From Canvas Tents to World-Class Resorts: Story of Club Med

Founded in France in 1950 by Gérard Blitz and Gilbert Trigano, Club Med (Club Méditerranée) has grown into a pioneer in the all-inclusive vacation experience, with resorts in exceptional locations situated in the most renowned destinations worldwide. From the mountains of the Alps to the beaches of the Maldives, Club Med stands as a global leader in hospitality, driven by a spirit of innovation and a commitment to creating extraordinary experiences.
The Quest to find Happiness

From the soft sands of Majorca’s humble village made of canvas tents in the 1950s, Club Med began with Gérard Blitz’s simple yet profound belief: “The purpose in life is to be happy, the moment to be happy is now, and the place to be happy is here.” It became a natural haven where everyone addressed each other informally, fostering a true sense of community. Within the village, everything was included – accommodations, food, drinks, sports, and entertainment. What started as a place where guests left behind social and financial barriers to embrace freedom, joy, and connection has now expanded to the mountaintops and beyond.

While the world has evolved, Club Med’s core remains unchanged: creating spaces where kindness, freedom, multiculturalism, and a pioneering spirit come together. Gérard Blitz’s vision of happiness lives on through the signature all-inclusive formula of Club Med, which offers family-oriented experiences for all ages. Emphasizing sustainability, the brand nurtures a spirit of togetherness, encouraging guests to connect with each other and with nature, fostering a harmonious balance between human relationships and the environment.

After decades of operation, this spirit remains as strong as ever, now paired with a continuous ambition to reinvent the travel experience. Club Med seeks to offer a luxury that is less rigid and traditional—one that is more human, mindful of its impact on the environment, and supportive of local communities.

Introducing: Club Med Exclusive Collection

The Exclusive Collection follows the principle of Club Med’s upscale transformation to define its unique vision of authentic luxury. This vision offers a refined way of luxurious living, creating precious moments in an exceptional and preserved environment while being free from pretension. The collection features 05 premier resorts, 10 exclusive spaces within premium resorts, 04 villas and chalets, and the iconic Club Med 2, a legendary French sailing yacht. It provides heightened exclusivity with private spaces, personal room service, evening champagne service, and partnerships with prestigious establishments like Sothys spas and the French culinary school Ferrandi.

But what truly sets Club Med apart is its people.

Being the worldwide leader in all-inclusive holidays, Club Med operates with nearly 70 resorts and more than 20 offices across five continents. With a workforce of nearly 30,000 employees from 110 different nationalities and cultures, Club Med offers over 120 professions in its resorts and more than 400 professions in its offices.

At the heart of this global operation are the G.Os (Gentils Organisateurs, or Gracious Organizers) – ones not only representing Club Med’s image and services but also directly interacting with guests, building genuine relationships and delivering Club Med’s distinctive spirit.

Transcending the standard interactions between guests and staff, their connections eventually grow much deeper into what many have described as “the warmth of reuniting with friends after a long time”.

The story of Club Med’s G.Os began in the 1980s with a simple yet powerful vision: finding ways to create a holiday experience with joy and meaningful connection from start to end for Club Med’s guests. These international and multilingual G.Os embodied Club Med’s core values with genuine care and attention to detail, ensuring that every interaction was personal and memorable. Their role extends beyond daily duties, as they craft unforgettable experiences that leave lasting impressions for both the guests and themselves.

At Club Med, the all-inclusive concept goes beyond traditional hospitality. It’s about crafting a vibrant community where both guests and employees embrace a lifestyle of freedom, exploration, and genuine connection. This essence of togetherness is woven into every aspect of their destinations, creating spaces where joy and meaningful relationships flourish.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates about Club Med’s upcoming activities in Vietnam, where we continue to innovate and elevate the travel experience.

Published by Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam (AHA Vietnam)

The Official Platform for Australian Hospitality & Tourism Alumni and Professionals in Vietnam.

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