Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort

There was no better way to celebrate our 80th birthdays. It was a magical time - our third consecutive year being at The Reserve - and we will be returning again next February. We applaud the Melia for its staff, accommodations, food, service, entertainment, warmth of the entire team.

Upon arrival, absolutely stunning resort. The open lobby area overlooks the main pool and you can see the ocean behind it. Very clean and spectacular from the entry. As we arrived in a very large group, the check in was easy and our bags would be brought to our room. Only problem at check in was that we didn't actually know how to get to our room, so a very kind gentleman, Robindson, helped us on our way. It's a very large resort, with the family area rooms on one side and the adults only area on the other. In the center are all the restaurants, the courtyard overlooking the pool (which is where the shows are at night). The rooms in the adult side aren't huge but spacious enough that you can put away most of your clothes. The bathroom is large and enclosed with sheer curtains, with an open tub (it was lovely!), glass shower, and a separate area for the toilet. The room was clean and our cleaning lady was awesome. There is a mini fridge stocked with water, pop, and beer and snacks are replenished daily as well. We were in building 6 overlooking the back of the property (which actually looks over another resort). There was a roadway behind us that was constantly being used by resort trucks and the other resort but it wasn't too loud. The adult pool is very large and quiet. It's located beside the spa (which is outdoors?) so it's pretty quiet music playing. The pool is deep-- I'm 5'8" and had to walk on my toes to be comfortable. Suggest bringing or buying a floatie to relax better (I sat on the stairs often). Not a ton of shade, but lots of chairs all with umbrellas surrounding the pool. The bar at the adult only pool wasn't great. It was often understaffed and most of the times they didn't know how to make simple drinks and there wasn't a great variety. Little to no poolside service. Drinks served in paper cups and paper straws, so bring a tumbler to put your drinks in (really helps as the pool is so deep). There are absolutely no activities at this pool, so if you like quiet and unbothered (other than the occasional spa worker) this is a great spot. I just wished the bartenders were a bit more energetic and knowledgeable. The main pool is huge. Lots of umbrellas and tikis. There's an area for whole family and an area for just adults (again this part is really deep!!) Really appreciated all the spots to sit and talk with people in the pool--ie sunken loungers in the water and little sitting booths in the water. Higher energy and this where the aerobics and all the activities get done. I saw a really cool activity on paddle boards in the pool where they were dancing or doing a workout on the boards that I wish I had gotten there earlier for. The bar is well staffed and busy. The drinks were really good. When I asked for something and they didn't have the ingredients, Jonathan was quick to come up with something else for me. Lots of energy of the bartenders, lots of smiles. Beach area had lots of Tikis and loungers. There is a separate area on the beach for the Adults Only as well as the reserve--these chairs have soft mattresses on the loungers so a bit more comfortable. The water was pretty wavy, lots of wind comes up in the afternoon, but the water was lovely. There's a quick drop off at shoulder height but nothing too bad. The beach is nice sand, raked daily. I did the Lunch Box for Buffet breakfast most days. Lots of selection. 3 omelette stations, lots of fruit, a self serve juice/mimosa station. Foods from different areas of the world. If it was made in front of you it was delicious. If you chose precooked pancakes, eggs, avocado toast, it didn't taste anything spectacular. It was ok, just not anything I'd grab the next day. This is also one of the only places open for lunch. Burgers, nachos, pizza, salad, pasta, fish, and world cuisine all available. One day we had lunch in Malva, the Adults only buffet. It was much smaller and very little options which was disappointing. For dinner you will need to make a reservation, and they seemed to go quickly. I tried the Malcazone (Italien) twice and was underwhelmed with my meal both times. The spinach salad on the other hand was delicious (and my boyfriend loved the caprese salad and the pizza). The Mexican restaurant (name is excaping me) was ok. I"m having trouble remembering what I had to eat but I remember it being not bad, just not great. Atmosphere was nice though. Flora, the Dominican restaurant, was my favourite. Lots of interesting appetizers that were quite tasty. I had the gnocchi for dinner and was less impressed. But the atmosphere was great and the service was great. We didn't eat at the steakhouse or the Tepanaki restaurants. We heard good things about the menu at the Sports Bar and tried to go there for lunch but they don't serve food until 3 or 3:30 pm. Took me 2 days to find it, but the GinGer lounge is a terrific spot in the lobby upstairs for coffees in the morning or smoothies. Also for a night cap at the end of the day. They had great bartenders and great selection of booze. At night there was often live music which was wonderful. Lots of cozy little spots to sit at. Which I had found it earlier on in the trip. Gym was nice, but busy. Lots of treadmills, bikes, machines in the middle. Not a ton of room for free weights or laying down to do abs but able to make do. Water, fruits, towels all supplied in the gym. Friendly gentleman (I wish I knew his name) that oversees the gym and helps you out as needed. Overall, I had a great trip with the company I was with. For the most part I had an amazing time. I've been to several resorts in Dominican, Cuba, and Mexico, and seemed underwhelmed by the service and the food for the most part at this resort. It was clean, but dated and needed some work: there were many missing tiles in the main pool; the server's station outside for the servers in the buffet looked like it was being held together with zip ties. Many people we were with had a good time, but the common complaint was the service and lack of knowledge of the adult pool bar staff and that the food wasn't as good as they were hoping. We also had a good number of people in our group who had stomach issues for a day or two.

Facility and room were great. Service was not reliable - our room was not ready when we arrived; concierge did not follow through on reservations (do it on your own as soon as you arrive!); cleaning staff did not clean our room one day.

Everything is great. We enjoyed food, service and beach. You can also try sea activity like parasailing. We came here to celebrate my friends birthday, and the staff here made a cake for him. We appreciated all hospitality from this hotel. We had wonderful time here and I am sure I will come back here again.

This place is truly paradise. White sand and blue water with plenty pools and space to relax. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Gustavo helped us get reservations for the restaurants we wanted and checked it with us over the course of the stay to make sure we had the best time possible. Would definitely return!