Become a new you at these Club Med events in 2019

Become a new you and take the opportunity to grow mind, body & soul and take part in unique experiences with our new special events and retreats happening at Club Med in 2019 and 2020.

Curious to know which events you could participate in? We’ve made them more visible now with a brand new events section on this blog - compiling all the special events at Club Med with information, dates, locations and even a feature to add those to your calendar!

We’ve also done a quick summary below for you of four upcoming events at Club Med: Adventure into the wild, Eat, Play, Renew, Christmas at Club Med and Body and Soul in 2020. With many more to come soon!

Adventure into the Wild

What: Adventure into the wild

When: 13 July 2019 - 2 August 2019

Where: Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia

How: Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or nature-lover, immerse yourself amidst the 80 hectares of the magnificent Malaysian forest, flora and fauna surrounding the resort. The event is organised along 3 main topics: nature playground, green spirit and adventures.

Enjoy nature activities and dance in the jungle, picnic at the beach, learn massage classes and try healing, forest or paddle board yoga.

Live the green spirit during your stay with activities such as coconut hask planter, firefly jar and fun food preparation.

Adventure and enjoy a beach bootcamp, a trail workshop or a rock climbing experience!

Eat, Play, Renew

What: Eat, Play, Renew

When: 8 October 2019 - 29 October 2019

Where: Club Med Bali

How: The program is an exciting and revitalising welness retreat. The retreat is designed with foodies in mind: experience fruit carving lessons, nutrition workshops, cooking lessons… Wellbeing does not mean boring: experience balinese gamelan music classes, kecak fire dance show, balinese koreo dance classes… this retreat is not your usual retreat - also experience meditation and laughing yoga!

Christmas at Club Med

What: Christmas at Club Med

When: 24th - 25th December 2019

Where: All Club Med resorts

How: Open your precious gifts surrounded by a magical decor and spend quality time with the family around delicious food and fun activities. Experiencing a white Christmas with Club Med is super easy, you have nothing to organise and you will remember this magical and unique holiday forever!

From the Christmas magical atmosphere to the Christmas food and Christmas show,… you will have a lot of activities to choose from!

Body and Soul 2020

What: Body and Soul 2020

When: 26th May - 24th June

Where: Club Med Bintan Island

How: Join us on a wellness journey where you revitalise your mind, body and soul. The 4 thematics are Moving well, Eating well, Playing well and Feeling well.

Become a new You with our international wellness instructors and partners!

More events inside the resorts and around are coming soon! To keep you updated with the latest events, have a look at our Events section on the blog here!

Aerial Yoga - Why You Should Make Your Next Yoga Class Suspended in the Air

Imagine yourself suspended off the ground by a hammock with a light breeze and an amazing view in the background… It’s fun, totally different and a little bit crazy - it’s called Aerial Yoga.

This new activity appeared in the last few years after yoga really took off all over the world. Aerial yoga involves moving through different postures to help improve alignment and flexibility - yet don’t be fooled by the challenging postures, it’s still accessible for all levels of experience. And it is now available at Club Med Bintan Island!

What is aerial yoga

Aerial yoga is also called anti-gravity yoga as during the session you are suspended off the ground. It combines traditional yoga postures and core strengthening exercises with the use of silk hammock that lift you off the ground and allow you to completely let go, getting deeper into the postures, and cracking a few smiles in the process!

Benefits

• It relieves compression in the spine instead of the natural downward compression produced by gravity. It allows you to relax and reduces joint pressure.

• It challenges the central nervous system and stimulates both mind and body. It requires focus and patience to learn to move your body through the different poses.

• It increases pulling strength. This movement isn’t found in the traditional yoga practice. It is a great way to keep your shoulders balanced!

• It improves flexibility. You will be able to refine and improve your alignment and relax into the pose.

• It is beginner-friendly! You can play with the different postures and build the strength to execute the different yoga poses as you gather strength and confidence with each class.

Yoga in Bintan Island

From Club Med Bintan Island, take time to rejuvenate body and soul with an aerial yoga session facing the sea, just upside down! You’ll definitely get addicted quicker than you think.

Just a short ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Island is surrounded by raw natural beauty: the perfect place to relax and experience wellness activities: a beautiful spa perched on the rocks, flying trapeze or new yoga poses.

Come and discover aerial yoga at Bintan Island!

A family holiday in Club Med Bintan Island

Club Med has met the lovely Tara Morgan, a Melbourne-based Mobile Travel Agent, who travelled to Bintan Island with her family in October 2017. There, Tara celebrated her daughter's 10th birthday, relaxed and discovered new experiences! She was kind enough to answer our questions and share with us her experience at Club Med Bintan Island in Indonesia. Hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed interviewing her!

1. Why did you choose to go Club Med Bintan Island?

We needed a family holiday that wasn’t too far to travel from Melbourne which had a great beach and where everything was included (activities, food and drinks) and Club Med Bintan delivered.

