Vacations are all about relaxing, having fun, and making memories - but let’s face it, they can also add up quickly! With activities, souvenirs, and family adventures, the costs can pile on, which is why saving money where you can - especially on food - makes a big difference.

While dining out is part of the holiday magic, balancing restaurant meals with clever DIY options is a great way to stretch your budget without sacrificing deliciousness. At Paradise Resort, we’ve made it easy for you to do both! Whether you’re whipping up simple, no-cook meals in your room, enjoying a picnic off-site, or indulging in one of our many fantastic dining venues, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you save time and money while keeping everyone happy and full.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how to master meal planning during your stay!

What’s Inside:

• DIY Meal Hacks for Your Hotel Room
• Picnic Perfection Made Easy
• Delicious Dining Options at Paradise Resort
• Tips to Make Mealtime Stress-Free

DIY Meal Hacks for Your Hotel Room

At Paradise Resort, all our rooms are thoughtfully designed to embrace our “kids first” philosophy, ensuring comfort and convenience for the whole family. While our “hotel-style” rooms are not equipped with full kitchens, we’ve included a selection of handy amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Every room features a small bar fridge, kettle, tea and coffee, along with cups and glassware. For added convenience, our deluxe rooms also include extra features like a microwave, toaster, sink, plates, and cutlery.

(We recommend reviewing your room’s features at the time of booking to help you plan ahead!)

Even without a kitchen, there are plenty of creative ways to make simple, satisfying meals in your hotel room. Whether you’re feeding the family or keeping it light, these ideas are easy, mess-free, and require minimal equipment.

Hot Tip: Our Splashes Boutique & Mini Mart offer a variety of options from gourmet noodles and pasta snacks to salsas and sauces, cheese, crackers, soups, cereals and more!

Breakfast on the Go:

• Overnight Oats: Mix oats, milk (or a plant-based alternative), and your favourite toppings (like fruits or nuts) in a container and let it soak overnight in your mini-fridge for a nutritious start to the day.
  
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a quick, healthy breakfast.
  
• Bagel Bar: Toast bagels in the resort’s BBQ area or with the toaster supplied in our deluxe rooms. Add cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado!
  
• Microwaveable Scrambled Eggs: Crack eggs into a microwave-safe container, whisk, and cook in short intervals, stirring in between. Add pre-shredded cheese, diced ham, or spinach for extra flavour.
  
• Supermarket Cereal Station: Keep it simple with an assortment of your family’s favourite cereals. Pair with milk and add fresh fruit for a nutritious, hassle-free breakfast.
  
  

Lunch Like a Pro:

Midday meals don’t have to be complicated! Here are more creative, no-cook lunch ideas to keep your family satisfied:

• Cold Pasta Salads: Pre-cook pasta (available at the local supermarket), mix with fresh chopped veggies, deli meats, and a dollop of pesto or Italian dressing.
  
• Charcuterie Boxes: Arrange an assortment of sliced cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fresh fruit into disposable containers for a classy, no-cook meal.
  
• Wrap it Up: Use tortillas to create wraps filled with deli meats or (tuna mayo), cheese, and veggies.
  
• Pita Pocket Fillers: Stuff pita bread with pre-cooked chicken, lettuce, feta, cucumber, and a dollop of hummus or tzatziki for a fresh and flavourful meal.
  
• DIY Tacos: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or beef, soft taco shells, and ready-made toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream to assemble easy tacos.
  
• Cold Noodle Bowls: Toss pre-cooked noodles (like soba or rice noodles) with shredded veggies, rotisserie chicken, and a soy-sesame dressing for a refreshing lunch option.
  
• Loaded Vegetarian Nachos: Arrange tortilla chips on a plate and top with pre-shredded cheese, canned beans, diced tomatoes, and guacamole for a fun, shareable lunch.
  
• Mediterranean Snack Plates: Combine hummus, falafel, pita bread, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices for a shareable meal.
  
  

Snack Smartly

Keep the kids and adults happy with these no-cook snacks:

• DIY Sandwich Boards: Lay out bread, spreads (like peanut butter or Nutella), and toppings for a fun, build-your-own snack.
  
• Fruit Kebabs: Use wooden skewers to thread fruits like blueberries, strawberries, mandarins and grapes for a healthy, portable treat.
  
• Rice Cake Creations: Top rice cakes with almond butter and banana slices for a satisfying snack.
  
  

Dinner Delights

When it’s time to wind down and enjoy a relaxing evening meal in your hotel room, these creative and easy dinner ideas are just what you need:

• Microwaveable Baked Potatoes: Grab large potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and microwave until tender. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, pre-cooked bacon bits, and chives for a comforting, hearty meal.
  
