experiences on the Horizon

Post-transformation, the resort will introduce five curated eco-adventures designed to turn curiosity into lifelong memories:

Hop on the Jungle Express: A scenic transit experience weaving through the dense 80-hectare rainforest, transporting guests straight to the hidden sands of Pantai Beach.

The Cliffside Challenge: An adrenaline-pumping eco-adventure climbing natural rock faces towering above Pantai Beach, capped with sweeping ocean panoramas.

Guided Jungle Discovery Trails: Created alongside a local NGO and led by expert Green G.O.s, featuring wildlife sunrise hikes and mysterious night-time fluorescent treks.

Farm-to-Fork in the Jungle: A sustainable dining journey at Rembulan gourmet club focusing on fresh local produce, followed by artisanal cocktails in the social lounge.

Firefly Mangrove Cruise: A serene evening river cruise through quiet mangroves illuminated by thousands of twinkling fireflies under the night sky.

Sustainable Luxury at Its Core

Guided by Club Med’s global Happy to Care philosophy, the master plan maintains a low-density footprint to safeguard native flora and wildlife while raising accommodation standards for couples, families, and global wanderers alike.

Celebrate the Final Lap: Farewell Festivities Before October 2026

Before closing its doors for transformation on October 11, 2026, Club Med Cherating invites loyal guests and new visitors to partake in a series of celebratory rituals:

Nostalgic Street Markets: Starting mid-August, weekly theatre markets invite guests to trade traditional bead necklaces—a throwback to the resort's 1979 debut—for vintage treasures and local crafts.

Auction with Heart: Running weekly through September and concluding with a grand auction on October 8, guests can bid on iconic signage and resort memorabilia. Proceeds will directly support local charitable causes.

Interactive Memory Wall & Decades Soundtrack: Guests can leave photos and personal notes along an interactive timeline while grooving to the resort's Top 40 hits from past decades played nightly by the energetic G.O. team.