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There is something appealing about checking into a resort where the days are planned around eating well, trying something new and spending time by the pool, without having to think too much about the logistics. At Club Med Cherating, the promise of an all-inclusive holiday is built around exactly that idea.
Tucked amid lush greenery along the Pahang coastline, the resort offers a retreat where nature is part of the experience. Its longhouse-inspired architecture blends into the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of escape from the bustle of everyday life. There is plenty to admire, from the views surrounding the rooms to the greenery that frames the walkways and open spaces. Even if you are visiting on your own, the vibes of everyone at the resort make it easy to feel right at home.
Before it embarked on its two-year renovation, theSun was invited to experience what the resort had to offer.
While the scenery and activities made for an enjoyable getaway, the experience also revealed a few shortcomings, particularly in the upkeep of the accommodation and the accessibility of the resort’s facilities.
A relaxed start
Arrival day saw a gentle introduction to the resort’s easygoing pace. Welcome cocktails and warm towels were handed out, followed by dinner by the pool, accompanied by the Moon & Sea show. The evening continued with an after-party at the main bar, giving guests an opportunity to unwind and settle into the holiday atmosphere.
With the bar open until midnight, there was little pressure to rush through dinner or call it a night early. The all-inclusive arrangement meant food and drinks were readily available, allowing the first evening to unfold without the usual concerns about where to eat or how much each activity might cost.
The resort’s infrastructure was another early highlight. Inspired by traditional longhouses, the design gives the property a distinctive character, while its natural surroundings make it feel removed from the concrete landscape of city life. The views from the rooms were lovely and the lush greenery made even ordinary walks around the grounds feel like an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
However, the rooms themselves did not quite live up to the beauty outside. They felt well-loved and the signs of wear suggested a substantial revamp was overdue. A more thorough detailing and attention to maintenance would go a long way towards making the accommodation feel as inviting as the rest of the property.
For a resort built around an all-inclusive holiday, the room is an important part of the overall experience. After a full day of activities, it should be somewhere guests can return to and feel immediately comfortable. The outdated interiors could use some attention to bring them closer to the standard suggested by the resort’s impressive surroundings.
A little nature, a little culture
The first full day offered a better understanding of what makes the resort appealing beyond its facilities. A morning botanical walk introduced guests to the abundance of natural flora throughout the property. Rather than treating the greenery as mere decoration, the walk encouraged a closer look at the plants and wildlife that give the resort its character.
The itinerary continued with a visit to a turtle sanctuary, where the highlight came later in the evening as baby turtles were released. It was a memorable moment that offered a reminder that the coastal environment is part of what makes a destination like Cherating special.
Dinner and a lion dance show followed, before the evening moved into a cultural night market filled with activities. Guests could try congkak, weaving, colouring and stamping, creating a lively setting that offered something beyond the typical resort entertainment programme.
These experiences gave the stay a welcome mix of relaxation, learning and participation. Instead of spending every hour beside a pool, guests could explore the surroundings, discover local cultural activities and enjoy experiences that felt connected to the destination.
A feast for every appetite
One of the strongest parts of the stay was undoubtedly the food. With three meals a day included, dining became a pleasure to look forward to rather than an item to plan around.
The selection covered Western and Asian options, making it easier for guests with different tastes to find something satisfying. There were also familiar favourites such as pizza and fries for children or fussier eaters, a practical touch for families who may not always want to negotiate unfamiliar dishes at every meal.
The Chef’s Selection was the highlight of the dining experience. From katsu steak to smoked lamb and grilled prawns, these dishes gave the meals a little more excitement and made the generous selection feel less like a standard buffet rotation. Breakfast was equally enjoyable, with a spread that provided plenty of choices for starting the day. Beer on tap was another welcome addition, particularly for guests who enjoy a drink with their meals or while winding down in the evening. Combined with the bar’s late closing time, the arrangement made it easy to settle into the all-inclusive lifestyle.
Of course, having so much food and drink available was only one part of the appeal. The real advantage was the freedom to enjoy the holiday without repeatedly reaching for the wallet. For families and groups of friends, that convenience can make a difference to how comfortably everyone enjoys their time together.
Finding your own pace
The resort’s activities offered another reason to stay beyond the dining experience. From rock climbing and archery to sailing and kayaking, there was a variety of outdoor pursuits for guests looking to make the most of their time away.
For those who preferred a slower pace, the pools provided a welcome alternative. The Zen pool was the highlight of the entire resort for me. It was the perfect spot to meet up with friends, cool off in the water and spend an afternoon doing very little at all.
It was easy to understand the appeal of spending hours there, especially in Malaysia’s warm weather. Sometimes, the best part of a holiday is not an elaborate itinerary but simply having somewhere pleasant to sit back, chat and take a dip whenever the heat becomes too much.
Families travelling with young children also have the option of the Mini Club, which gives little ones activities of their own while parents enjoy some time off. The arrangement recognises that a family holiday does not necessarily mean every moment has to be spent together. A little breathing room can be just as valuable as the activities themselves.
Bon voyage
Despite its range of amenities, Club Med Cherating presents a practical challenge that is difficult to overlook – the sheer distance between different parts of the resort.
The sprawling layout may contribute to its secluded, nature-inspired atmosphere, but getting from the rooms to the lobby and other facilities can involve long walks. The beach, in particular, felt far away and returning from the room to the lobby could be tiring.
This becomes more noticeable in a destination where moving between facilities is part of the daily routine. Walking can be pleasant when surrounded by greenery, but the experience is different when guests are covering long distances under the heat simply to get from one place to another.
For guests with limited mobility, young children or anyone who finds extended walks difficult, the layout may limit how freely they can enjoy the property. An all-inclusive holiday should ideally make its facilities feel accessible, rather than requiring guests to consider their physical ability before deciding where to spend their time.
There is also a wider question about who gets to enjoy this kind of holiday comfortably. The experience is a luxury for those who have the financial means to pay for it and the physical ability to navigate the resort. While the package offers convenience once guests are on the property, its price and layout may make the experience less inclusive than the all-inclusive label initially suggests.
Unfortunately, the haze affected the atmosphere throughout the trip, leaving the air feeling heavy and obscuring the sunsets that might otherwise have provided a beautiful backdrop to the evenings.
While this was beyond the resort’s control, it did take away some of the magic of being by the coast.
Ultimately, Club Med Cherating offers a holiday with plenty to enjoy, especially for travellers who love outdoor activities, good food and a nature-filled setting.
The foundation is there and much of the experience is genuinely enjoyable.
With the right improvements, the resort could better match the promise of its surroundings and make its version of an all-inclusive escape feel more welcoming to everyone.
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