Papanoa Beach

Overall it was a decent experience. The only thing I can complain about is how early the bars close. There are so many of them and they all close at 10 o’clock, and the only one that stays open later closes at 12 so if you don’t get a drink before then, you’re out of luck for the night.

The highlights for me were the service and the food! We originally stayed in a standard issue room, and let me tell you, the upgrade of $50 per night for a large room with a balcony and ocean view is totally worth it! Our standard issue room was very dark and dingy with a window that didn’t open. It’s worth noting that there’s only one pool at this resort and it’s a non-stop party. The whole resort is pretty loud. You have to go way down the beach to enjoy a moment of peace. So, if you are a “read by the pool” type person, this resort is probably not for you! Overall, we enjoyed your stay.

There’s really no such thing as a true five-out-of-five in my opinion — and the reality is I probably can’t afford the kind of place that would actually deserve that rating. That being said, this resort came pretty close. We went with another family - four kids between the ages of three and eleven - and everyone had an incredible time. The property itself is beautiful and very well maintained. The amenities are excellent, the gym is fantastic, and the entertainment throughout the resort was great. The kids’ club is very good, although I would say it’s best suited for kids who are a bit past the toddler stage. The food was consistently very good, and the beach, pools, and water park were all highlights for the kids. Overall, we had an amazing stay and genuinely have no complaints. I would absolutely recommend it.