In love again @ Club Med Cherating

It is possible for someone to fall in love all over again especially when it comes to a great holiday experience. The month of May was really a crazy month for me as right after my work trip in Langkawi island, I was invited to join some of the other media representatives for a wonderful 4-day getaway at Club Med Cherating, followed by a week in Singapore for the Tax Free show and then on the same week I am scheduled to fly to Europe for a meeting & training.

And today, I'm in Manila. To sum it all up, I've been flying in and out for the past 6 weeks out of 7 weeks. I began to think my house is like a hotel to me now. Looking at the pictures that we took at Cherating, I am missing the resort! And I'll tell you why.

Deluxe & Suites

Club Med Cherating is located on the Cherating Beach, between the protected jungle and the South China Sea which is 47km north of Kuantan. This is Club Med's 1st Eco-Nature Resort boasting 80 hectares of Tropical forest, 4km of unspoilt beaches and traditional Kampung-Style timber bungalows that is perched atop using wooden stilts. They are altogether 297 rooms (some suites are available) and a spa operated by Mandara Spa.


I absolutely love the warm welcome by the Chief of Village - Laurent Alquier and his team of G.O (Gracious Organisers) who took us for a tour around the resort. It is a standard procedure for every visit where you'll be shown around to familiarise with the resort. With me is Sue Lynn @ Bangsarbabe.

10 reasons why I fell in love with Club Med Cherating:

1# The Bar

This is a free flow bar from morning about 9.30am till 1-2am. Drink all you can! I've never had so much cocktails in my life as they have some really nice cocktails! Monkey Juice is a must try. And a choice of Nespresso coffee is also available which includes my standard double ristretto latte. Of course you don't expect to be served a glass of 12yo Macallan here or a glass of premium red wine but they do have some premium booze if you're willing to pay an additional fee.

2# Night Swim

You can swim all night and day as the swimming pool is opened 24 hours but swim at your own risk at night! The 1st night, we went for a swim at midnight! You can only do it here at Club Med!


3# Beach

Club Med Cherating has its own private beach. There's a beach front at the main area of the resort and another stretch of beach at the other side which you'll have to take a 15mins stroll or if you're too lazy, there's a train that takes you there through the forests. Nudity is not encouraged! haha...


4# Food

I love the buffet spreads at Club Med. They do not hold back on the quality of food if you think that the idea of "all inclusive package" means the offering of edible but not good-tasting meals. I love every meal here from my hearty breakfast to a comforting dinner. One can also make a reservation at the Rembulan Restaurant if you want an ala carte/fine dining with your partner by the beach.


5# Activities

This has always been Club Med's forte. And at Cherating, you'll get a few more interesting activities to do such as the newly launched Tree Top Adventure (in July 2011), a walk through the jungle with some challenges, mountain climbing, trapeze, all sports activities such as tennis, badminton, football, and etc. Watersports such as kayaking and windsurfing are also available.


6# Theatre

Every night, there will be a show at the Theatre and you'll be surprised that the GO you've seen being a Lifeguard in the afternoon is actually one of the actors during the show! Yes, they are all multi-talented. These GO will be there to entertain you with their skills and they are also the choreographer and the costume designers.


7# Spa

If you're looking for a total relaxation holiday, Mandara Spa is always there to arrange something for your needs. I went for the Balinese massage and it was done with the view at the sea. Although all I could see was only the flowers floating on a bowl of water, the tranqulity of the ambiance sets the mood for a relaxed afternoon. The spa session is not included in the package.


8# Green Action

What sets Club Med Cherating apart from the rest is the sustainable tourism process that strives to preserve the environment. There is a reserve for turtles as well for them to lay their eggs. It's also a home for macaque monkeys and other animals. There is a treatment plant (full of lotus plants) for all the waste where you'll get to pass by when you walk (covering my nose) through the jungle to the beach. Each member is only given a bottle of water and if you need more, you'll have to refill the bottle yourself at the restaurant. These are all part of the eco-nature efforts.


9# G.Os

They are the pulse of the resort. Each Club Med has its dedicated team of GOs to make your stay a memorable one. There were easily 80 GOs from at least 18 different nationalities and they all can speak at least 2-3 languages. The skills they have is really inspiring because they had to do sport activities, play with the children, climb the mountain and also perform at night! But I still think Club Med Bali has more good looking GOs than Cherating...


10# The All Inclusive Concept

The greatest feeling of all is the feeling of having a holiday without carrying any cash. I have been living in a cashless world for 4 days and it was wonderful. The package covers it all - gourmet meals, accomodation, sports & leisure, all-day bar and snacking, transfers, nightly entertainment and circus school.

Eventhough I've been to Club Med Bali, Cherating is totally a different experience altogether. I found new things to do here, new cuisine and new faces. So stay tuned for more experiences of Club Med Cherating!

P/S: This is a media trip and I was lucky to be invited to experience the 4D3N "all inclusive holiday package at Club Med Cherating"