Do you have
a favourite family holiday spot?
Ours is the
Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
Their slogan
is “Heaven For Kids Paradise For Parents”. And it’s one of the few occasions where I’ve
found advertising is true to word.
I’m always skeptical
about these things.
After all,
the advertising would be a crock, and the place would be over-run by other
people’s kids, right?
Well, no,
the advertising is actually very accurate. And yes, the place is over-run by
kids, but that’s actually a positive as it happens.
Loads of
kids means loads of instant playmates. And plenty of relaxed parents. Once we
check-in, my own children are happily entertained for hours.
I can relax
on a deck chair with a good book, and just listen for their happy screams. They
come back from time to time, to drag me onto one of the slides – which they
think is the coolest thing ever – or dunk me into the spa for a relax. And of
course, whenever they are hungry or thirsty, which is often.
The resort’s
biggest attraction is arguably the waterpark.
Arguably,
because there’s also Planet Chill, an indoor ice rink; an awesome kid’s club; ongoing entertainment throughout the day run by the Resort Entertainment Crew; and lots of free and paid activities, like hair-braiding, a magic show, and
fire-truck tour.
The waterpark
features two aqua-play attractions – one for littlies and one for big kids – as
well as a large lagoon-style pool and a heated spa. There’s also an adults-only
area, with private spa, for those who want to get away from the noise.
The big
aqua-play zone is where my kids spend most of their time. Designed over three
levels, it boasts myriad slides, water cannons, play areas and ladders, as well
as a giant bucket that dunks 600 litres of water on delighted children every
few minutes. And the slides are big enough for big kids, trust me.
The Resort
Entertainment Crew are gems, supervising regular games throughout the day, like
jelly-eating competitions, mini-olympics, jump rope competitions, hula hoop
challenges, footy toss comps, and more. They will keep your kids busy and happy
throughout the day, as long as you are there to keep an eye on them and cheer
them on. (Who would want to miss it? I'm taking embarrassing photos, all of the time!) And it’s all free!
Some games
have prizes like ice-blocks, and once, Chase even won a Spongebob Squarepants
hat.
To be
honest, my kids are far happier enjoying the outdoor activity with their new
friends and the REC crew, and forcing me on to the slides than spending time
in the critically-acclaimed kid’s club. But other parents find the kid's club invaluable.
Most
packages at Paradise Resort include a free four-hour session daily per child,
which is awesome. But great as it is for
couples who need a break, my kids always seem to want to hang out with me and
in the main areas of the resort – which is fine as I still feel like I get a
rest anyway, and we are still spending quality time together.
Besides, all
that activity makes them hungry and thirsty, and often.
I always
pack an esky of drinks, fruit and snacks to keep prices low, and the resort is
close to the main drag of Surfers Paradise shops, supermarkets, and beaches
anyway.
But you’ll
be pleasantly surprised to find the prices at Bistro Zagame’s and the Poolside
Bar and Bistro are surprisingly affordable. And they are aimed at fussy eaters
so there’s enough to please everyone – even vegemite sammies are available by
the pool!
Kids meals
are $8, and there are regular budget-priced theme nights around the pool.
There is also
a mini mart for purchases like milk, bread, noodles, cereal, and even wine and beer.
Wednesdays
and Saturdays are movie nights, when deck chairs are placed outside in front of
a giant movie screen. It’s a good time to order takeaway woodfired pizzas, sit
back, and relax for an evening under the stars. So relaxing, even if
you’ve seen the movie before.
The REC
staff do a Wii dance-off with the kids – and a few big ones – as well.
The newest
attraction, and one that I fell for, literally, is Planet Chill. Friday and
Saturday nights are family disco nights, but there are sessions every day and some nights. And
there are penguin helpers and complementary head-gear for those who are unsure
of their skills.
The kids and
I tried it out on a Sunday night and had it practically to ourselves. I fell
over on my arse only twice, and wasn’t nearly as sore the next day as I’d
imagined.
It was the
kids’ favourite thing to do that weekend, and luckily, many packages include a
session on the ice for the family.
There are so
many things to do at Paradise Resort, it’s easy just to stay there. From
cupcake decorating for the kids, to cocktail making workshops to the adults, it’s tempting to never leave.
