Australia’s favourite kids’ resort – Paradise Resort Gold Coast – introduces adults-only ‘haven’ Oh Shun Blu

After winning multiple awards for its kids’ facilities and hospitality, the legendary Paradise Resort Gold Coast has broadened its offering by creating the Oh Shun Blu adults-only pool and bar precinct, providing a haven of relaxation for parents.

Expecting to welcome its first guests this Christmas, the new precinct will feature a heated 25-metre swimming pool with built-in spa jets, landscaped surrounds, poolside lounging and a swim-up bar, exclusively available to Paradise Resort guests aged 18 and over.

But while Oh Shun Blu may be new, the thinking behind it has run alongside the resort’s transformation for more than 15 years.

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When General Manager David Brook joined Paradise Resort 16 years ago, the property already had a Kids Club, activities and a clear focus on children, but it had not yet developed into the dedicated family resort guests know today.

“The focus on children was there, but we knew we had to keep developing the kids’ experience and make family entertainment the heart of the resort,” David said. “At the same time, in the back of my mind was always the goal of creating a dedicated zone where adults could enjoy part of the holiday for themselves.”

“Over the past 16 years, a great deal of hard work has gone into building the waterparks, activities, entertainment and facilities that have made Paradise the family resort it is today. Oh Shun Blu is the long-held adult part of that vision – a place where parents can step away for a while, enjoy a cocktail by the pool and feel like they are having a holiday of their own.”

Turning that vision into reality required an owner prepared to believe in the concept and commit the investment needed to make it happen. Resort owner Dr Jerry Schwartz has supported Oh Shun Blu throughout its development, providing the funding to bring the long-held concept to life and sharing the team’s enthusiasm for what it will add to the Paradise experience.

After purchasing the resort in 2020, Dr Schwartz introduced a vast range of children-friendly activities including a new movie cinema, a full-size games room, an indoor, multi-storey play area in the lobby for kids to use while checking in, a fully refurbished and upgraded waterpark, Adventure Playground, and the Planet Chill ice-skating rink. In addition, there were child-friendly dining upgrades, including Jerrys Burgers and Debs Pizza Shack, and a full refurbishment of rooms.

Dr Schwartz also broadened the development beyond the new adults-only pool, bar and lounge, adding further facilities on the level below. These include The Hub, a dedicated new home for the resort’s extensive program of kids’ activities and workshops; a new outdoor lawn area designed for family movie nights under the stars; and The Arena, a new indoor entertainment space near Kids Club and the games room.

From designing the layout and flow of the space to sourcing furniture, finishes and decor, David Brook has worked closely with the project team to bring the concept to life. He has also played a role in developing the Oh Shun Blu name and branding, ensuring the personality of the new precinct feels distinctly connected to Paradise Resort while offering something completely different.

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Secluded away from the energy of the resort’s waterparks and family facilities, Oh Shun Blu has been designed as a relaxed, tropical retreat exclusively for adults.

At the heart of Stage One is a 25-metre pool complete with built-in spa jets and a swim-up bar serving handcrafted cocktails and poolside refreshments. Guests can stretch out on a sun lounge, take a leisurely swim or simply enjoy some child-free downtime without ever leaving the resort.

The new development will also introduce 12 Pool Access Rooms, giving guests staying in selected Deluxe Resort Rooms direct access to the Oh Shun Blu pool and bar precinct.

The second stage, which is set to open in early 2027, will complete the space with an indoor tapas and lounge bar.

“Oh Shun Blu is about recognising that a great family holiday should have something for everyone,” says David Brook.

“The kids can still have the time of their lives at the waterparks, Kids Club and daily activities, while the grown-ups – whether that is Mum and Dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles or family friends – now have somewhere they can genuinely switch off, unwind and enjoy a little holiday time of their own too.

“For me, that is what was always the missing element in the Paradise experience. We have been heaven for kids and now, with Oh Shun Blu, we are creating a paradise for the grown-ups too.”