Paradisus Río de Oro Resort & Spa

Raphael, CA, 2007-05-04
We returned on 9th March from our second trip to this Hotel and it is still as fantastic as the first time we went. We did have a problem with our room to begin with, the room we were allocated smelt very damp and there was a generator directly outside, we thought we would give it a try but by the following morning my asthma had kicked in and I was wheezing quite badly. We went to reception and our rooms were changed within a few hours, from then on it was fantastic. The food is excellent with such a huge variety e.g. quails eggs, lobster cooked to order, tilapia, fillet mignon to name but a few tasty treats available on a daily basis in the buffet restaurant. There are always plenty of sunbeds and "floaters" , these are blue mattress type things that you can use to float on in the pool. I understand from November this year the Paradisus will be an adult only hotel - which actually suits us down to the ground. The staff are all fantastic, although we did miss a special friend we had made called Raphael, who was currently not working at the hotel, but everyone is so helpful, polite and courteous, nothing is too much trouble. My only criticism would be that the rooms are beginning to look a bit tired and could benefit from a makeover. The Spa at the hotel is fabulous, if you want to be treated like royalty, this is the place to visit - the treatments are affordable and you get to use the entire spa for the day, which has a gorgeous sea water swimming pool, various jaccuzzis, private beach, massage huts, decking that overlooks the sea with sun loungers. There is a relaxation room, foot spa baths where you can soak your feet in oils, petals and water, steam room, sauna - in fact it would give Champneys a run for its money. I love this hotel !!!

Camille Québec, CA, 2007-05-04
My boyfriend and i juste returned from Holguin Cuba on April the 1 st and we loved the ressort so mutch, the food was excellent and the services were impecabale, the people are so kind and always smiling differente from Québec. We went to the spa and it was so relaxing and so full of services i couldn't believe my eyes. we where treated like Royalty. This place is not recommended althought for young children or teenagers. this is more to really relax as a couple and it's beautifull for weddings. I would deffenitly come back again without any hesitations. The show's were out of this world and the piano man was so good and aslo cute if i can say. thanks to all the people that work at the ressort.

cotteg, CA, 2007-05-04
We stayed at PRDO March 10 to 17--Ontario March Break. I flew from Ottawa and Mom and I flew together from Halifax, and then travelled for 1 hour by bus arriving at PRDO at 11pm--tired but glad to see the stunning open marble and sparkling clean lobby. The staff were eager to assist us to our room and gave us a great briefing of how to work the AC, lights, safe, etc.
The weather was glorious, the food very good (even for a 78 year old lady with a sensitive tummy--no problems whatsoever) and lots of variety, the staff very helpful (except, oddly enough, one experience with the lady at the Customer Service Desk--go figure), the rooms and entire resort very clean and picturesque, the beach was spectacular and pool relaxing and refreshing . . . I could go on and on!
Getting around for an older person with dementia was no problem; we simply dialed 0 whenever we needed a golf cart to take us anywhere on the resort and the restaurant staff and club house were pleased to call a golf cart for us whenever we asked. The drivers were extremely helpful and often asked us if we were having any problems or concerns with our accommodation or service.
The Spa facility was beautiful, the massage amazing, the private beach picture perfect, and the staff caring and attentive (special thanks to Tamara!). I stayed overly long in the sauna and the attendant came to check on me and deliver a glass of water, which I thought was very kind. The cold mist shower afterward is revitalizing!!
Our half day excursion to Boca de Sama was just perfect (distance, walking and duration) for my Mom and gave us a much needed insight into how some Cubans live.
We had dinner at all the a la carte restaurants except the Japanese one (only because Mom doesn't like Japanese food) and they were all excellent. Especially El Patio!!! The staff were incredibly kind and friendly and the dinner was delicious and the decor beautiful--live violin, viola music was a lovely touch.
The resort was extremely restful and quiet where we were. We commented on the peace many times as we strolled slowly for a walk on star filled evenings. We were always greeted by staff and guards with a smile and sometimes a gift--like a cricket made from a palm frond!
I was able to use the Sol Melia membership card to book a later check out at no extra charge. Thanks for that tip from the www.tripadvisor contributors!
We brought gifts to our maids and in return received outstanding service, pretty sculpted towels and lots of smiles and thanks. The rest of the time, we tipped with pesos to any staff who paid attention to or helped us in any way -- a special gift to the gardener who presented my Mom and me with a flower several mornings--my Mom was very charmed by this and so was I, of course.
Thanks again to all the tips I received from Trip Advisor contributors in preparation for our vacation. I would welcome any questions or inquiries.
I sure do hope to go back with my husband sometime soon!!.

Karine Kaplan, CA, 2003-09-01  
Thank you so much for everything you did to make our wedding day special. We had an amazing time and the memories will last a life time. We look forward to returing in the very near future and would highly recommend this resort for weddings.

Karine and Craig Kaplan