2. What was your typical day in the resort?

My children couldn’t wait to go to kids club after breakfast each morning to do archery followed by circus school where they flew through the air on the trapeze. It gave my children amazing opportunities and they were able to meet children from countries all over the world as well as the incredible staff members who also came from countries from all over the world – it truly broadened their horizons.

We would then spend part of the afternoon at the beach. When we were there they had the most perfect waves which were just big enough to be able to body surf. And then in between swimming we would hop on a paddle board, kayak or catamaran with the children and go out on the water. There are so many activities on offer and to take part in if you want too. As a family we played tennis, badminton, family archery, basketball, water polo, water aerobics, golf just to name a few.

Then each night they put on different shows which were fantastic especially the white night!

3. What was your highlight from the trip?

Celebrating my daughters 10th birthday whilst we were there with a specially made Club Med cake followed by the children performing on stage. Also, being located next to the Ria Bintan golf course was also fantastic as we had the opportunity to play at this first class golf course which was additional but worth every cent. Back at Club Med Bintan they have a putting green and also you can hit in the nets and be taught by a golf pro.

4. What did you enjoy the most in Bintan Island?

Definitely all of the activities that were available, the beach, then the food – oh my goodness where do I start……the choices were incredible. Being such a multi cultural resort the food also represented this diversity. From Italian to Korean to Indian to Japanese and then American to name a few.

We were so spoilt for choice and then desserts….thank goodness we did so many activities during the day! I loved that my children had such an amazing variety of food and dishes to choose from and that they could go up and get it themselves. Being all inclusive made our family holiday so very easy. We didn’t have to worry when the children wanted another banana milkshake – they just went up and ordered it themselves. Or we wanted another Pina Colada - no nasty bill at the end of our stay as it is all part of our package.

5. What is your top tip for a family trip in Bintan Island?

Always check the activity board for the next day so that you don’t miss out on any of the fantastic activities that are offered on each day.

6. What are your must-dos for a perfect family holiday in Bintan?

Enjoy and try the activities and new experiences that Club Med Bintan has to offer and also enjoy the precious family time together.

7. Which Club Med would you like to try next?

We would absolutely love to take the children skiing in Japan to Club Med Sahoro

My family and I have just recently returned from the most wonderful 7 night family holiday at Club Med Bintan.

This was the family holiday we needed and Club Med Bintan delivered! It has something for everyone – an amazing kids club catering to all different ages and activities. My children couldn’t wait to go to kids club after breakfast each morning to do archery followed by circus school where they flew through the air on the trapeze. There were so many activities for all children to choose from including being part of the stage production which was just fantastic. It gave my children amazing opportunities and they were able to meet children from countries all over the world as well as the incredible staff members who also came from countries from all over the world – it truly broadened their horizons.

Then the food – oh my goodness where do I start……the choices were incredible. Being such a multi cultural resort the food also represented this diversity. From Italian to Korean to Indian to Japanese and then American to name a few. We were so spoilt for choice and then desserts….thank goodness we did so many activities during the day! I loved that my children had such an amazing variety of food and dishes to choose from and that they could go up and get it themselves.

Being all inclusive made our family holiday so very easy. We didn’t have to worry when the children wanted another banana milkshake – they just went up and ordered it themselves. Or we wanted another Pina Colada - no nasty bill at the end of our stay as it is all part of our package.

Club Med Bintan has the most beautiful beach and the water temperature is just divine. When we were there they had the most perfect waves which were just big enough to be able to body surf. And then inbetween swimming we would hop on a paddle board, kayak or catamaran with the children and go out on the water. Bliss!

Being located next to the Ria Bintan golf course was also fantastic as we had the opportunity to play at this first class golf course which was additional but worth every cent. Back at Club Med Bintan they have a putting green and also you can hit in the nets and be taught by a golf pro.

There are so many activities on offer and to take part in if you want too. As a family we played tennis, badminton, family archery, basketball, water polo, water aerobics, golf just to name a few. Then each night they put on different shows which were fantastic especially the white night!

We absolutely loved our stay at Club Med Bintan and it definitely exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect holiday for us.

Thank-you to all the wonderful staff who made our stay so memorable.

We are now looking forward to planning our next Club Med holiday!

Curious to know more? Discover all what you can do at Club Med Bintan Island and plan your next family holiday!

Luxury Travel in the Maldives by Eryn Krouse

This article was reposted from Eryn Krouse(@erynkrouse). Read the original story here. Note: All images below are courtesy of Eryn Krouse and her photographer Trent Mitchell, and have been shared with permission.

Luxury Travel in the Maldives

After nine days of all-inclusive gourmet food and drinks, staying in two different overwater villa suites, having a personal boat to go to epic surf, and a whole lot of rest and relaxation, you can bet I got a taste of the good life.

Here is what a luxury surf trip in the Maldives looks like.

