The history of Club Med
Unfold 75 years of vacation memories
You have just come across a time travel journal. Dive right into the sunny and surprising history of Club Méditerranée.
In 1950, Club Med invented a new way of experiencing vacations that would change everything. As you discover these pages, we invite you to explore 75 years of innovations, joyful freedom, and travel memories from around the world.
Chapter 1
Free and happy
Inventing a new way to experience vacations
Barati, Italy, 1951
We are on June 4, 1950
The weather is mild in the Balearic Islands. WWII already seems far away, and the blue-green-gold reflections of the Mediterranean resemble a banner of newfound freedom. Gérard Blitz, a resistance fighter and former Olympic water polo player, is passionate about three things: sports, nature, and shared happiness. To bring his utopia to life, he sets up a village of tents rented from Gilbert Trigano on the warm sands of Majorca and introduces an idea that will revolutionize vacations: two all-inclusive weeks, filled with activities, meals, and friendships. That first summer, 2,400 people dream under the tents of Alcudia and share tableware from an American military surplus. Many are sporty friends, eager for water skiing, pétanque, and underwater fishing. They are the very first Gentle Organizers.
Djerba, Tunisia, 1980s
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Comfort was found in the beauty of the site, the sun, friendship, and above all, freedom.
Gérard Blitz, founder of Club Med
Alducia, Spain, 1950
Bar necklace and bikini
The all-inclusive vacation brings everyone together under the same banner: the sarong and the Trident. It frees people from norms and social classes. The only currency at the Club is the bar necklace, invented in 1957 and since transformed into a digital bracelet. Inspired by Polynesian flower garlands worn by the Gentle Members upon arrival, its beads of different colors are used to toast to one's tastes at the bar.
Palinuro, Italy
Life is a celebration
This revolution calls for a celebration. It's the G.Os who first bring the evenings at Club Méditerranée to life, both serving and playing the guitar, soon joined by young talents eager to share their art in exchange for a week in the sun. In the 1970s, these open stages became the Forum, now known as Club Med Live. From film festivals aboard Club Med 1 to jazz festivals in Marrakech and dance festivals in Djerba, the list of talents gracing the beaches and peaks of the Club grows, serving as a springboard for today's artists.
Chapter 2
Gentle explorers
A pioneering spirit at the core
Château Royal, New Caledonia
Djerba, Tunisia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Postcard from the edge of the world
The enthusiasm for the all-inclusive experience takes the Club far beyond the Mediterranean coasts. Passionate about Polynesian culture, Club Med opened a village in Tahiti in 1955, and set off to cool down in the very first snow village in Leysin two years later. Over the years, Club Med embarked on a quest for then-unknown destinations like Punta Cana in 1983, participating in building the airport, or China in 2010, as the country began to discover the joys of vacationing.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Leysin, Switzerland, 1957
Agadir, Morocco
Château Royal, New Caledonia
Destination new relaxation
As a pioneer of a new kind of relaxation, Club Med introduced the buffet experience to vacations as early as 1965. Two years later, the iconic Mini Club was born, the very first childcare program on vacation. Moments together became more intentional, allowing everyone to thrive at their own pace. It was a gentle revolution for families.
Chapter 3
Like a cultural symbol
The cult heritage of Club Med
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This is not Club Med here
Club Med is a pop culture icon that belongs to everyone. From the movie "Copper Moutain" featuring Jim Carrey to iconic ad campaigns, it's become a symbol of joyful vacations. In France, it's even part of everyday language: when someone's enjoying themselves a bit too much, you'll hear, 'This isn't Club Med!'—because Club Med is a spirit that goes beyond vacations.
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The legend of 45
Among the collectible memories of Club Med, the 45 T-shirt wins the gold medal. Like a passport of the various Resorts visited—or a jersey of one's favorite team—wearing one shows that you are part of the Club. As for the origin of the number, it retains an element of mystery. A celebration of the Club's 45th anniversary? A hockey jersey borrowed from an American G.M and the chance of the numbers? A tribute to the 45th parallel north? The legend is yours to decide.
The traveling Trident
As the emblem of the Greek god Poseidon, protector of seas and oceans, the trident signifies Club Med's roots and commitment to nature. But it is also a symbol of travel, inspired by Shiva's attribute, representing the balance of the cosmos: goodness, passion, and ignorance. This encapsulates the philosophy of travel: exploring the unknown, being passionate about new landscapes, and meeting others with kindness.
Iconic Trident
In 2024, Club Med gave free rein to four international artists to create works inspired by its Trident. Two French artists, Agathe Marty, inspired by the sun of the South from France to Australia, and Lise Mailman, who delves into her vacation memories to create vintage mantras; Jen Du, a Chinese artist with an atypical background and a pop universe; and finally Naia, who takes us into the lush nature of her Brazilian island.
Chapter 4
Happiness here, now, and tomorrow
75 years of responsible commitment
Les Boucaniers, Martinique
Palinuro, Italy
Association of playful interest
The history of Club Med has been shaped by nature and human connections. Founded as an association, it opened its very first permanent village in Agadir to support the region struck by an earthquake. In the 1970s, it built the first wastewater treatment plant in Mauritius, and created its own foundation to bring happiness to the children of its host countries and support a more sustainable agriculture. In 2019, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda opened as North America's first eco-conscious resort, sourcing fresh produce from agroecological farms, empowered through the Green Farmers program. Today, these efforts are united under a roadmap called Happy to Care. Thanks to its history and pioneering vision, Club Med continues to stay ahead of the times. Are you ready to write the next chapter of this journey together?
Credits
Videos and photographs
All rights reserved, Claude Gorsse, Maud Delaflotte, François Peyranne, Lise Mailman, Jen Du, Agathe Marty, Naia Ceschin, Bleu Paris, Midjourney.
Club Med Team
Armelle Vimont-Laurent, Lucile Sarthou, Laura Dubé-Garel, Aymeric Berthelet, Laurent Debuchy, Emmanuelle Lemière, Louise Neppel, Manon Ansquer
Design & Development
Club Med, Bonjour Paris, Lovelace Studio