Club Med Brings Its First Exclusive Collection Resort to Koh Samui

Thailand’s luxury travel scene is about to welcome a new era of all-inclusive escapes

Club Med Brings Its First Exclusive Collection Resort to Koh Samui

Thailand’s luxury hospitality landscape is preparing for a major new arrival as Club Med confirms plans to open its first Exclusive Collection resort in Thailand on the island of Koh Samui. Developed in partnership with Central Group Capital, the new beachfront property is expected to open in the second half of 2028 and marks one of the most significant tourism investments in southern Thailand in recent years.

The upcoming resort, named Club Med Exclusive Collection Koh Samui, will become only the brand’s second property in Thailand, arriving more than 40 years after the opening of Club Med Phuket in 1985.

For longtime Club Med fans, the announcement signals something especially exciting. The Exclusive Collection tier represents the brand’s most elevated offering globally, combining premium design, personalized service, gourmet dining, wellness experiences, family-friendly programming, and Club Med’s signature all-inclusive concept under one seamless experience.

The launch also comes as Koh Samui continues to enjoy a surge in international attention. The island recently featured as one of the filming locations for Season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus, further fueling global fascination with Thailand’s luxury travel scene.

A Different Kind of Luxury Holiday

Unlike traditional luxury resorts built around exclusivity and isolation, Club Med’s approach focuses on what it calls “New Luxury”, an experience where nearly everything is included upfront, allowing guests to fully relax without worrying about additional charges throughout their stay.

That means gourmet dining, premium beverages, sports, entertainment, family activities, and children’s programs are all woven into the experience. For travelers who love the ease and sociability that Club Med is known for, the Koh Samui property is expected to deliver the same carefree atmosphere with a more upscale and design-forward feel.

Bruno Courbet, Director for Thailand, Indonesia, India & New Markets at Club Med, described the project as an opportunity to redefine luxury hospitality on the island through the brand’s long-standing “Pioneering Spirit.”

According to Courbet, Club Med aims to blend the intimacy of a boutique hideaway with what the company describes as a “human-centric” approach, prioritizing freedom, ease, and multicultural warmth. Rather than focusing solely on exclusivity, the concept is designed to remove the stress and logistics that often come with luxury travel, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in Koh Samui’s natural beauty and enjoy more spontaneous, meaningful moments together.

The all-inclusive model is also expected to appeal strongly to modern luxury travelers who increasingly value convenience, flexibility, and emotional connection over rigid formality.

What Guests Can Expect

The resort will feature 303 rooms and suites set along Koh Samui’s northern coastline, approximately 25 minutes from Koh Samui Airport. Guests can expect more than 200 meters of private beachfront alongside a full range of water sports and outdoor activities.

The redevelopment plans include upgraded guestrooms and public spaces, new dining concepts, wellness experiences, and signature Club Med programs including the Kids Club and Amazing! Family activities designed to encourage shared experiences between parents and children.

According to the company, the resort’s design will draw inspiration from Thai heritage and the island’s natural coastal surroundings, blending tropical luxury with local cultural influences.

For loyal Club Med travelers, the property will join an elite global portfolio that currently includes just six Exclusive Collection resorts worldwide, alongside luxury villas, chalets, and the iconic Club Med 2 sailing yacht.

A Major Boost for Thai Tourism

Beyond international travelers, the project is also expected to strengthen Thailand’s domestic tourism market by making luxury all-inclusive travel more accessible for Thai families and couples seeking predictable, hassle-free vacations. The resort is anticipated to generate employment opportunities and create new supply-chain partnerships within the local Koh Samui community.

The official signing ceremony took place at Club Med Kiroro Peak in the presence of Club Med executives including Stéphane Maquaire, President and CEO of Club Med, and Rachael Harding, CEO for East, South Asia and Pacific.

Stéphane Maquaire noted that the Koh Samui development forms part of Club Med’s broader global expansion strategy, which includes upcoming openings in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, and Canada. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable destination development, local employment, and long-term partnerships with communities where Club Med operates.

Bookings for Club Med Exclusive Collection Koh Samui are expected to open closer to the resort’s launch in 2028.

For news and updates, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ClubMedThailand.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of Club Med]