Club Med Redefines meaning of 'premium resort'

The Yabuli Club Med resort in Harbin, China, offers the best in activity dining and lodging services.

By Nho Joon-hun

When it comes to relaxing and having fun, few come close to Club Med, the European resort operator that has been redefining the meaning of a real holiday for more than 40 years.

With Club Med’s unique all-inclusive programs, participants can expect stunning locations, superb accommodation, gourmet food, endless bar drinks and snacks, fantastic children's clubs and a multitude of sports and activities.

As another unique aspect of Club Med, its staff members are called "GOs," or Gentils Organisateurs (gracious organizers). Clients are "GMs," or Gentils Membres (gracious members). The resorts are referred to as villages and the resort manager is called the “village chief.”

Each resort provides an extensive list of services and activities in packages which includes lodging, food, use of facilities, sports activities, games and shows.

All of the villages have wide collections of activities, sports, excursions and spa packages. It is a part of spending your day relaxing, participating or exploring the local culture.

Interestingly enough, even though Club Med operates some 80 resorts around the world, there is yet to be one in Korea.

‘’We have reviewed some options in the past but things didn’t quite come together but we are continuing to look at opportunites,’’ says Kim Jang-hee, general manager of Club Med Korea.

Over the years, Club Med has been going through a major transformation, converting itself into a premium resort in the purest sense of the term.

Club Med set out to steamline its locations, closing down some and focusing on turning its properties into truly unique experences.

With Pyeongchang preparing to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2018, and with Club Med increasingly focusing on luxury winter resorts _ like Yabuli in Harbin, China and Sahoro in Hokkaido, Japan ― Korea, with its advanced infrastructure, seem to fit the bill.

These are complex investments requiring business partners in some cases and it is extremely time-consuming, says Kim, failing to disguise his hopes of locating a property in Korea.

No matter, for holidaymakers in Korea, going to a Club Med locations ― in Yabuli and Sahoro ― things have become a tinge more interesting.

Until the end of October, those booking four nights get two nights free while three nights gets you one freebee under the Ski Resorts Bonus Nights program.

The excellent part of Club Med packages is that they are all prepaid, meaning everything is included and participants don’t have to worry about going over their budget.

Yabuli, China

When most people think of ski holidays, the first names that come to mind are usually France or Switzerland.

However in northeast China, near the city of Harbin, China’s largest ski resort boasts the longest mountain run in Asia.

Yabuli also has a dedicated spa, with two reflexology lounges and a wide range of beauty treatments and relaxing massages. The on-site children’s club meanwhile ensures, that the kids are well looked after and entertained, while the adults relax and enjoy everything the resort has to offer.

The interesting aspect of Yabuli is that it was the filming site of the Korean movie ‘’National Representative’’ in which a bunch of youngsters decide to field a bobsled team for the Winter Olympics. The movie was a huge hit.

There are many exciting aspects of Yabuli. With a continuous history spanning four millennia, China is one of the world’s oldest civilisations. In the past, ancient dynasties ruled the vast terrain of the country, while today the communist People’s Republic of China governs a staggering 1.3 billion people, if not more.

Coming along with Yabuli is the sheer scale of the country’s Great Wall, the magnificence and splendour of its Forbidden City, and the wonder of the Terracotta Warriors which are amongst the many sights that draw visitors from around the world.

In 2008 the world’s eyes were on Beijing as it held the Olympic Games, and the colourfully spectacular and wonderfully synchronised opening and closing ceremonies provided a taste of the many cultural flavours to be found within the country.

Yabuli presents many of China’s culinary prowess in its menu that complment not only a refreshing day of winter sportng activities but the breathtaking surroundings.

Sahoro, Japan

Sahoro, in Hokkaido, is located in a similarly beautiful and protected natural environment.

Ideal for those with a passion for long walks in the countryside, the resort’s Walking and Hiking Academy offers a range of exhilarating accompanied hikes.

Guests can also experience the land of the rising sun on a guided mountain biking excursion.

Here, participants can enjoy what is reputed to be some of the best powder snow in the world.

Along with the international cuisine, Sahoro offers a wide range of traditional Hokkaido delicacies that has the effect of making it one of the most attractive destinations as a winter resort.

While there, participants have the opportunity to experience the local culture and the natural environment which has been preserved over centuries.

There is a diverse range of slopes, including five for the very skilled skiers, and kids can take lessons from the friendly GOs, allowing adults to engage in their activities without having to worry about their children.

For more information about Yabuli and Sahoro, call Club Med Korea at 02-3452-0123 or click into www.clubmed.co.kr.