After a disorienting period of time where I reached the point where I felt as if I had spent my entire life confined to the cramped insides of an airplane, I finally began to spot the infamous atolls that make up the Maldives out the window. Bright, circular, marble-looking blobs surrounded by rings of different shades of blue that looked more like giant eyeballs than little islands, just floating on the surface of the Earth. I touch down on Malé and hear the pilot say, “Welcome to the Maldives”. Finally, I made it to paradise.

CLUB MED KANI

So, picture this. You wake up on a king-size canopy bed with the sunrise peeking through white curtains lightly blowing from the sea breeze. You climb out of bed and step out on to the deck to admire the vibrant blue sheen of the water below you. You might even see a school of fish, or an occasional ray or reef shark swim by. The water looks inviting, so you jump in. Taking a few strokes before turning over on to your back to float, you close your eyes and relax. You hear your significant other calling out your name to let you know that room service has arrived, so you swim back to your dock, rinse off in the outdoor shower, and don a robe from the bathroom. A server is carrying two trays of breakfast items, and he asks you, “Where would you like to eat your breakfast today?” to which you respond “On the front deck, please”. You take a seat outside and uncover the lids to reveal plates of fresh croissants, steaming eggs, crisp bacon, maybe even some warm crepes, and it all smells so good that your mouth waters in anticipation as you pour yourself a hot cup of coffee…

It’s 7:30 am and the day has just begun.

 Every day in the Maldives brought a new adventure. With the sun out, the water would shine as a bright, turquoise blue, and I’d eagerly admire the view as I waxed up my board. I’d walk the path from the overwater villa down to the dock with my surfboard in one hand, and my boyfriend’s hand in the other. Once in the boat, we’d speed away into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. It was a common sight to see spotted, lone manta rays cruising by, or a pod of jumping dolphins. Every moment was a different adventure out at sea.

Surfing in the Maldives is a magical experience. The water is so clear that you can see fish swimming under you as you ride a wave of almost transparent looking water. It’s pure stoke. For a complete guide on surfing in the Maldives, click here.

Salty, happy, and surfed out, I take a moment to soak in the sun. It feels so good to lay on the sand, feeling the warm rays on my skin while listening to the soft lapping of the waves onto the coquina shore. I close my eyes in absolute contentment, the kind of content I get only after spending blissful hours in the ocean.  This stretch of beach is quiet. The only visible signs of life are the little sand crabs bustling around, bumping into each other.

Back at the villa… my body is sore and a bit sunburnt from surfing all morning. I run the water in the tub for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. On the walk back from the beach, I picked plumeria and hibiscus flowers to put in the bath to create a personal spa in the privacy of my villa. To really pamper myself, I open my brand new products from Malie Organics, including a plumeria scented body scrub and body polish moisturizer… the ultimate pampering experience.

CLUB MED FINOLHU

After spending a week at Club Med Kani, Club Med Finolhu was just a short boat hop away; a continuation of our experience of luxury travel. Our new overwater villa was equipped with a personal pool, an outdoor shower and spa-inspired bath tub, a butler, and a chauffeur to take us to the various all-inclusive restaurants and amenities located at the resort.

Tea time at Club Med Finolhu is an event in itself. Originally established in England in the 1800s by aristocratic British society, the concept of afternoon tea is the very embodiment of comforting luxury, every detail from the china to the atmosphere to the finger food, all adding to the overall experience of mid-afternoon pleasantry.

Wrapped up in soft, white robes, my boyfriend and I sat on the couch in the front room; floor-length doors opened up to the outside deck and the expanse of crystal blue ocean, smooth jazz softly playing through the speakers. Tropical rain quietly fell outside as our butler brought in a selection of Ceylon tea, specially packed in nearby Sri Lanka. Names such as Darjeeling Black, English Breakfast and Moroccan Mint labeled the cloth tea bags, all neatly stacked together in a wooden box. I chose English Breakfast, my personal favorite tea, and Michael chose Darjeeling black, carefully stirring in sugar crystals and organic milk until the tea was a rich, chocolate brown liquid. Bringing the cup of tea up to my mouth, a warm sensation runs through my body as the deep aroma slowly creeps up my nose, traceable hints of spices of the orient. The tea serves as a palette cleanser; the perfect balance of sweet and savory to go with the finger sandwiches, cookies, and tropical fruits.

One could argue that tea is just tea, but there is something special when it transforms into a whole experience; the feeling of being in your own world with no land for as far as you can see; just a muted turquoise ocean blending into the soft grey of the rainy sky. It became an emotional experience that transported me into a state of euphoria that comes only when I feel completely free, without a worry in the world.

It’s amazing the power tea can have, isn’t it? (;

In collaboration with:

Club Med Kaniand Club Med Finolhu

Summersite

Rusty Womens

Reef Oil

Eidon Life

7 Incredible Zen Pools

Whether it is in the wild or next to the sea, there are so many ways to relax in a Zen Pool at Club Med!Exclusively for adults, our Zen Pools are designed for people looking for peace and well-being. Here is our selection of 7 incredible zen pools you'll want to dive in.

