Unexpected Wonders at Club Med Resorts
- Valerie Mayer
- May 28
- 5 min read
When most people think of the all-inclusive Club Med, they picture turquoise beaches, umbrella drinks, family-friendly activities, and maybe a trapeze lesson or two. But beyond the sun loungers and buffets lies a world of surprising, delightful, and downright fascinating features that even die-hard Club Med fans might not know exist. The all-inclusive Club Med has always promised happiness since its inception in 1950—but happiness, as it turns out, comes with a delightful twist of the unexpected.
So, let’s dive into three wildly different, wonderfully intriguing Club Med resorts that redefine what it means to vacation—all while keeping things stylishly all-inclusive.
Club Med Guilin, China: Where Art and Nature Shake Hands
Imagine waking up in a serene Chinese landscape where limestone peaks—known locally as “dragon’s teeth”—rise dramatically through the mist. Now imagine strolling past monumental sculptures the size of houses, carved from granite, marble, and steel, nestled among rice paddies and whispering pine forests. Welcome to the all-inclusive Club Med Guilin, a resort that doubles as a living, breathing art gallery.
Located in the heart of south-central China, Club Med Guilin is no ordinary getaway—it’s built on the visionary dream of blending cultural artistry with natural majesty. The resort is set within the Yuzi Paradise Sculpture Park, an awe-inspiring open-air museum featuring more than 100 massive works of art created by globally renowned artists.
This artistic dreamscape was the vision of Taiwanese entrepreneur Rhy-Chang Tsao, whose ambition was to merge Eastern and Western art into a playground for the senses.
Among the masterpieces scattered across the 173-acre estate is a sculpture by French artist Ben Vautier that simply reads “Libre” (“Free”)—a fitting welcome to a resort where freedom of expression and exploration reign supreme. The art isn’t just decoration here; it’s a fully immersive part of the landscape. Some pieces peer out from pine forests, while others rest beside tranquil ponds. You’ll find sculptures of marble sneakers, oversized armchairs, spoons sprouting onion plants, and even life-size human figures enjoying a picnic, each one asking you to pause, ponder, and smile.
One particularly memorable piece is titled I Left My Shoes in Guilin by Tsai Ken, which consists of two monumental sneakers carved out of marble. In another, Fabrizio Dieci’s The Door of Life seems to beckon you toward a new beginning. These aren’t just sculptures, they’re metaphors in stone, emotional time capsules, and philosophical invitations.
But don’t let all the art distract you from the fact that this is still an all-inclusive Club Med, after all. That means yoga classes, tai chi, gourmet dining, and activities for every age group, surrounded by what might just be the world’s most spectacular backdrop.
Club Med Kani, Maldives: The Ocean Classroom You Never Knew You Needed
Now let’s head west to a slice of paradise that’s every bit as enchanting but takes a very different approach to wonder.
The all-inclusive Club Med Kani in the Maldives is a resort where luxury meets marine conservation, and snorkeling turns into a guided science class for all ages (with zero homework, we promise). While most visitors expect white sand beaches and endless turquoise seas—and yes, those are here in abundance—what’s unexpected is the resort’s pioneering MobiReef Underwater Trail.
This one-of-a-kind experience, developed in partnership with marine biologists and the French company SM² Solutions Marines, lets guests as young as eight explore an educational, interactive underwater world. Think of it as a snorkeling safari meets environmental science lab, with a splash of adventure thrown in for good measure.
Just 50 meters from shore, you’ll find a series of artificial reefs designed not just for sightseeing but for saving the ocean. These specially designed resin structures mimic the form and function of natural coral reefs, attracting marine life and helping ecosystems recover from climate change, overfishing, and other human-induced stressors. Bonus? They’re less polluting than concrete and easier to relocate in storm-prone regions.
As you swim along the trail, led by Club Med’s own marine biologist, you’ll discover colorful fish, turtles, coral formations, and even educational signs and games embedded along the way. The tour is engaging, eye-opening, and—let’s face it—a pretty cool brag to drop at your next dinner party.
Prefer something a bit more adrenaline-packed? Join one of Club Med Kani’s daily snorkeling boat trips or embark on a turtle safari, where you might spot sea turtles feeding in their natural habitat. Or go deep, literally, with a diving session at the resort’s brand-new, state-of-the-art diving center, complete with certified instructors and eco-conscious techniques.
Club Med Opio en Provence, France: Olive Oil with a Gold Medal
From the ocean to the olive grove, our next stop takes us to the sun-soaked hills of southern France, where a luxury resort hides a secret worthy of any foodie’s attention.
The all-inclusive Club Med Opio en Provence is nestled in a 247-acre park in the heart of the French Riviera. Yes, it offers golf, tennis, archery, and endless Provençal charm, but it’s also the birthplace of an award-winning olive oil called Secret d’Olives.
This extra virgin olive oil—harvested, pressed, and bottled on-site—has won accolades at the regional, departmental, and national levels. We’re talking about gold and silver medals! Not bad for a resort that also offers yoga classes and gourmet dinners under the stars.
Made from olives grown in the resort’s sun-drenched groves and classified under the prestigious “Olives de Nice” Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Secret d’Olives is both a culinary treasure and a symbol of the all-inclusive Club Med’s commitment to sustainability, local craftsmanship, and joie de vivre.
Guests can sample the oil at Club Med dining tables, purchase it as a souvenir at the resort’s boutique , or even learn about the olive oil production process while strolling through the ancient groves. It’s a delicious way to connect with the land—and let’s face it, a little extra virgin olive oil never hurt anyone.
Aside from the olive oil, Club Med Opio en Provence serves spectacular views of the Cannes countryside, two swimming pools (including an adult-only one tucked into the olive grove), and a whole menu of wellness experiences. It’s ideal for couples, families, and even corporate groups looking to escape the fluorescent-lit office for something a bit more... Mediterranean.
More Than Just a Vacation
Whether you’re wandering through a sculpture garden in Guilin, snorkeling an eco-trail in Kani, or drizzling award-winning olive oil on fresh-baked bread in Opio, one thing becomes clear: Club Med is anything but predictable.
These resorts are more than places to unwind, they’re platforms for discovery, inspiration, and connection. The all-inclusive Club Med invites you to dive deeper into the places you visit and come away with more than just a tan.
So next time you think you know Club Med, remember: some resorts offer more than just a vacation. They offer a story worth telling.
Bring on your curiosity and contact us to schedule your next adventure!
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