On Location: Club Med Cancun turns 50 with a fresh look

Half a century of sun, holidays and memories: Club Med Cancun is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with renovations and new experiences.

With renovations and enhanced experiences, the iconic resort continues to evolve without losing its core identity.

From October 20 to 23, Club Med is hosting a group of 40 travel advisors in Cancun, including 21 from Quebec and 19 from English-speaking Canada, for a familiarization trip.

Opened in 1976, when Cancun was just emerging as a tourism destination, Club Med Cancun was one of the area’s first resorts. 

Today, it continues its transformation with major renovations largely scheduled for completion in 2026.

To celebrate the anniversary, participants are enjoying Mexican cuisine, cultural activities and festive evenings hosted by the GOs, including the traditional white party and the 45th anniversary party.

Celebrating a legacy 

During a meeting with travel professionals, Vincent Giraud, vice president of Canada and North American commercial operations at Club Med, looked back on the brand's beginnings in Cancun.

"It is a great source of pride for us to have been pioneers in Cancun," he emphasized.

The anniversary follows two other milestones for the company, which in 2025 celebrated its 75th anniversary as well as 50 years in the Canadian market. 

For Giraud, this legacy is both a source of pride and a responsibility to continue developing the brand and its resorts, without losing the spirit that distinguishes them.

It’s a vision shared by Nathan Scarazzati, regional sales director for the Quebec market, who emphasizes Club Med Cancun's ability to renew itself while preserving its identity.

"What sets us apart is our mission to create unforgettable moments of happiness for our clients," he said. 

He said the Club Med experience is based as much on the quality of the facilities and services as on the welcoming atmosphere and opportunities to connect with others.

From sophisticated cocktails and restaurants showcasing local cuisine and French savoir-faire to the famous Crazy Signs, the brand’s signature group dances, everything is designed to create a unique atmosphere and memorable experiences.

A new heart for the Village

Among the most visible changes is the redesign of the resort’s central area.

New additions include an infinity pool overlooking the lagoon, a redesigned terrace and Las Velas, a beach and pool bar offering takeaway service. 

Guestrooms are also being updated. Thirty Deluxe rooms, all offering sea views, have been redesigned, while 130 Superior rooms are also undergoing renovations. 

The new aesthetic draws its inspiration from the Yucatan, with natural tones, handcrafted elements and references to Mayan culture.

The transformation will continue beyond the 50th anniversary celebrations, however, with some renovated rooms to be unveiled gradually until 2027. 

Expanded family offerings

The Family Oasis Aguamarina features a water park with slides and water games, as well as redesigned swimming pools. 

The Mayan Kids Club immerses younger children in a world inspired by the culture and identity of Yucatan.

Programs for children and teenagers allow young holidaymakers to enjoy age-appropriate activities, while their parents can enjoy some relaxation time. 

This focus on families reflects the evolution of the Village, whose clientele and facilities have diversified over the decades.

Sports and wellness

The Village also places great importance on sport and well-being, notably through its Sport and Well-being Island.

This space includes a palapa dedicated to yoga, a mini-golf course, ten pickleball courts and a circus school offering flying trapeze, bungee and trampoline activities. 

Guests can also take part in water sports and dance classes or unwind at the spa.

This diversity remains a defining feature of Club Med’s all-inclusive offering, which focuses on an experience that goes far beyond accommodation and dining. 

Club Med outlines growth plans through 2035

The 50th anniversary celebrations also allowed Club Med to outline its international development ambitions.

Giraud highlighted that the number of Canadian Club Med customers had doubled since the pandemic, an increase he attributes in part to the support of travel industry partners. 

By 2035, Club Med aims to double its global customer base and plans to open 35 new resorts.

Projects mentioned include the US Virgin Islands, Tremblant, South Africa and Borneo in Malaysia.

Giraud also took the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of travel advisors in this strategy.

He emphasized the group's commitment to continuing its growth with its distribution partners and to offering them quality service at every stage of the customer journey, from booking to post-stay. 

The familiarization trip continues until October 23, with more discoveries and activities planned. 

PAX will share more from Club Med Cancun in an upcoming story.

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