We Tested Out The Best Family Resort in Australia - Paradise Resort

This is What Happens at Paradise Resort Gold Coast

Paradise Resort has won the accolade of ‘‘Best Family Hotel or Resort in Australia for Families’’ for the third year running by readers of family travel magazine, Out & About With Kids.

Having never stayed there before, this of course, caught my attention. Is it really heaven for kids and paradise for parents? Does it really live up to the hype? Well, we put Paradise Resort Gold Coast to the test!

CHECKING IN

A recent multi-million dollar upgrade welcomes the edition of an oversized fish tank behind the check-in counter and of course, Dusty’s playground, an indoor jungle gym located beside.

Both the fish tank and jungle gym ensure you can check in with minimal interruption.

Reception area at Paradise Resort

Credit - Paradise Resort

THE ROOMS

Some hotels and resorts tell you that they’re family friendly, but Paradise Resort really proves it with nice little touches.

Expect to find foot stools in the bathroom so that younger kids can reach the taps and free WiFi that actually works. A fairy godmother (housekeeping) sneaks into your room daily while you’re out having fun to make your bed, vacuum up the kid’s crumbs and change your towels if required.

The resort offers a range of rooms to suit families of up to eight.

The Bunkhouses are amazing, taking Paradise Resort’s kids-first philosophy a step further. Families will enjoy bright bunk beds, a TV and gaming console for the kids and a microwave.

The Resort Rooms are Paradise Resort’s most affordable rooms. Guests can expect the usual comforts of a private bathroom, balcony with tables & chairs and airconditioning.

The Family Rooms have a second bedroom off the main room so everyone can still enjoy their own space and the exclusive Family Spa Suite even features an in-room spa bath!

Junior Bunkhouse Suite (left) and Superior Resort Room (right)

Credit - Jessica Palmer / Paradise Resort

THE WATER PLAY AREA

“Mum this is the BEST!” squealed Trillian as she raced up to me, waving her arms around excitedly. I had placed myself in prime position on a shaded pool lounger directly beside the large Z4K (Zone 4 Kids) waterpark.

The water play area is loads of fun with a lagoon pool and spa and two separate Z4K areas for under five years of age and over five years of age. Z4K features fun slides and various dumping buckets and water flows.

Z4K water play area at Paradise Resort

Credit - Paradise Resort

KIDS CLUB

The kids clubs at Paradise Resort Gold Coast is nothing short of epic. Featuring various themed rooms both indoor and outdoor, kids can also chill and watch a movie, play a video game or join in guided activities run by the experienced staff.

Playing laser tag in the space themed kids club room

Credit - Paradise Resort

ICE-SKATING

Planet Chill is where you will find Paradise Resort’s very own ice-skating rink. Lit up with bright colours and featuring sturdy penguins that kids can hold onto to keep their balance while learning, this area is just pure fun.

Parents can skate as well but if they don’t feel like it, there are plenty of chairs to rest on while the kids burn off some energy.

The in-house Ice Skating rink at Paradise Resort

Credit - Paradise Resort

OTHER FUN STUFF

With a slogan of ”Heaven for Kids, Paradise for Parents”, the list of fun stuff at Paradise Resort is long.

Families can also expect to enjoy virtual reality, laser tag, climbing wall, dunk tank, trampolines, giant chess board, outdoor and indoor playground and daily activities such as dance competitions and night-time movies around the pool area.

Virtual Reality experience

Credit - Jessica Palmer

FOOD AND DRINK

Choose from Penguin’s Restaurant, Poolside Cafe & Bar, Deb’s Pizza Shack and Jerry’s Burgers, all of which have children’s options.

Make sure to try out the Giant Jerry at Jerry’s Burgers, Paradise Resort’s newest and larger alternative to the Big Mac and Big Jack. Having now tried all three, I can confidently say the Giant Jerry is by far the best!

Deb's Pizza Shack

Credit - Paradise Resort

PEACE OF MIND

In light of Covid-19, Paradise Resort have taken a number of additional steps to ensure your family has a safe and enjoyable holiday. Read about them on their website here:

www. paradiseresort.com.au/covid-safe-plan/

THE VERDICT ... DOES PARADISE RESORT LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?

Paradise Resort is the kind of place where you don’t have to worry about your child squealing too loudly or about the fact that you haven’t looked good in bathers since they were born …. even though your youngest is now five (guilty as charged!)

Where a request for just tomato sauce and cheese on the pizza is not considered weird and the staff don’t serve the kids drinks in a glass, instead they are served in

a sensible, sturdy unbreakable one. Kids can be kids at Paradise Resort and parents can be parents. Yes, Paradise Resort Gold Coast absolutely lives up to the hype for both parents and children and we will definitely be staying here again!

Book your stay at Paradise Resort Gold Coast here:

www.paradiseresort.com.au/

Z4K water play area at Paradise Resort

Credit - Paradise Resort