Club Med Cherating, the French all-inclusive operator's first resort in Asia, has shut its doors on Malaysia's east coast after nearly five decades of operation. The property, which opened in 1979 with backing from local tycoon Tan Sri Philip Kuok, welcomed its final guests on 11 October before beginning a comprehensive redevelopment.
The closure marks the end of an era for a resort that helped introduce the all-inclusive holiday concept to the region. Cherating was known for its traditional Malay kampung-style architecture and its signature touches, such as paying for drinks with coloured bead necklaces and dining alongside the company's Gentils Organisateurs (G.Os).
To mark the occasion, Club Med hosted a three-day farewell event from 7 to 9 October under the theme “Endings & New Horizons.” The programme included a Bohemian-themed dinner, a flying trapeze performance, and a Lion Dance. An auction of resort memorabilia raised funds for the Rapha Children's Home in Kuantan.
Transformation plans
Club Med intends to refresh every guestroom and public space while preserving the surrounding 80 hectares of jungle. New features will include the Jungle Express ride, Jungle Discovery Trails, and a farm-to-table restaurant. The resort is scheduled to reopen at the end of 2027.
The redevelopment is part of Club Med's broader strategy to upgrade its portfolio in Asia, where it has been expanding rapidly. The company recently announced the opening of Club Med Borneo in Sabah, scheduled for 16 November 2026, and has been investing in premium and exclusive collection properties across the region.
Staff from Cherating will be redeployed across Club Med's network, with some moving to the new Borneo resort. The operator said it is committed to retaining its trained workforce and leveraging their experience in new locations.
The closure of Cherating comes as the hospitality industry sees a wave of resort renovations and repositioning, particularly in mature leisure destinations. Similar moves have been seen elsewhere, such as the recent opening of a jungle resort at Tadoba tiger reserve in India, reflecting a broader trend toward experiential and nature-based offerings.
For travel agents and tour operators, the two-year hiatus at Cherating means a temporary loss of a popular product in Malaysia. However, Club Med's network of resorts in the region, including properties in Indonesia, Thailand, and China, offers alternative options for clients seeking the brand's signature all-inclusive experience.
Industry observers will be watching to see how the revamped Cherating positions itself in the competitive Southeast Asian resort market, where new entrants and renovated properties are vying for the attention of both regional and long-haul travellers.
