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Tag Archives: nickelodeon

Mayan Riviera for the fam

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Clara Power Posted in Bon Voyage .

I love the fact that there are resorts out there for everyone.

Whether you prefer a big resort or a small one, a boutique or a chain, a good beach, amazing pools, quiet or active – there is literally a resort out there to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences.

Last week I had the opportunity to stay at Azul Beach Riviera Maya, a 5 star resort in Mexico. This family friendly resort has 148 rooms and is super small and compact. I loved that I could walk from one end of the resort to the other in less than 5 minutes. And if I forgot something in my room (which I always do) it only took me a minute to get there and retrieve my forgotten item. This is the beauty of staying at boutique resort.

One of the things I loved most about this Gourmet Inclusive resort is that the small size did not mean that it lacked services or amenities. With restaurants, pools, multiple bars and daily activities, there was always something to do if I wanted, or if I just wanted to ready my book, I could!

What I found most impressive about this resort was the quality of everything. The a la carte restaurants including Latino (Southern American/Mexican) and Roma (Italian) just to name a few – were all authentic to the cuisine that they served. By day 2, all the staff greeted me with “Hello Ms. Power,” and the bartending staff were familiar with my drink order and had it ready before they even asked me if I wanted a drink.

 

As for my kids, the experiences that they had was never-ending.

Day 1 we enjoyed the Nickelodeon Orange carpet event, followed by an amazing Character Breakfast the next day with some of their favourite Nickelodeon characters including Sponge-Bob and Patrick.

Every day the Kids Club offered activities like soccer on the beach, pool games, Piñata making, Spanish lessons – the list just goes on!

In the evenings there were always entertaining shows that appealed to the whole family.  As the resort is small and intimate, my children were able to make friends from other parts of Canada, the US and even some Germans that were visiting.

With the kids continuously being entertained, I was able to spend some time at the Vassa Spa without having to feel guilty that I wasn’t spending time with them. This spa offered all the services that you would expect from a full service spa.  If you plan on visiting, be sure to experience the Relaxation Ritual followed by a full body massage and facial. (That’s what I did and it was phenomenal.)

To say this was a relaxing resort would be an understatement. I loved that there was no pumping techno music at the pool, that I did not have to fight for a lounge chair or get up at 4 am to secure one, that my kids could walk around freely without having to worry that they would get lost, no line ups for restaurants or reservations required and no pesky little wrist bands to mess up with my tan lines.

Since I have been back I have consistently been asked if I would return to this resort and the answer of course is – YES!!

If this type of boutique resort suits your travel fancy, contact me at cpower@tpi.ca or 416.996.6849 to discuss in more detail. Right now if you book this resort with me for travel between August 12 and December 22, 2017 you will receive a $1,000 USD credit that can be used towards private beach dinners, a massage, room upgrade, character breakfasts and more.

Clara Power is a mother to 2 well traveled kids, Andrew and Lauren.  She is a Personal Travel Advisor at her own travel agency, Clara Power TPI, which is in association with Travel Professionals International.  As an active traveler having visited over 35 countries and almost every continent, (still working on Antarctica), Clara is no stranger in understanding the unique wants and needs of families travelling together making her your expert choice for creating those special family vacation experiences.  Her agency is also recognized as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner due to her extensive knowledge and superior service.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
facebook iconClaraPowerTPI

tpi

Originally published on Clara Power Restless Traveller

Tags: Azul, boutique, children, Kid Friendly, kids club, Mayan Riviera, mexico, nickelodeon, Patrick, resort, Sponge-Bob, travel .

Top family friendly resorts in Mexico

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Clara Power Posted in Bon Voyage .

Mexico has always been a popular destination, and with so many resorts to choose from, it can get somewhat overwhelming. When adding the challenges of vacationing with children it becomes that much more important to select the best resort that meet everyone’s needs. As a Family Travel Specialist, I plan many family vacations to the Cancun and Riviera Maya area, and these resorts are consistently rated as the top most family friendly resorts.

Azul Beach Hotel

Azul Beach Hotel – The only truly boutique resort in my favourite picks is the charming and cozy Azul Beach Hotel. This resort is small and compact with only 148 suites, however, it offers 5 pools, 5 restaurants and kids and tweens clubs. The Azulitos Playhouse features programs from “My Gym” to the “Nickelodeon Experience” which allows families to dine with SpongeBob SquarePants. With a full service spa for the parents and abundance of beach activities for the whole family, it is sure to please everyone.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Hyatt Ziva Cancun – This is truly a 5 star resort. Located in the heart of downtown Cancun, it offers a playful family escape to keep everyone happy. With some of the most stunning beaches in all of Cancun, entertaining KidZ Club & Splash Park, beach and pool cabanas, roaming food and ice cream carts, you never want for much at this resort. With service from the heart, you will feel like family from the moment that you arrive.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Hard Rock Riviera Maya – With ‘The Little Big Club Experience’ that features kids’ favourite characters like Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Train, and Barney for children 4 and up, this resort is always a family pleaser.