#1 Surrounded by palm trees in Bali, Indonesia

Overlooking a lush field of palm trees, the design of this incredible Zen Pool of Club Med Bali is inspired by the local culture.

#2 Alongside turquoise lagoon in Punta Cana

Located in the Dominican Republic, Club Med Punta Cana offers a brand new Zen Oasis Space for adults only. This luxurious Zen Pool is the perfect hideaway for peace, harmony and relaxation.

#3 Dedicated to peace in Phuket, Thailand

Enhanced by lawn and teak, this Zen Pool in Club Med Phuket is dedicated to peace and relaxation.

#4 Natural Pool in Da Balaia, Portugal

In Portugal, perched on a red clifftop in the south of the country, Club Med Da Balaia offers a Zen Natural Pool with pristine water naturally cleaned by plants.

#5 Into the wild in Cherating Beach

Perched on the edge of Malaysia and in the middle of the jungle, the Zen Pool of Club Med Cherating Beach also offers an incredible view over the water.

#6 Revitalize with nature in Rio Das Pedras

Beautifully located in the Mata Atlantica nature reserve, this Zen Pool of Club Med Rio Das Pedras in Brazil is between the forest and a fine sandy beach.

#7 Over water in Cancun Yucatan, Mexico

Alongside the world's second largest coral reef, indulge in this brand new Zen Pool of the Jade 5 Trident Luxury Space. Between the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon, Club Med Cancun Yucatan offers a luxurious and exclusive retreat.

Plan your holiday to dive into all these incredible Zen Pools here and enjoy up to 40% with our Early Bird Offer!

#MeetOurG.O.s – Stephanie, G.O. at Club Med Sanya

The heart of Club Med is in happiness, and part of that comes from the incredible people we bring together from around the world. The job of the G.O. was invented by Club Med 60 years ago, and it is still one of the best jobs in the world. G.Os travel around the world, meeting new people and injecting happiness into your holiday. They are, in short, what makes a Club Med holiday unforgettable. To get to know our Aussie G.O.s, we asked Stephanie, an Aussie working at Club Med Sanya, for the lowdown on being a G.O. at Club Med, as well as her insider tips for a holiday to Sanya.

#1: How long have you been a member of the Club Med family?

I’ve been a part of the Club Med family for 5 years!  I started my journey in Lindeman Island as Boutique G.O, then moved to Bali as Fitness G.O, Bintan Island as Fitness G.O, Guilin as Choreographer, Bali as Choreographer, Kani as Choreographer and now I feel so lucky to say I’m Animation Manager, here in beautiful Sanya.

#2: What makes Club Med Sanya such a great place to holiday?

It's a perfect balance!  Club Med Sanya is a great place to welcome the whole family, as well as all couples and friends.  We have a really great range of activities, which can be done as a family.  So, during the day time you will feel a really positive happy family atmosphere.  Come night time though, it’s a completely different experience!  Our guests can come and watch our G.O Show, either in our Deer Bar Outdoor Theatre or our Ballroom Indoor Theatre, and after you will see the village come alive to party like crazy, with our super power G.O team...plus we are only one out of two resorts in China that has a beach!

#3: What’s your one “insider’s tip” for someone visiting Club Med Sanya?

Make sure you go and visit our Discovery Centre, so you can explore the real Sanya.  I would absolutely recommend either the Side Car or Jeep Tour, to see some exquisite locations, exclusive to our excursions.  For a great day of family fun, the Romance Adventure Park is a must! It has everything, a Water Park, Frozen World and you cannot miss out on the Romance Show!  One of our most popular activities is our Biking Tour.  Make sure you get there early, as it will fill up!  You will go on a quick trip just outside the Resort and ride along the beautiful beach side.  After this activity, you will understand why they call Sanya “The Hawaii of China”.

#4: What is your favourite moment of the day?

Without a doubt sunset, around 5:30pm-6:00pm.  Either find yourself a seat at the Deer Bar and grab a cocktail with your friends or go straight down to the beach, sit right on the shore line and just watch the magic happen.

#5: What is your favourite way to spend a day off in China?

I love exploring new areas of Sanya that I have never found before. On my last day off, I discovered a new beach called Dadonghai, really clean and with that beautiful blue tropical surf.  Plus there are a whole bunch of western bars and really laid back sandwich/burger shacks along the beach - it’s a really laid back place! If you’re keen to try local Hainanese cuisine, there are some great seafood restaurants around, with the fresh catch of the day!  Dadonghai is around 40 minutes by Taxi from the Resort.

#6: What’s your favourite thing about working at Club Med?

