A new chapter for Club Med’s upscale evolution
As pioneers of all-inclusive resorts, Club Med is keeping up with the ever-growing market of high-end all-inclusive offerings from four and five-star hotel groups. Club Med seeks to meet the evolving expectations of travelers by continuing its strategy of upscale development over the past few years. This has led to the launch of their new Exclusive Collection.
The Exclusive Collection offers upgraded spaces and experiences in around ten clubs worldwide, including fully labeled Exclusive Collection locations, such as Club Med Val d’Isère – the first of its kind in the mountains. A significant 50 million euros have been invested to completely redesign this historic resort to attract a chic clientele to this sports destination.
Authenticity and exclusivity in one package
Club Med’s Exclusive Collection promises not just a higher-end all-inclusive experience but also one that is more authentic, blending well-being, unique experiences, attentive service, and intimacy. François Champsaur, a renowned architect, was enlisted to give the Val d’Isère resort a sophisticated new design that reflects the heart and soul of its new label. Upgraded spaces have been created in the establishment for optimal fluidity and comfort.
Comfortable accommodation for individuals and families alike
To enhance guests’ stay, the initial accommodation capacity has been reduced to enlarge room sizes. Today, 65% of the 216 Deluxe rooms and suites are over 30 square meters (323 square feet), and 70% are suitable for family stays. These redesigned spaces make it much more appealing to spend time indoors for moments when outdoor weather conditions or après-ski activities are less favorable.
The decor, found in lounges, lobbies, restaurants, and bars, reinterprets classic mountain codes – stone, wool, wood including walls made of real logs – by integrating glacier blue and red shades. Visual tributes to the sporting heritage of the resort can also be found with ski lifts transformed into sofas, old photos of skiers, faux fur blankets, enveloping armchairs, and stylized carpets and rugs.
Upgrading classic Club Med features
A tasteful transformation of the buffet
Club Med’s famous buffet has undergone a complete redesign with an emphasis on quality and waste reduction:
- Le Bellevarde, the main restaurant that overlooks the peaks, now embraces an elegant market hall atmosphere. Everything from the fishmonger’s stall to the bread oven has been carefully chosen, including the cheese cellar and raclette counter where chefs serve local products and ingredients sourced directly from nearby providers.
- Les Millésimes, the à la carte specialty restaurant, brings guests a private Savoyard club feel with an impressive wine cellar.
Introducing the new hot spot: Le Chalet terrace bar
Following the trend of lively venues popping up in many resorts, Le Chalet terrace bar is an upbeat addition to the Val d’Isère location. As lunch hour approaches, the electro-jazzy DJ set energizes the space, offering seafood appetizers and grilled dishes in front of cozy fire pits.
Simplified processes for a carefree stay
With their Exclusive Collection, Club Med embodies its DNA of good moods, carefree attitudes, and relaxation by providing guests with a free spirit promise. This powerful formula aims to spare vacationers from the time-consuming formalities that often weigh down their hotel stay.
Paperwork for registrations with ESF (French Ski School), children’s clubs, and ski pass issuance has been simplified, making it faster and more convenient for guests. Arrivals and departures take place on Sundays to reduce crowds at train stations and roads. Additionally, there are no lengthy check-in or check-out procedures – all guests have to do is pick up and return their bracelet-keys.
An expanded range of activities and commitment to responsible travel
Club Med Val d’Isère does not forget about non-skiers either, offering a variety of immersive activities for adults and children alike:
- Ice diving
- Fat biking
- Dog sledding
- Hiking
- Night walks painting on snow
- Wellness offerings such as the Cinq Mondes spa, which boasts a 17-meter (56-foot) indoor pool, an inviting outdoor jacuzzi, and a ByHeberson yoga studio created by Heberson Oliveira as an accessible learning method.
In addition, Club Med is committed to responsible travel. The Val d’Isère resort is BREEAM Good certified for its renovation that respects sustainability requirements and Green Globe certified for its daily energy and waste management. It has also discontinued the use of single-use plastics.
With so much to offer, Club Med Val d’Isère is indeed an ideal choice for those looking to experience luxury in the mountains until early May when spring skiing goes up to an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). Starting rates are €1,666 per adult per week on an all-inclusive basis, excluding transportation.
