CLUB MED CHERATING BEACH, Kuantan, Pahang

The name “Club Med” is pretty much a well-known brand where holiday resorts are concerned. Their best-selling factor is the all-inclusive food, accommodation and activities package in a luxurious idyllic setting. Everything is taken care of, the moment you step into a Club Med and that’s exactly what a perfect holiday should be!

The sole Club Med here in Malaysia is located in Cherating, Pahang. Club Med Cherating Beach is nestled on a perfect spot: between a lush tropical forest on one side and the South China Sea on the other. It’s truly the best of both worlds and the scope of activities here is amazing, whether you are going there with your partner or with the entire family.

The moment the van deposited us at the main lobby, we were given a warm welcome by the GOs (Gentil Organisatuer aka “Gentle Organizers”). After some cold drinks, wet towels and a short briefing, we were personally accompanied by a GO right to our room.

THE ACCOMODATION

There are 15 wooden buildings on stilts scattered around the property and these house the 297 guestrooms in the resort.   Our room’s in a sea-facing direction. Beyond the windows and screen door of our room was a wide expanse of green lawn and beyond that, the bright shimmering waters of the South China Sea. Bliss.

Our deluxe room is well-equipped with all modern comforts like flat screen tv, mini fridge, in-room coffee facility, ironing board, hairdryer etc.

 

THE FOOD

Mutiara

After freshening up, we headed to Mutiara for lunch. A short stroll through the grounds and we found Mutiara which is located inside the main building of the resort. Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here, showcasing local and international fares. Most of the food stations are manned by chefs who cook their dishes on-the-spot.

My favourites are the Chinese and Indian counters. They serve good soups and stir-fry dishes at the Chinese station while the curries and sambals at the Indian counter are very decent. I love the hot roti canai done by the Indian chef and his Bendi Masala is superb.

The Mutiara is very spacious, with lots of seating within its air-conditioned confines as well as the al fresco dining outside at the terrace where smoking is permitted.

I like how the seating is arranged thoughtfully to serve different preferences – there are the round tables for families, smaller square tables for couples and then there’s the high-chair bar-sitting configuration for groups of youngsters. Unlimited flow of house wines, beers and soft drinks are available here.

Rembulan

A 5-minute buggy ride took us to Rembulan, beside Pantai beach. This cosy intimate restaurant is built on sloping higher ground so diners can get a splendid view of the lush greens and the sea through the windows. The terrace is a perfect place for an al fresco dinner with the sea breeze blowing.

Rembulan serves a la carte dishes as well as set meals. On weekends, it’s likely to have set dinners with two choices of dishes for each course.

The Noodles Bar (2.45pm-6.00pm; 9.45pm-11.30pm)

It’s great how the resort takes care of its guests. In between main meals when the main restaurants are not open, and if you are feeling hungry (which you are bound to, if you participate in Club Med’s activities), head on to the Noodles Bar.

While we were there, the Noodles Bar was serving 4 types of noodles which could be rustled up pretty quickly. They go a long way to stave off the hunger pangs until the next main meal.

Main Bar

This must be the most popular spot to hangout in Club Med Cherating Beach. Located right in the middle of the resort, there are always guests milling around here. The international bar crew are always busy mixing and serving cocktails and all kinds of drinks to them. At sundown, trays of canapés are served.

THE FUN

One of the first things that strikes you about Club Med Cherating Beach is its sheer size. The rolling green lawns, coconut trees and greenery seem unending. That’s not surprising as this resort covers 80 hectares of tropical forest so there’s really a lot to explore. Furthermore, it has obtained Green Globe certification.

Club Med Cherating Beach has a host of outdoor and indoor activities lined up, for kids and adults.

The Pools

The Main Pool is always a hive of activities with kids and adults enjoying themselves, either swimming or playing some water games. It’s popular due to its proximity to the Main Bar and kids activities rooms.

Take a 20-minute walk or hop onto the resort train to get to the Zen Space and Quiet Pool. Here peace and serenity rule as guests are reminded to remain quiet while enjoying the facilities. Opened only to guests 18 years and above, it’s a great place to unwind – swim, read, get a tan or simply just laze on a deck chair and the only noise would be those coming from Mother Nature.

Pantai Beach is located just behind this quiet haven – a great spot to laze around, sun-bathe or engage in some water sports.

Kids Clubs

Guests with kids can still go to the Zen Space to enjoy its serenity as they can safely leave their kids with the GOs in the Kids Clubs. Choose the clubs according to the kids’ ages:

Baby Club Med (4-23 months, at extra costs)

There are suitable baby care equipment here and the GOs handle the babies with lots of care and cuddles.

Petit Club Med (2-3 years old, at extra costs)

Kids get to play all day or participate in select activities.

Mini Club Med (4 years -11 years, optional extra)

Kids will enjoy a wide variety of discovery and manual activities, water sports and festive teatimes.

Club Med Passworld (11-17 years old)

Outdoor Activities

Declared as an Eco Nature Village and with 80 hectares of tropical forest around, there’s a host of outdoor activities to be done in Club Med Cherating Beach for sure. The verdant green jungle, the calm blue sea, blue skies and sandy beaches are perfect landscapes for guests to connect with Mother Nature. There’s hiking and a variety of watersports to engage in. For the more adventurous, try out the outdoor trapeze, archery or just relax with an uplifting yoga session beneath the shade of thousand-year-old trees. The resort is constantly organizing diversified workshops by international experts – how about learning some mosaic art, K-pop dance moves or eco crafts? Do check out their website for the latest happenings.

The Nightly Shows

The GOs in Club Med are a talented bunch. A GO who’s doing the rounds in the breakfast buffet will morph into a trapeze artist or a slick dancer or a magician at night. The commendable shows put up by them every night enthral the guests no end. They sing, they dance, they mimic, they fly through the air, they twist themselves in drapes hanging from the ceilings, all in the fun and passion of entertaining the guests. Amazing.

The Parties

The fun does not end even after the curtains fall. While the kids are ushered off to bed, the rest of the party lovers adjourn to either the beach or the small “dance floor” just by the Main Bar to continue jiving into the night.

Club Med Cherating Beach is ideal for a getaway, whether its with family, friends, as a couple or even as a solo traveller. It’s easy enough to get to and once you step into the cool enclave of the resort, everything is taken care of. Just relax and enjoy.

Club Med Cherating Beach is running some special packages – please check out their website for more information.

Website: www.clubmed.com.my

Club Med Cherating Beach
29th Mile Jalan Kuantan-Kemaman
Pahang
Tel: 09-5819117