Every day is completely different from the day before!  When I wake up in the morning I have no idea who I’ll meet on that day, what I’ll learn from them, all the different experiences we’ll share together, and the memories that I’ll never forget.  I think that's what makes me love it so much still – the mystery!  Also, you never know what’s just around the corner, which village you will be going to next, and what opportunities will come with it.   But always, it's the people.  We work so closely together, that we truly do become like family...a crazy dysfunctional family!

I’ve always said, the G.O’s in Club Med are like all the misfits of the world, thrown into one place!  Come and join the crazy family!

Experience Club Med Sanya with the 360 video below or by clicking here.

#MeetOurG.O.s – Adam, Bartender at Club Med La Plantation d'Albion

The heart of Club Med is in happiness, and part of that comes from the incredible people we bring together from around the world. The job of the G.O. was invented by Club Med 60 years ago, and it is still one of the best jobs in the world. G.Os travel around the world, meeting new people and injecting happiness into your holiday. They are, in short, what makes a Club Med holiday unforgettable.To get to know our Aussie G.O.s, we asked Adam, Australian Bartender at Club Med La Plantation d'Albion and Club Med Sahoro, for the lowdown on being a G.O. at Club Med, as well as his insider tips for a holiday to Mauritius.

#1: How long have you been a member of the Club Med family?

I have worked at Club Med for 2 Years so far.  I stayed one year in Bali followed by one year in La Plantation d'Albion, both resorts as bartender.  Note: Adam is currently finishing up the ski season in Sahoro as a bartender!

#2: What makes Club Med La Plantation d'Albion such a great place to holiday?

It’s a beautiful 5 Trident resort and the rooms are spacious and elegant.

There are 3 beaches set up with pool chairs and day beds for you to choose between, depending on if you want activities or a quiet day.  Having the two pools is great as if you’re with a family you can head to the main pool where you’ll get pulled into entertaining pool games.  If you’re a couple traveling and looking for somewhere to just relax in peace then head over to the Zen Pool which is stunning.

And as a foodie – the food is amazing!!  The village has a great ambience at all times of day and a great team working in it; you won’t be disappointed!

#3: What’s your one “insider’s tip” for someone visiting Club Med La Plantation d'Albion?

Book 10 days, a week simply isn’t enough.  You can easily entertain yourself in the resort for a week which means you’ll never make it outside to try some of the excursions around the island.  Don’t miss the Blue Bay excursion and if you’re travelling as a family, make sure at least you drop the kids into the Mini Club one day so you can enjoy the zen area.

#4: What is your favourite moment of the day?

My favourite moment is the sunset at the Bar Alouda and zen pool area.

#5: What is your favourite way to spend a day off in Mauritius?

My favourite way to spend a day off in Mauritius is to relax at the beach restaurants in the North with a cold beer. Just touring around with some of the locals you work with so you don’t miss anything is awesome!

#6: What’s your favourite thing about working at Club Med?

It’s almost like being adopted into different cultures as you travel around the world.  You have the opportunity to travel a lot and experience a lot of new things.  You meet some unique and amazing people, some that you’re working with and others that are just there for the week.  Club Med really is completely behind the work hard play hard mentality which makes for a good time everywhere you go!

Discover Club Med La Plantation d'Albion in the video below or by clicking here.

#MeetOurG.O.s – Kelly, Fitness G.O. at Club Med Bintan Island

The heart of Club Med is in happiness, and part of that comes from the incredible people we bring together from around the world. The job of the G.O. was invented by Club Med 60 years ago, and it is still one of the best jobs in the world. G.Os travel around the world, meeting new people and injecting happiness into your holiday. They are, in short, what makes a Club Med holiday unforgettable.To get to know our Aussie G.O.s, we asked Kelly, Australian fitness G.O at Club Med Bintan Island, for the lowdown on being a G.O. at Club Med, as well as her insider tips for a holiday to Bintan Island.

#1: How long have you been a member of the Club Med family?

I have been at Club Med Bintan Island for 8 months. This is my first village. I'm a sport polyvalent and mostly the fitness G.O.

#2: What makes Club Med Bintan Island such a great place to holiday?

Club Med Bintan Island is a perfect holiday for everyone. There is something to please everyone of all ages in a safe secure resort. If you want to relax, read a book and drink cocktails all day...you can. If you want to be crazy busy and active there is multiple sports and activities to choose from each hour.

#3: What’s your one “insider’s tip” for someone visiting Club Med Bintan Island?

When you're visiting Club Med Bintan Island, remember your sport shoes so you can enjoy all the fun land sport activities in the sports center!

#4: What is your favourite moment of the day?

My favourite moment of the day is aqua gym! It brings people from all over the world, all ages and any fitness ability, having fun exercising. That's rare!

#5: What is your favourite way to spend a day off in Indonesia?

My favorite thing to do on my day off in Indonesia is to hire a scooter and explore the island, pop into a local restaurant and enjoy local food.

#6: What’s your favourite thing about working at Club Med?

