Club Med has confirmed it will open reservations on 24 March 2026 for its new 400-key property in Sabah, Club Med Borneo, with the first guests welcomed in November 2026. The development marks the brand’s second Malaysian resort and its first large-scale, sustainably built BREEAM-certified beach project in the Asia Pacific region .
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you book or purchase through our links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Club Med opens reservations for Club Med Borneo on 24 March 2026, with the debut set for November 2026.
- The 400-room Kuala Penyu resort becomes Club Med’s second Malaysian property after Cherating .
- It is the brand’s first large-scale BREEAM-certified beach resort in Asia Pacific, emphasising sustainable infrastructure .
- Facilities include an Exclusive Collection enclave, multiple dining venues, and a forest-set spa.
Why It Matters
Club Med’s entry into Borneo represents a strategic expansion of the premium all-inclusive segment in Southeast Asia, a region seeing sustained demand for experiential travel. The project, developed in collaboration with Golden Sands Beach Resort City Sdn Bhd, is expected to generate over 350 direct and indirect jobs, signalling confidence in Sabah’s tourism infrastructure .
By targeting BREEAM certification—the world’s longest-established method for assessing building sustainability—Club Med is positioning the property to meet growing traveller expectations for environmental stewardship . The resort’s location between a mangrove reserve and the South China Sea also places it within reach of nature-based tourism markets, including wildlife cruises and island excursions to Pulau Tiga .
For corporate travel managers and meeting planners, the inclusion of four meeting rooms adds a business-travel component to Club Med Borneo, a property otherwise designed for leisure. As multi-generational travel continues to influence hospitality trends, the property’s extensive kids’ clubs and family programming are likely to appeal to international travellers seeking comprehensive destination packages.
At A Glance
- Company/Brand: Club Med
- Property Name: Club Med Borneo
- Location: Kuala Penyu, Sabah, Malaysia (approximately 90 minutes from Kota Kinajabalu International Airport) .
- Key Announcement: Reservations open 24 March 2026; official opening November 2026 .
- Strategic Purpose: To establish Club Med’s first large-scale BREEAM-certified beach resort in Asia Pacific, deepening its footprint in the Malaysian market.
Travel Considerations for Multi-Market Stays
For guests planning extended stays in the region, securing travel coverage options for international trips prior to departure can provide peace of mind when engaging in adventurous excursions like river safaris or snorkelling trips around the region’s coral reefs . Additionally, business travellers utilising the property’s meeting facilities may benefit from tools that support work while traveling, ensuring productivity remains high even in remote coastal settings.
Design and Sustainability Features
The resort’s architecture draws inspiration from the traditional Rumah Rungus longhouses of northern Borneo, with a central timber pavilion designed to integrate with the surrounding forest canopy and waterfalls . This low-density approach preserves the adjacent mangrove and coastal forest ecosystems. Sustainability measures include an on-site water bottling facility to eliminate single-use plastics, passive cooling through natural ventilation, and partnerships with local conservation groups for guest education programmes . The property spans 17 hectares of beachfront, balancing development with biodiversity.
Facilities and Room Categories
Club Med Borneo comprises 400 guest rooms, including 39 Exclusive Collection Suites. The Mutiara Exclusive Collection functions as a “resort within a resort,” offering a private lounge, an exclusive swimming pool, and the Bayu Bar .
Extended stays in resorts and hotels typically require durable luggage for international travel.
Dining Venues:
- The Alam: Main buffet restaurant featuring international and Malaysian cuisine.
- The Laut: Specialty dining concept with a dedicated bar.
- The Pasir: Beachfront bar and social hub .
Recreational offerings include a main infinity pool, a splash park for families, and a spa composed of individual treatment chalets set within the forest . For travellers focused on rest and recovery, exploring ways travelers improve sleep quality on the road can enhance the experience of staying in a new environment.
Opening Promotion and Booking
To mark the launch, Club Med is offering a complimentary upgrade to Deluxe rooms for guests staying between 16 November 2026 and 3 January 2027. The upgrade is automatically applied at booking and subject to availability .
Club Med President and CEO Stéphane Maquaire stated that the property “represents a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy,” adding that it reflects “our commitment to growth in South-East Asia and our dedication to creating destinations that balance premium luxury with environmental stewardship” . Maquaire further noted the project’s role in deepening the brand’s presence in the region.
About Club Med
Founded in 1950, Club Med is a premium all-inclusive holiday brand operating approximately 70 resorts worldwide. The company focuses on family and active travel experiences, with properties located in mountain and coastal destinations. Club Med Cherating, the brand’s first Asian resort, opened in Malaysia in 1979 .
Also read Club Med Kani Maldives to Host Mumcation Wellness Escape in November 2026