But you are
close to the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches and shopping precincts and there is
loads to explore using the resort as a base if you choose to.
We always bring back sushi and other treats we can’t get at our country home from our forays, to enjoy when the kids get hungry at odd times.
And the
upgraded rooms are funky and comfortable, with lovely beds, and even a (tiny)
table and chairs to eat at.
They are not
posh, but they are clean, comfortable and serviceable. We’ve stayed there in
cold weather too, and it’s only taken a phone call to have someone bring us
extra blankets in the middle of the night.
Oh and it’s
worth paying extra for one of the bunkhouse rooms, which contain brightly
painted bunks for the kids, dividing the room from the adult area. There
are xbox games and a TV for the kids, and little things like a microwave and toaster that make a difference.
One of the
nicest things about the Paradise Resort Gold Coast is that it’s easy to stay on
after check out to enjoy the facilities a little longer.
One of the
most difficult things is that the kids always beg to stay one more night. And
my goodness, it’s tempting to give in!
Oh well,
there’s always next time…
Thanks to
the Paradise Resort Gold Coast, MIA has three family passes to Planet Chill to
give away. That’s for two adults, and up to three children to enjoy a two-hour
ice-skating session, including safety gear if required.
To enter,
make sure you’re following my Facebook page. Then leave a comment below,
sharing what you’d do first at the Paradise Resort Gold Coast and why.
Entries
close 5 pm, Tuesday December 17, 2013.
A rare moment of sibling peace - taking in the view from our room
The lagoon pool and the small kids' water park
You can just see the three-level waterpark on the right hand side. And there's an adults only area to the left of that with its own spa, so grown-ups can have some peace.
More of the pool area
Time for a mocktail - a Cleo's Crush - and a chocolate frog in jelly. Well we are on holidays!
Planet Chill was awesome!
Man Child on the move!
Proof we made it to the beach ...
Lunch at a nearby Sushi Train ...
Can't get enough Sushi
Harmonie with Club mascots The Captain and Cleo
Chase, on one of our visits, doing arts and crafts around the pool
Harmonie puts the finishing touches to her masterpiece
Chase's favourite breakfast, Eggs Benedict
A kids' portion of Pasta Bolognaise at Zagame's Bistro
It's all too much fun!
10 comments:
Where to start???. There is to much awesomeness to be had says miss 9.But after consulting the children a decision has been made that planet Chill wins hands down when do we check in Dad said lol.
The Dewberry Family
Looks like a lot of fun for families. My kids are a little old now but they would have loved it when they were younger.
Oh, I think Ned would just be in love with the water park! Awesome. We are coming up to the GC for a few days over Christmas so it would be fabulous to have a day in the chill zone. Thank you for the opportunity. I can't wait to go here.. definitely going to book a holiday in 2014 so I can read a book in peace!
What a fantastic holiday. I think my kids would go buts for the Aqua Play Zone. They're both water-loving-kids and after the 17 hours it would take us to drive there I think even mum and dad would need to cool down! (But it would be well worth it!)
Looks amazing Bron - we want to take our little dudes to the Gold Coast early next year - how long are the vouchers valid.
Stayed their in 2012 and will be again in 5 weeks time. Place was certainly what their motto claims to be. Looking forward to seeing what has changed in 2 years!! My 7 year old son is itching to get let loose again in the water park!!
Heading there for the first time in the New Year...with 4 girls and no close relatives to babysit Hubby and I are looking forward to the kids club (ohh the kids are too!!) One night is Hubbys birthday so a nice romantic dinner for 2 is on the cards.
We were there in October and my 7 year old could not get to the waterslides fast enough, that being said after a full day out we would walk in at 4pm and she would rush off to kids club for the night, no stopping to drop off things in the room..we are planning another trip next year and am sure the slides are top of the list.
These plans all sound so exciting! Make me want to go on holidays again. Trish, the vouchers will be valid for six months. And Anonymous (the second one) please remember to leave your name so I have some way of tracing you when the winners are announced (via my Facebook page and on the blog). Thanks!
Good luck to everyone! :D Bronnie, I hope that you have a wonderful, relaxing Christmas break! :D
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