My favourite thing about working at Club Med is the people I meet. GOs from all around the world, and GMs - our beloved customers, also known as Gentle Members - of all ages, nationalities cultural and linguistic backgrounds. And I get paid to stay fit! Yay for being a fitness GO!

Meet our G.O.s in the video below or more about Club Med Bintan Island by clicking here.

Nikki Phillips fell in love with the Indian Ocean

This article was reposted from bynikkiphillips.com. Read the original story here. Note: All images below are courtesy of Nikki Phillips, and have been shared with permission.Nikki Phillips, model and blogger, relates her romantic gateway at Club Med Kani with her husband.

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

In winter we all crave those tropical escapes every year. Somewhere we can relax and take some time away from our hectic schedules whilst basking in the sunshine under those lush green swinging palm trees. But where to go, options are endless. Fiji, Noumea, Vanuatu, Miami, Bali all these places incredible and offer the above, however it’s hard to compete with the place that offers whiter-than-white powder sand and luminous cyan-blue water!

I first came to the Maldives with no idea how different it was to the rest of the world, it’s a place that draws in over a million people a year to it’s tiny, remote and otherwise little-known Indian Ocean paradise. I have fallen so madly in love with this place, it’s drawn me back three times now and as my trip comes to an end I can confidently say, I’ll be back for many years to come. Each time I have visited the Maldives, I’ve left with even greater memories of the islands paradise then before and not only is it because of the islands drop dead beauty, but due to the accommodations and experience we have endured while in this place that represents paradise.

Every resort in the Maldives is it’s own private island, and with over 100 to choose from the only problem is selecting where you want to stay. But let me solve that problem! Welcome to Club Med.

Club Med has two resorts on separate islands, located a short 30min boat ride from Male. Both offering separate options for that “ultimate holiday”.

Club Med Finolhu is Club Med’s luxury Maldives Resort. From a butler that caters discreetly to all your needs to a personal plunge pool and a staircase that descends straight into what feels like your own piece of ocean. Nestled in beautiful natural surroundings, the award-winning [Club Med] Finolhu Villas are an oasis of peace and privacy. I had the opportunity to stay here last year and it was magical ( Read all about it here ) Eager to see if it had changed within a year and eager to be apart of such a resort again we added on a few extra nights. Happy to report, it had changed… the garden’s greener and more mature, the villa’s even more incredible then I remembered and the food was first class along with the service. It truly is an exquisite place.

But I’m getting off track, so as I said earlier Club Med has two resorts in the Maldives, even though I could talk about Finolhu till the cows come home, let me introduce you to an equally fantastic, beautiful and magical place. Now if you’re looking for something that offers a luxury holiday but with different price points, so you can fit within your budget without maxing out the old trusty credit cards. If you enjoy a holiday with the options of constant daily activities and entertainment, then Club Med Kani is for you! Club Med Kani is the island over from Finolhu, only a five-minute speedboat. Club Med Kani offers a Kids Club also, so perfect for families wanting to enjoy a trip together while sneaking in some one on one time occasionally. There’s a good reason why the Club Med Kani Maldives Resort is known as Heaven on Earth. The pristine cyan-blue waters stretch out to the horizon, palm trees sway in the breeze, and there are so many fun ways to enjoy this idyllic scenery. Whether it’s snorkelling with colorful fish, paddling through crystal clear waters, diving, surfing this place offers some of the world’s finest breaks; every day will be a perfect day in the Maldives. Accommodation is also available in the 5 Trident Luxury Space Overwater Suites, for the ultimate indulgence – dive straight from your Suite into the ocean, or have the alpine sand at your doorstep. Life doesn’t get better than this! Oh but it does on this little island. Premium open bar set on the beach offering the most memorizing sunsets. Fresh all day dining that features local and international cuisines available from three restaurants.

Club med Kani offers the opportunity to divulge yourself into the holiday of your dreams for the perfect price, as it’s all-inclusive. Enjoy a holiday rid of stress, drink those cocktails, eat to your hearts content while not being worried of the end bill.

Some activities and the Club Med spa come at an extra cost, but that’s what spoiling yourself is all about, you're on holiday after all. I do recommend a one-hour Balinese massage, at the start of your trip, it left me feeling automatically relaxed, unwound and ready to enjoy my break in paradise.  It will be your match made in heaven just watch the video below to see what I mean.

Discover more about Club Med Kani here or in the video below:

All You Need To Know About A Holiday to Phuket

What's the ideal spot for a quick getaway from home? An island brimming with beautiful beaches, kind-hearted people to meet and a vibrant cultural history to discover, also known as Phuket. Phuket is the ultimate hub for exploring the customs, community, culture and the phenomenal beauty of Thailand… all while getting a sun tan. 

Best time to go to Phuket

Phuket is warm all year round, but the dry season falls between December and March and is generally most popular. Don’t worry though, even in the wet season you’ll still see the sun.

