Leading family resort Paradise Resort Gold Coast has been South East Queensland’s go-to destination for a fun and easy family holiday for many many years. Excitingly, the popular resort took advantage of the autumn COVID lockdown to give the place a major refurbishment. Now reopened, we took the little ones along for a splash-tastic weekend to check it out.
Fully refurbished service areas
Walk in, and you won’t even recognise the brand-new lobby and reception. The large, colourful aquarium that greets you and the modern decor is certainly an impressive start.
There is a new indoor soft play area (which we couldn’t get the kids out of) as well as a gift shop and mini mart.
The restaurant area has also been completely redone. Now you will find Penguins Restaurant, Poolside Cafe and Bar and outdoor dining options of Burger Bar and Pizza Shack. The food and service was excellent.
If you have breakfast included in your stay, it is a continental buffet – which everyone loved. Plenty of cereal, pastries and fruit, plus there were gluten free options available.
A little touch that made a huge difference for families is the fab kids play area set up within the restaurant. It was perfect for keeping the littles ones entertained at mealtimes, whilst we enjoyed some adult time!
Family rooms at Paradise Resort
We stayed in the family room, which had a second bedroom off the main room so the kids could still enjoy their own space. Suitable for up to five guests (or six including an infant), bedding in the Family Room is one queen and one single in the main room and two singles in the second room. One portacot for an infant up to two years of age can be added.
The rooms have been spruced up, there was plenty of space and was nice and clean. We loved that the kids room also had a TV in addition to the main room, plus the added extras of the microwave, toaster, crockery and cutlery, small refrigerator and complimentary tea and coffee were great! Our kids are always hungry, so we were able to have some small meals in the room plus enjoy some takeaway food.
Kids activities at Paradise Resort
With a kids club, a real ice skating rink and a bundle of fun things to do, the kids activities at Paradise Resort have always been the major draw card for families. The recent refurbishment included all of the recreation areas, improving on what was already pretty darn good.
Kids activities included a real ice-skating rink (extra cost), two giant waterparks, Zone 4 Kids Club, lagoon pool and large heated spa, plus a daily activity and entertainment program.
Behind the larger waterpark is a fenced outdoor play area that was the kids favourite spot to play. It was safe for the younger ones to run around, particularly when the water park got busy with older kids. Plus adults could sit in there and enjoy lunch or a drink.
We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and the pool area was busy with family bingo, a BBQ and an outdoor movie night!
The kids absolutely LOVED the Zone 4 Kids Club. The holiday care program offers a range of fully supervised sessions daily for children 0-12 years of age, with many packages including one complimentary session per child per day.
They had heaps of fun at the slime making and sand art workshops at the poolside cafe. And that was just a few of the many shows and activities for kids. Others included magic shows, rock climbing, laser tag, trivia, cocktail/wine tasting, yoga, live music, karaoke … we didn’t manage to get around half of what was available!
Still to come in 2021
The refurbishments at Paradise Resort will continue into 2021! We can’t wait to head back to check out the new Lounge Bar & Pool Deck opening early next year. This brand-new zone for adults will feature a new swimming pool, lounge bar and area to relax and unwind child-free while your kids are being looked after in the Kids Club!
Oooh, did someone say mojito?!
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
