Welcome to
Voted Australia's best family resort
Proudly owned by the Schwartz Family Company
A family owned business
Dr Jerry Schwartz became the official owner of Paradise Resort on 29 February 2020 and upon purchasing the resort said that it was important that Paradise Resort should have a renewed vision, as premium family resorts in such prime locations were very rare. “Paradise Resort has accommodated families from all over Australia and overseas for four decades, providing one of the most enjoyable holiday experiences imaginable,” said Dr Schwartz, who has three young children himself.
The Schwartz Family Company network has 15 hotels and over 4000 rooms in four states and territories. It is the company’s second hotel on the Gold Coast, following the acquisition of Hilton Surfers Paradise in 2019.
It's the small things...
that makes a difference to the little ones
At Paradise Resort we offer a range of accommodation options to suit families of up to 8, all with family comfort top of mind. Our 360 rooms are all hotel style but take a kids-first approach offering thoughtful little extras such as footstools in the bathrooms, bed rails or porta-cots available on request and items such as prams and highchairs available for hire. After all, everyone knows the secret to a successful family holiday is ensuring the kids are happy!
Winner "Best Family Resort in Australia - 4 Stars and under" 11 years in a row
Holidays with Kids Magazine
2011-2022
Finalist "Unique Accommodation"
Australian Tourism Awards
March 2022
Gold Winner "Unique Accommodation"
Queensland Tourism Awards
November 2021
Finalist "Gold Coast Business of the Year"
Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards
To be announced November 2021
Winner "Tourism, Hospitality and Events" award
Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards
August 2021
Finalist "Healthy Kids Menu" Penguins Restaurant
QLD Restaurant and Catering Awards
2021 - Winners announced November
Finalist "Family Dining" Penguins Restaurant
QLD Restaurant and Catering Awards
2021 - Winners announced November
VIEW ALL
Our history
1981
Where Paradise Resort began...
The resort originally opened as Ocean Blue in November 1981 with 409 rooms and featured an onsite bakery, hairdressing salon and nightclub. It was popular for sporting groups, families and romantic getaways and regularly featured as the major prize given to contestants on the popular 80's Television series 'The Perfect Match' hosted by Cameron Daddo.
1990's
In the late 90's Hotel Management chain Accor signed a 10-year management agreement where it was known as the 'Mercure Resort' and commenced it's transition to a family resort installing the first Gecko Kids Club in Australia under the Accor brand.
By the mid 2000's the 10 year agreement with Accor had come to an end after which the owners at the time decided to operate as an independent and re-branded to 'Paradise Resort Gold Coast'.
In 2010, the resort was purchased by Melbourne family the Zagame's who invested $6million over the following 5 years into a refurbishment of the waterpark, outdoor pool area, guest rooms and a number of facilities including the installation of Australia's first hotel based ice-skating rink under the leadership of General Manager David Brook.
By 2015 the resort was earmarked for demolition in a sale to the Ralan Group who aspired to build 4 towers on the site, set to be called The Ruby Collection. By July 2019 plans had fallen through and Paradise Resort was again up for sale.
In November 2019, Paradise Resort was given another life after being purchased by Australia's largest private hotel owner Dr Jerry Schwartz with final settlement on 29 February 2020. The resort re-launched with a major charity event, a renewed vision and a $12 million plan to bounce back and retain the title of Australia's favourite family resort.
By March 27 2020, the global pandemic known as COVID-19 saw the resort close its doors for the first time in 40 years. True to his word Dr Schwartz injected over $3 million to commence a much needed and long overdue makeover and General Manager David Brook engaged the team with an opportunity to be re-purposed throughout the resort. Turning a terrible situation into something positive we saw chefs on paintbrushes, housekeepers working in gardens and kids club attendants cleaning out the waterpark all pitching into work on everything from maintenance and cleaning, to engaging with local trades to commence larger renovation projects ready to re-open with a new vision and inspired team on 1 September 2020.
Things for pregnant women to do at Paradise Resort
There really is something for everyone at Paradise Resort – expecting mamas included! Here, we share our top bump-friendly activities for your next visit, from relaxing poolside with a mocktail in hand to free yoga classes and so much more.
A show holiday, every day!
After being blessed with so many holidays and long weekends at the start of the year, it feels like a long time until our next break. That’s why, at Paradise Resort, we let you live like every day is a show holiday!
Double success for Paradise Resort Gold Coast as it takes out Australia’s two most prestigious ‘Best Family Resort’ titles.
Paradise Resort Gold Coast has reaffirmed its position as Australia’s premier family resort, after being voted Best Family Resort by readers of Holidays with Kids for the 11th year in succession!
Meet our mascot, Captain Dane!
He’s a swashbuckling sailor of the seven seas who discovered Paradise Resort after running aground at Surfers Paradise. Ten years later, Captain Dane still calls Australia’s favourite family resort home.
What’s on at Paradise Resort these school holidays
Do you have plans these school holidays? Now you do! Staying true to our mission to provide paradise for kids, heaven for parents, we’ve got a jam-packed line up of special events to make these school holidays the best yet – from our Easter eggs-travaganza to real life magic!
Easter hops into Paradise Resort
Hop, hop, hooray! The Easter Bunny is getting ready to make his way to Australia’s number one family resort, Paradise Resort. We’ve got a host of Easter activities to celebrate his arrival, too, so don’t miss the eggs-travaganza.
#wearitpurple at Paradise Resort
On Saturday March 26, Paradise Resort will #wearitpurple in support of Epilepsy QUEENSLAND – and you’re invited! Read on to find out all about this very special event, and why Epilepsy QUEENSLAND is such an important cause.
Rain, hail or shine
Of course you hope for warm, sunny weather throughout your Gold Coast holiday – but unfortunately, even here in our slice of paradise, rain-free days aren’t always guaranteed. In the event of unfavourable forecasts, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Paradise Resort.
What’s new at Paradise Resort (and hidden Gold Coast gems)
No matter how long it’s been since your last stay at Paradise Resort, chances are, there are a few new additions worth checking out. Read on to find out what’s new at Paradise Resort, as well as the hidden gems outside the resort that you may not know about!
Time out for Mum and Dad
After a school holiday period that felt like it would never end, you parents deserve a break. At Paradise Resort, thanks to our adults only zones and program for over-18s, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Find out why Paradise Resort is heaven for kids, paradise for parents.