Visas and Vaccinations

Unless you plan on staying for more than 30 days, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can travel to Thailand visa-free.

It’s recommended that travellers get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B before travelling to Thailand. Also, kids will need their immunisation history on arrival at the Kids Clubs, whether at Club Med or other resorts.

How to get there

Jetstar is the only airline to fly direct to Phuket, with a flight time of 9 hours from Sydney. Alternatively, enjoy a stopover with Singapore Airlines, Qantas or Thai Airways, with flight times of around 12 hours.

Your guide on what to see and do in Phuket

When it comes to combining culture with sun-soaked fun, Phuket is the perfect spot. Discover Phuket through local flavours, activities, and excursions to beautiful shores…

More than just beautiful beaches

✔️ Relax your body with a traditional Thai massage. ✔️ Take on the challenge of Muay Thai, Thailand’s favourite combat sport!

✔️ Soar above vibrant gardens and frangipani trees on the flying trapeze. ✔️ Take a Thai cooking class and learn how to create Homok Talay and Tom Yam Goong – not just Pad Thai. ✔️ Calm your mind and body with yoga classes. ✔️ Take a Ruea Hang Yao (long-tail boat) to secret snorkeling spots, and discover untouched coral reef.

Explore it all in Phuket

✔️ Phang Nga Bay has unbelievable emerald waters, with towering cliffs rising from the sea.

✔️ Get up close and personal at an Elephant Safari Park.

✔️ Swim with colourful fish while diving or snorkelling at Racha Yai Island. If you’re lucky, you might see a few dolphins.

✔️ Learn about Buddhism and spirituality at the Big Buddha, a landmark with 360-degree views of the island.

✔️ A holiday to Phuket isn’t complete without a speedboat trip to Phi Phi Island… it’ll look great on your Instagram.

Survival Thai Tips

📝 Hi: sa-was-dee

📝 Welcome: yin-dee-ton-rab

📝 How are you?: sa-bai-dee-mai

📝 Thank you: kob-kun-mak

📝 Goodbye: la-kor

📝 Excuse me: kor-tang-noi-ka

A few more helpful tips

✔️ To avoid getting sick on your holiday, make sure you always drink bottled water. Many hotels and resorts, like Club Med, will offer safe bottled drinking water in your room or at the bar. Also, don’t eat food cooked on the footpath.

✔️ Don’t be afraid to barter with your taxi or tuk tuk driver. Feel free to negotiate a price to avoid getting overcharged. Your driver will often wait for you at your destination, so make sure you decide on a return-trip price.

✔️ When visiting Buddhist temples, ditch the beach clothes and thongs, and opt for more modest clothing to respect local customs.

There’s so much more to Thailand than Pad Thai and Satay Chicken – you really have to experience this incredible country and its beautiful people for yourself. Pack your bags and head for the seaside at Kata Bay.

Discover more about Club Med Phuket in the video below or by clicking here.

How to Have the Perfect Wellness Holiday

Want to feel relaxed and rejuvenated? The answer’s easy…go on holiday!When it comes to feeling refreshed, blissful, and totally Zen, there are few remedies that work as well as a wellness getaway. From doing yoga with kids on the beach to nourishing your body with fresh local produce, we’ve got the lowdown on how to turn your holiday into the perfect wellness retreat.

Fuel your body right on holiday

Holidays are often a time to splurge, leaving you with that heavy feeling on the flight back home. It’s easy to get carried away, especially when a buffet is awaiting you… but buffets are actually the perfect opportunity to load up on superfoods that your body will thank you for.

Eating well on holiday all comes down to the ‘B’ word: balance. All-inclusive meals can actually be the perfect opportunity to indulge yourself in tons of salads and veggies, as well as lean protein. Help yourself to a plate of salad and meat before reaching for that pasta – trust us, your body will thank you! Resorts often also have tropical fruit in abundance, making it the perfect dessert option.

If you’re the kind of person that prefers fresh-squeezed juices, resorts like Club Med Bintan also have DIY juice bars, so there’s no end to the variety of healthy, veggie and fruit-packed juices you can try.

Move your body!

They say as long as you’re having new experiences, you’re forever young. And really, there’s no better time to try new things than on holiday. The list is endless, but here are some of our favourite ideas:

✔️ Holiday yoga is truly something special. Stretching and strengthening your body on the beach can instill a sense of balance that you just can’t get anywhere else.

✔️ Snorkel in new spots every day! Pick a destination with plenty of coral and sea life, such as the Maldives, and you’ll be swimming for hours every day!

✔️ Conquer the skies and soar on the flying trapeze. If you’re really in the mood to challenge yourself, head on to CREACTIVE and try your hand at a range of circus arts – there’s nothing like flying through the air to make you feel free!

Our destination picks for the best wellness holiday

✔️ Bali: Long known as the ultimate wellness and retreat destination, the Balinese place a strong emphasis on yoga, relaxation, and meditation. Be sure to discover local temples as well while you’re there.