Multiple dining options, amazing entertainment, various room categories and splash pad area make this resort a popular choice for those looking for action. With unlimited WiFi, teens can also enjoy the lounge and disco area. The best part is the two-bedroom family suite filled with kid friendly mini-bar (juices and milk), a kid’s room service menu, beach toys and kid-size bathrobes.

Dreams Playa Mujeres

Dreams Playa Mujeres – one of the newest resorts in the Cancun area, this resort has so much to offer. This family friendly resort chain has 5 Dreams resorts in the Cancun/Mayan area, all of which deliver great experiences.

Playa Mujeres is located within a gated community and offers massive swimming pools, onsite water-park and lazy river, endless activities including archery, batting cages, and beach football, making sure that there is something for the whole family.

The Explores Club for ages 3 to 12 offers the experience of camping adventures on the beach, treasure hunts, and games rooms. The Core Zone Teens Club offers weekly social events, bonfires, disco mixers, foam parties, kayak and bike tours, and nature expeditions.

Generations Riviera Maya

Generations Riviera Maya – this resort perfect for multi-generational families. It offers Gourmet Inclusive a la carte cuisine, infinity pool balcony suites and butler service in each room category.

Whether you are looking for a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom ocean front suite there are accommodations to satisfy the smallest to largest families travelling together. The Eko Kids Club offers services until 11pm and the Little Eko Chefs program is perfect for the budding foodie in the family.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya – The Mini Club here offers a slew of fun, special activities to create an unforgettable vacation experience for little ones. Kids will have the time of their life, enjoying everything from Mayan shows and Amy’s Cinema (the club mascot) to bungee jumping and dance contests. The club is also open longer than most, from 9 am to 11 pm. This resort is set on what feels like a jungle with tropical trees and mangroves that it feels worlds away from reality. Your kids will never be bored.

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda – The very popular Family Concierge Suites here know how to treat the little ones. With access to private heated swimming pool, private beach area, kids beach kits, children bath amenities, in-room PlayStation or Wii, children’s pillows…etc etc, you can see how quickly you will feel spoiled. The resort also offers a pirate ship and obstacle course in the swimming pool, plus lots of adult activities to keep everyone happy. Add a great location and fabulous food, you have the making of a very memorable holiday.

So with the kids out of school soon, it might be time to start thinking about a getaway! Let me know which resort suits your family best or which Mexico resort is your favourite!

Clara Power is a mother to 2 well traveled kids, Andrew and Lauren.  She is a Personal Travel Advisor at her own travel agency, Clara Power TPI, which is in association with Travel Professionals International.  As an active traveler having visited over 35 countries and almost every continent, (still working on Antarctica), Clara is no stranger in understanding the unique wants and needs of families travelling together making her your expert choice for creating those special family vacation experiences.  Her agency is also recognized as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner due to her extensive knowledge and superior service.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
Clara Power TPI

Clara Power TPI

tpi

Tags: 5 star, cancun, family, Kid Friendly, Mayan Riviera, mexico, nickelodeon, resort, spongebob squarepants, travel .

Family friendly travel? A review of Nickelodeon Punta Cana

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Bon Voyage .

Review of One of Punta Cana’s Newest and Most Exciting Resorts – Nickelodeon Punta Cana

There are just some resorts that feel special from the moment that you arrive and the newly opened Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana is just that – special.

Having made it to my travel bucket list this year, this Nickelodeon Resort is one that I wanted to visit since the time it opened in June 2016.  Since it opened the reviews have been great. I have had clients enjoy it so I wanted to experience it myself.

My  expectations were very high before I even set foot on the property – and let me say, I was not disappointed.

The resort is gorgeous. The grounds are lush, the amenities are great and the overall feel of the resort is luxurious. The biggest misconception about this resort is that it can’t be a luxury property with Nickelodeon characters everywhere.  This can’t be further from the truth! Yes, there are characters but they are mainly found at Nickelodeon Place where the kids club and water park are. The rest of the resort is modern and hip with subtle Nickelodeon decor touches making it feel fun, yet still upscale.

A View of the Resort

All the rooms are contemporary with a great splash of colour that represents Nickelodeon. I stayed in a Pad Suite which was spacious and beautifully appointed.  I especially loved the bathroom which had double sinks, a free-standing tub, separate shower and toilet stalls which is super convenient for travelling with kids.

For a complete walk through of this room, click HERE.

