Club Med will temporarily close Club Med Cherating in Malaysia from 11 October 2026 for a comprehensive renovation, marking the biggest transformation of the resort since it opened in 1979 as the brand's first property in Asia.

The refurbishment will refresh guestrooms and public spaces while preserving one of the resort's defining features – its 80-hectare rainforest, making Club Med Cherating the only self-contained, in-resort jungle in Asia.

The redesigned resort will place greater emphasis on nature-led experiences, positioning the surrounding environment as part of the guest journey rather than simply a backdrop.

Among the new experiences planned are guided jungle discovery trails developed with a local NGO, such as sunrise wildlife walks, night hikes, a cliffside climbing experience overlooking the sea, farm-to-table dining at the resort's Rembulan restaurant, and firefly cruises through nearby mangroves. Guests will also be able to travel across the property on a new Jungle Express journey through the jungle towards Pantai Beach.

Club Med said the redevelopment will follow its sustainability framework, with a low-density design planned to minimise impact on the existing landscape while protecting local biodiversity.

Farewell fun

Ahead of the closure, Club Med will host a series of activities from mid-August, before it closes for renovation on 11 October 2026.

Guests checking in before then can check out the resort’s theatre turned street-style market from mid-August, featuring quirky finds and vintage wares as a throwback to the resort’s opening over 40 years ago.

Auctions will also take place once weekly from September – featuring pieces from the resort such as signature furnishing and signages – culminating in a grand auction on the night of 8th October.

Along the way, Club Med Cherating will play tunes defining each decade alongside a memory wall, even as the G.Os (Gentle Organiser) continue the regular friendly sporting tournaments.

The company has not yet announced an opening date.