✔️ Guilin, China: A coveted destination due to its breathtaking landscape and scenery, Guilin is still to this day considered the most beautiful spot in China. With its famous River Li, terraced rice fields, caves and majestic mountains, Guilin as a region has a strong focus on wellness and Zen activities such as Tai Chi Chuan and reflexology.

✔️ Bintan Island: A short ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan Island has astounding raw natural beauty, and a wide array of opportunities to rejuvenate and restore. Relax with yoga at sunrise or adventure through the forest to a Spa on the clifftops.

✔️ French Alps: Who says wellness holidays need to be tropical? Ski holidays are the perfect time to get active. In the French Alps, there are incredible slopes to ski from Val Thorens to Chamonix Mont Blanc – plus, a spa treatment or a Turkish bath is perfect to soothe your body and soul.

Don’t forget…

✔️ Stay hydrated on the plane by avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of water, especially if you want to get some shut-eye! ✔️ Start your wellness holiday early – many flights like Qantas allow you to pre-order your meal. Pick a light option with plenty of veggies, and try to request fruit for dessert whenever possible. ✔️ Bring your yoga mat on the plane, and stretch out into downward dog at regular intervals. Your body will thank us! ✔️ Sunscreen, a book to read, and hydrating beauty products. Moisturiser and lip balm go a long way, especially if you’re spending plenty of time in the sun or on the slopes.

Ready to embark on your own wellness holiday? Discover our top wellness destinations in the video below, or by clicking here.

10 Reasons Why You Need to Holiday at Bintan Island… Now!

With white sand beaches, rocky cliffs, crystal clear waters and dense jungles, we think Bintan Island is Asia’s best-kept secret. Whether on a family holiday or on a romantic getaway, there are countless reasons why now is the time to head to this island paradise off the coast of Singapore. Here are 10 of them.

#1: You will be visiting a Pirate's Island

With its strategic location, Bintan Island was once a central trading post between China and India, and from the 12th century onwards, the island became home to Malay smugglers and buccaneers who looted passing ships. At that time, Bintan Island was then known as Pirate's Island.

While these days, Bintan is much more peaceful, the island’s cliffs and jungles make it easy to imagine the rugged landscape that made it the perfect settlement for pirates and traders.

#2: The island is home to Asia’s best golf course

If you’ve heard of Bintan Island, it’s most likely in a sentence that mentions the Ria Bintan Golf Course*. Just 5 minutes from Club Med Bintan Island, courses in Ria Bintan make the most of the island’s beautiful native jungle and incredible coastlines. Golf enthusiasts, paradise is right there!

#3: It’s just a ferry ride away from Singapore

Although technically part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, Bintan Island is most accessible from Singapore. Hop on a ferry at Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and in less than an hour you’ll be on Bintan Island – plus, Bintan is one hour behind Singapore, so it’s like you haven’t lost any time at all on the journey!

#4: Club Med Bintan Island is being redesigned…

…and it’s well worth a visit. From the 27th of November 2016, the resort will re-open with a new design inspired by the island’s culture and nature, a bar and lounge that flows outdoors, and a newly redesigned pool.

#5: Find bliss and balance with wellness activities

Surrounded by beautiful stretches of beach and jungles, there’s no better place to relax, rejuvenate, and restore your body and mind than on a holiday to Bintan Island. Escape the daily grind with yoga by the sea, pilates, and the incredible Spa by Amsara*, perched on the clifftops.

#6: There’s no better time for a twilight catch

Picture yourself soaring through the air on Club Med’s flying trapeze, with a magnificent sunset sinking into the horizon as a backdrop… The perfect ‘grammable moment, a twilight catch on the flying trapeze is an unforgettable experience for adults and kids alike.

#7: It’s an incredible spot for watersports and activities

Don your snorkeling gear and explore Bintan’s oceans, filled with coral reefs and fish darting about, windsurf on clear waters, or learn to sail in the South China Sea. There’s literally no end to the ocean adventures you can have!

#8: Fresh and healthy options? Yes please!

From an all-day juice bar to local produce, Club Med Bintan Island’s restaurants are home to delicious fresh ingredients to nourish your body. Paired with Zen yoga and a rejuvenating spa treatment, your body will never feel better.

#9: Bintan Island is still a hidden gem…for now

Bintan Island has enjoyed a relatively low profile in recent years, making it the perfect spot for an island getaway where you truly feel like the place is yours. However, now’s the best time to go – in the coming years, the Indonesian government is developing chartered.

#10: …and the best part?

A holiday to Club Med Bintan Island is all-included, and includes accommodation, gourmet meals, an open bar, sports and activities, Kids Clubs for children aged 4-17, and evening entertainment.

Learn more about Club Med Bintan Island here >

In the meantime... See it for yourself!

* at extra cost