How Club Med Created All-Inclusive Travel
- Valerie Mayer
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 28
If you’ve ever booked an all-inclusive vacation, you know the magic of having everything—food, drinks, activities, and entertainment—wrapped up in one neat package. It feels like peak modern luxury, right? But believe it or not, this idea isn’t new. In fact, all-inclusive travel has roots stretching way back to post-war Europe and—get this—a bunch of army surplus tents on a Spanish beach.
Let’s rewind the clock and dive into how Club Med took this concept and turned it into the worldwide travel phenomenon we know and love today.
The idea of an all-inclusive vacation first started bubbling up in 1936 when British showman Billy Butlin opened his first holiday camp in Skegness, England. His genius idea? Offer a vacation that included accommodation, meals, and entertainment—without breaking the bank. To make the experience even more fun, he introduced "Redcoats," enthusiastic staff whose sole job was to keep guests entertained and engaged.
Butlin’s holiday camps became insanely popular, especially among working-class families looking for an escape during tough economic times. But this was just the warm-up act. The real all-inclusive revolution was waiting for a Belgian entrepreneur, a post-war Europe in search of adventure, and a sun-drenched beach in Spain.
All Inclusive Club Med: From Army Tents to Iconic Getaways
In 1950, Gérard Blitz—a former resistance fighter and all-around visionary—had a dream. He wanted to create a place where people could forget about stress, reconnect with nature, and just live in the moment. That summer, he set up a temporary vacation village in Alcúdia on the beaches of Majorca, Spain. The accommodations: Army surplus tents. The vibe? Pure freedom. No electricity, no running water, just the sun, the sea, and a tight-knit community of travelers sharing meals, playing sports, and soaking in the adventure.
Turns out, post-war Europeans were hungry for this kind of experience. The concept took off, and soon Club Méditerranée (a.k.a. Club Med) was born. New all-inclusive Club Med villages popped up all over the Mediterranean, giving travelers a chance to escape, socialize, and embrace the carefree beach lifestyle.
The second all-inclusive Club Med village opened in Golfo di Baratti, Italy, in 1951, and the vibes were just as laid-back. Archival footage shows guests water skiing, dancing, and living life with an infectious sense of improvisation and fun.
A few years later, in 1956, another village opened in Caprera, an island off the northern coast of Sardinia, proving that the concept of Club Med all-inclusive vacations was here to stay.
From the start, Blitz knew how to keep Club Med members connected. He launched a newsletter called The Trident, keeping past guests updated on new adventures and exciting developments.
Evolution of Club Med all-inclusive vacations
By the late 1950s, Blitz teamed up with Gilbert Trigano, a former camping equipment supplier, and together they expanded the concept of Club Med all-inclusive vacations into a worldwide sensation. The brand’s signature mix of exotic locations, sports, and relaxation became the secret sauce that set it apart.
One of Club Med’s most fascinating quirks? In the early days, there were no clocks, no locks on doors, no TVs, no cars, and—best of all—no money. Instead of cash, guests (a.k.a. Gentils Membres or GMs) used colorful bead necklaces as currency for drinks at the bar. This playful detail only added to the free-spirited atmosphere.
And then, of course, there were the legendary Gentils Organisateurs (GOs)—Club Med’s staff, who lived among guests, led activities, and kept the good vibes going. They dined with vacationers, encouraged sports, and made sure every evening was packed with entertainment.
One of the most famous all-inclusive Club Med’s traditions, the Crazy Signs dance, started in the 1950s. Picture an entire village of vacationers throwing their hands up in unison, dancing like nobody's watching. It became an iconic part of the Club Med experience.
The Boom: Ski Resorts, Exotic Islands, and More
The 1960s and 1970s were massive for Club Med. Not only did they introduce Club Med ski resorts in France, bringing all-inclusive magic to the mountains, but they also expanded beyond the Mediterranean. In 1965, Club Med made its debut in Tahiti, soon followed by all-inclusive Club Med resorts in the French Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique.
In 1967, they launched the Mini Club, offering fun programs just for kids. Now, families could enjoy Club Med all-inclusive vacations without worrying about keeping their little ones entertained—game-changer!
All Inclusive Club Med’s Glow-Up: From Rustic to Luxury
By the 1980s and ‘90s, Club Med started moving away from its rustic roots. The free-spirited tent villages gave way to more upscale, resort-style experiences. Structured activities, premium accommodations, and curated experiences became the new normal.
Then, in the early 2000s, under the leadership of Henri Giscard d’Estaing, Club Med went through a full-on transformation. Recognizing that modern travelers were looking for something a little more refined, the brand repositioned itself as a premium all-inclusive provider. Out went the tents, in came elegant bungalows, gourmet dining, and more family-friendly Club Med all-inclusive vacations.
One of the biggest shifts? The expansion into Asia, especially China and Japan, which turned Club Med into a truly global powerhouse.
The Future of All-Inclusive Vacations
Even a global pandemic couldn’t slow down the all-inclusive Club Med. Between 2021 and 2023, they opened sixteen new resorts—eight in China alone—proving that the demand for all-inclusive escapes isn’t going anywhere. And with over 60 Club Med activities available at their resorts at no extra cost (yes, 60 different sporting activities!), they continue to offer travelers unforgettable experiences packed with adventure, relaxation, and connection.
Your Next Adventure Starts Now
From humble army tents to some of the most sought-after vacation destinations on the planet, all-inclusive Club Med’s journey proves that a great idea—and a little bit of beachside magic—can change the way we travel forever. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape or a ski adventure, Club Med is still all about delivering unforgettable, carefree experiences.
So, what are you waiting for? Your next all-inclusive adventure is calling. Reach out and start making new memories!
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