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Club Med Manado Resort to Open in 2028

A wide view of Manado's coastline and Bunaken reefs near the planned Club Med Manado resort, highlighting North Sulawesi travel appeal.
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5 min read

Club Med has signed a hotel management agreement for a 250-room, all-inclusive Club Med Manado resort in Indonesia's North Sulawesi, targeting a 2028 debut. The project, on Sulawesi's east bay about 70 minutes from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC), will include the brand's Kids Club, Amazing Family programming, and an Exclusive Collection space. The resort's dining aims to showcase Manadonese flavors alongside international options, according to the companies. It will be Club Med's third property in Indonesia, joining Bali and Bintan.

Key Points

  • Why it matters: Club Med expands with a third Indonesia resort, reaching an under-served dive and nature market.
  • Travel impact: New all-inclusive resort adds family-friendly capacity near Bunaken National Park.
  • What's next: Groundwork toward a 2028 opening, with design, permitting, and pre-sales milestones.
  • 250 rooms with sea and mountain views, plus Exclusive Collection space.
  • Targeting BREEAM Very Good certification and more than 1,000 local jobs.

Snapshot

Manado sits on Sulawesi's northern tip, nearest to major hub Singapore, with nonstop flights typically around 3 hours and 40 minutes. The new Club Med Manado resort is planned on the island's east bay, a roughly 70-minute drive from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC). The setting offers access to acclaimed dive sites in Bunaken National Park and views toward Mount Klabat. For practical arrival details, see Sam Ratulangi International Airport's traveler information page (https://samratulangi-airport.com/en?utm_source=adept.travel). The property will be all-inclusive, pairing family-focused activities with upgraded accommodations in a dedicated Exclusive Collection area.

Background

Club Med entered Indonesia in the 1980s and 1990s with Club Med Bali, which opened in 1984, and Club Med Bintan, which debuted in 1997. The Manado project continues that footprint in a region known for clear waters, wall dives, and a mix of volcanic and island scenery. Club Med and Indonesian developer PT Grahatama Kreasibaru have agreed on a hotel management structure, positioning the brand to deliver its standard of included dining, activities, and kids programming. The companies say the resort aims for BREEAM Very Good, a widely used building-sustainability benchmark. The partners also project more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across the development and operations. For travelers, the location places snorkeling, diving, and day-boat excursions within easy reach.

Latest Developments

Club Med signs Manado deal, targets 2028 opening

Club Med confirmed it signed a Hotel Management Agreement with PT Grahatama Kreasibaru for the Club Med Manado, planned to open in 2028. The resort is described as a 250-room, all-inclusive property on Sulawesi's east bay with views of the Molucca Sea and Mount Klabat. Programming will include the brand's Kids Club and Amazing Family activities, plus an Exclusive Collection space for enhanced privacy and services. Dining concepts will blend local Manadonese cuisine with international menus. Read the announcement for full details (https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pioneering-new-horizons-club-med-announces-new-resort-in-manado-indonesia-expanding-its-southeast-asia-portfolio-302524347.html?utm_source=adept.travel).

Sustainability goal and jobs outlook

Project materials state the resort targets a BREEAM Very Good rating at construction and is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs across Club Med's Indonesia footprint and the new property. The partners frame this as part of a broader responsible-growth strategy tied to community hiring and culinary-sourcing initiatives. A summary from industry trade coverage is here (https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41013056.html?utm_source=adept.travel).

Analysis

Club Med's return to expansion in Indonesia strengthens its family-friendly, all-inclusive proposition in a destination best known among divers and nature enthusiasts. Manado has long been the jumping-off point for Bunaken National Park, where coral walls, clear water, and easy boat access create wide appeal beyond hardcore dive travelers. With a large, branded resort, North Sulawesi could see broader demand from families and multigenerational groups who prefer structured activities, kids programs, and bundled pricing. Air access is improving, with direct Singapore service and frequent Jakarta links, which reduces friction for international arrivals and domestic connections. The sustainability target aligns with Club Med's recent development posture and supports marketing to eco-minded guests. Execution risks remain typical for greenfield resort builds in emerging areas, including permitting timelines, utility resiliency, and supply-chain reliability. Still, combining a globally recognized all-inclusive resort with North Sulawesi's natural assets should diversify Indonesia's tourism map beyond Bali and Bintan.

Final Thoughts

If timelines hold, the Club Med Manado resort could be a catalyst for North Sulawesi travel, converting dive-driven awareness into broader leisure demand. With kids programming, bundled dining, and an Exclusive Collection enclave, it adds premium, all-inclusive inventory in a destination prized for reefs and scenery. Watch for construction updates, route additions into Sam Ratulangi International Airport, and pre-opening offers as the 2028 date approaches. For families and active couples, the Club Med Manado resort promises an attractive new base for Indonesia island-hopping and underwater exploration.

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