• Pre-Cooked Rotisserie Chicken Feast: Pick up a rotisserie chicken, pair it with a side salad or coleslaw and fresh bread rolls for a complete, no-cook dinner.
  
• Pizza Toast: Transform plain bread into a delicious, pizza treat! Toast your favourite bread in the toaster in one of our deluxe rooms then spread with tomato paste or pizza sauce, top with shredded cheese, pepperoni, or your favourite toppings, then microwave until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  
• Instant Ramen Upgrades: Transform instant noodles into a gourmet experience by adding pre-cooked proteins like chicken or beef, fresh spinach or veggies.
  
• Salmon & Salad Bowls: Grab pre-cooked salmon portions and pair them with a mixed salad, topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil.
  
• Microwaveable Frozen Meals: Choose from a variety of high-quality frozen meals available at your local supermarket like lasagna, curries, or stir-fries. Serve with a bread roll or fresh veggies.
  
• Deli Sandwich Platters: Create a DIY sandwich bar with sliced deli meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments, paired with hot chips from one of our on-site restaurants or a side salad.
  
• Soup & Bread Night: Heat up ready-made soups or stews and serve with fresh bread rolls for a warm, satisfying meal.
  

Picnic Perfection Made Easy

For a fun, laid-back meal, why not plan a picnic? Our electronic barbecues are ideal for grilling up something delicious or take a leisurely stroll just 250 metres to the iconic Surfers Paradise beach. Haven’t been to the Supermarket yet? Not to worry! Our Splashes Boutique & Mini-Mart has all the essentials to make a last-minute picnic date a breeze, including:

• Disposable plates, cups, and cutlery
• Takeaway containers
• Condiments and sauces
• Snacks and drinks
• Beer & wine
  

Delicious Dining Options at Paradise Resort

If you’d rather skip the prep altogether, Paradise Resort offers a variety of dining experiences to suit every craving:

Penguin’s Restaurant

From hearty breakfasts to family dinners, Penguin’s Restaurant serves up dishes the whole family will love. Sit back, relax, and let us do the cooking!

El Mexicano

Craving bold flavours? Dive into tacos, nachos, and burrito bowls packed with vibrant ingredients and authentic Mexican flair.

Poolside Café & Bar

Enjoy light bites, refreshing drinks, and relaxed vibes by the pool. It’s perfect for a quick refuel between splashing in the water.

Jerry’s Burgers & Deb’s Pizza Shack

For an easy family favourite, head to Jerry’s for juicy burgers or Deb’s for cheesy pizzas fresh from the oven. They’re the perfect comfort food after a day of adventure.

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Tips to Make Mealtime Stress-Free

Plan Ahead

• Before your trip, make a list of easy, no-cook recipes or meals you can assemble with minimal effort.
  
• Pack a few basic supplies, like zip-lock bags, a travel-sized cutting board, or a small knife (if allowed).

Use Pre-Packaged Convenience Foods

• Stock up on ready-to-eat items like pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, deli meats, bagged salads, and fresh bread rolls.
  
• Single-serving packets of peanut butter, jam, and condiments are perfect for quick sandwiches or snacks.

Prep Snacks Ahead

• Wash and chop fruits and veggies when you first unpack, so they’re ready for snacking or meal prep later.
  
• Create a snack bin with items like granola bars, crackers, nuts, and dried fruits for easy access.

Maximise Your Room’s Amenities

• Use the kettle to prepare instant noodles and soup or oats.
  
• Deluxe rooms with a microwave and toaster are perfect for heating pre-made meals or whipping up quick treats like pizza toast or baked potatoes.

Keep Cleanup Simple

• Grab disposable utensils, plates, and bowls from Splashes Boutique & Mini-Mart to avoid extra dishwashing.
  
• Use a trash bag to keep your room tidy and manage waste efficiently.

Make It Fun

• Turn mealtime into an activity! Create a “build-your-own” bar for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos so everyone can customise their own meal.
  
• Have a picnic by the beach or at our electronic barbecues for a change of scenery.

Mix DIY Meals with Dining Out

• Balance simple, in-room meals with dining at Paradise Resort’s restaurants like Penguins Restaurant, El Mexicano, or Jerry’s Burgers & Deb’s Pizza Shack. This gives you a break from prepping while still enjoying variety.

Stay Organised

• Use a small cooler or your room’s bar fridge to keep perishables fresh and separate snacks or meals into portions for easy access.

Please be mindful to not overpack your bar fridge.

At Paradise Resort, we believe mealtime should be a highlight of your holiday, not a hassle. Whether you’re crafting quick meals in your room, enjoying a barbecue under the sun, or indulging in our diverse dining options, there’s something here for every appetite.

Bon appétit and happy holidaying!