ON THE SCENE: Phuket – Club Med says it’s all about love and lifestyle, plus Family Oasis
![ON THE SCENE: Phuket – Club Med says it’s all about love and lifestyle, plus Family Oasis](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med revealed a refreshed Phuket resort on the edge of Kata Beach to more than 70 global media representatives last week, plus offered an insight into the global future of the iconic brand.
Travel Weekly on LOCATION for the highlights
Speaking at a morning brand immersion, Club Med president, Henri Giscard d’Estaing highlighted the brand’s 70-year history as one of the world’s most desirable brands.
Club Med is, “Forever a love and lifestyle brand”, he said.
Club Med Phuket upgrades
In the quiet times of 2020, Club Med embarked on a revamp operation of its Phuket Resort which it has operated for more than 40 years.
Initial works focused on the centre of the resort, including the main bar and theatre, before shifting to the rooms on the northern end of the 800m long property all of which have now been completed.
Rooms have been updated to feature all the mod-cons including USB-A and USB-C wall sockets, blasting air-conditioning and a small remote work desk if that’s your thing!
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Refurbished rooms at Club Med Phuket.
Highlights include the Zen Pool – a dreamy sun trap with a private pool and bar with a minimum age of 20 – in other words, no kids – and a state-of-the-art sporting ‘clubhouse’ with pickleball, padel, tennis, basketball and even a five-hole golf course!
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Pickleball has taken the US by storm. You can now join the fun at Club Med Phuket.
The final stages are now underway with Club Med unveiling plans for its newest room type, the ‘Family Oasis’.
Designed as a multi-generational haven, themed rooms and family-friendly spaces blend upscale comfortable accommodation with unforgettable family fun.
A total of 32 ‘Family Oasis’ rooms will be available in Phuket and are able to accommodate a family of five (two adults, two children and one baby) in two options; ground floor with terrace and small garden and upper floor with balcony.
There will also be a family water play area within the Oasis, a snack bar and a food truck with further details set to be released.
New openings for Club Med
This year sets a milestone for Club Med as it reopens French resorts Vittel Ermitage, in July, and Serre Chevalier, in December, in addition to a slew of new openings in coming years.
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Rachel Harding addressed media in Phuket.
CEO in East, South Asia & Pacific, Rachel Harding reinforced Club Med’s new mantra, ‘That’s l’Esprit Libre’ or ‘that’s free spirit’ which encourages guests disconnect from the outside world and connect with the present moment before detailing some highlight openings.
Results in Harding’s region have been stellar with business volume up by 102 per cent since 2022 and a rise in bookings of 43 per cent compared to 2022 – a figure reflective of pre-pandemic levels.
New openings are slated for Forlong, China in December this year as well as Gramado, Brazil and Borneo in 2025.
These follow openings in Japan with the Kiroro Grand, on the Northern Island of Hokkaido, in December last year as well as a new Exclusive Collection Space La Rosière, in France.
Exclusive Collection Spaces are akin to a “private paradise” with “exclusive suites, private spaces and privileged services” all housed in a Club Med resort. Borneo will also be part of the collection as well as resorts in Ouidah (Benin), San Sicario (Italy), Tinley Manor (South Africa) and Essaoura (Morocco), all of which are yet to have an opening date set.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
club med Henri Giscard D’Estaing Rachel HardingLatest News
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