Pad Suite

For upgraded accommodations, the top room category at the Nickelodeon Punta Cana is The Pineapple. This Butler assisted, 2-bedroom/3-bathroom suite is inspired by the unique home of SpongeBob Square Pants.  This signature villa has an indoor and outdoor living and dining area, a private master suite with a king bed, oversize marble bathroom and Aguas del Amor (outdoor shower).  The second bedroom on the upper level is complete with 2 single beds and private bathroom. Outdoor area includes a private infinity pool and sunbathing beds – talk about luxury!

The main pool and beach area were also great.  Plenty of loungers for everyone, quick and efficient bar service and a relaxing atmosphere. The ocean was shallow, so great for wading in with kids. One thing that I noticed in particular was how fine the sand was and how there were no rocks, coral, twigs or branches that could hurt little feet.

Gorgeous Beach

Main Infinity Pool

Dining is always phenomenal when visiting a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive resort and the Nickelodeon resort did not disappoint. The Gourmet Village offered restaurant options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With 9 restaurants, multiple bars and its own coffee shop, there was always something delicious and exciting to eat. As I write this I’m trying to decide which was my favourite and I simply can not choose…..Verdello Sicilian Kitchen rivals my grandmother’s cooking in Italy, Wok Wok was the most authentic Asian cuisine I experienced in the Caribbean, BRGRS.PH had some of the most original and tasty gourmet burgers I have ever tried and Fresco offer one of my all time favourite dishes, Ceriche.

The best part of this resort has to be Nick Place. This is where all the Nickelodeon Characters hang out, where you can find the waterpark, lazy river, kids club and where you can get slimed!

What does that mean you ask?  Well check out this video!

So, if you haven’t noticed yet, I am a BIG fan of this resort and everything that it has to offer. This year I have visited over 15 different hotels/resorts across Europe and the Caribbean and I have to say I had a fabulous time here. It was amazing to have a chance to be a big kid again and still enjoy fine dining and spa services. As this was a travel agent trip, I did not have the chance to bring my kids, but I can tell you that this resort is still on my bucket list as I have to return!

Just Kiddin’ Kids Club

Character Pajama Party at Zest

Happy Travels,

Clara

Note!! Our Family Travel Specialist Clara Power has a sweet deal for our readers:

If you want to experience everything that this resort has to offer, don’t hesitate to email at cpower@tpi.ca or call me at 416.996.6849 so we can get you there. Any bookings made with me, a Nick Specialist, are eligible for a free private slime, Character Breakfast or meet and greet for 4 PLUS a $250 USD resort credit.

Clara Power is a mother to 2 well traveled kids, Andrew and Lauren. She is a Personal Travel Advisor at her own travel agency, Clara Power TPI, which is in association with Travel Professionals International.  As an active traveler having visited over 35 countries and almost every continent, (still working on Antarctica), Clara is no stranger in understanding the unique wants and needs of families travelling together making her your expert choice for creating those special family vacation experiences.  Her agency is also recognized as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner due to her extensive knowledge and superior service.

Do not hesitate to call her today to learn about what she can do to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable vacation!
cpower@tpi.ca
clarapower.ca
facebook iconClara Power TPI Travel 

 

Clara Power TPI Travel

tpi

Originally published on clarapower.ca

1 Comment .
Tags: bucket list, Family Travel Specialist, new resort, nickelodeon, Punta Cana, review, travel .

Why kids love Shimmer and Shine!

Posted on February 20, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in Mommy Approved .
feature shimmer and shine

Ok you even have me singing…Shimmer and Shine….ohhhhh…Genies devine. My 4 year old son absolutely loves this fun, musical and loveable show. In fact, every time we watch an episode my son is ready to sing and dance along with Shimmer and Shine.  The songs are catchy right?

The characters have bold and colorful features that even capture the attention of my 8 month old.  I would definitely say that Shimmer and Shine appeals to a wide age range in terms of audience.  We have had kids over to our house as old as age 7, who have also been engaged by the clever story lines and catchy songs.

shimmer and shine

Shimmer and Shine follows the magical adventures of fraternal twin genies, Shimmer and Shine, who unintentionally create chaos while attempting to grant wishes for their human best friend, Leah.  Shimmer and Shine are often joined by their pets a white Bengal tiger Nahal and adorable monkey Tala.  The genies, Shimmer and Shine remind me of such commotion-causing characters as Amelia Bedelia and Curious George.  Who doesn’t love a good story about comedic mishaps leading to successful resolutions?

Shimmer_and_Shine_Characters_Leah_Zac_Nahal_Tala_Nickelodeon_Nick_Jr._Show

My son is over the moon because Paramount Home Media Distribution recently released Shimmer and Shine on DVD.  You can pick it up at Walmart.  Here is what you can expect when you pick up a copy for your kiddos (besides lots of smiling faces):

Boom Zaharamay, best friends are on the way in these 7 genie-riffic episodes of Shimmer and Shine! When you have two twin genies-in-training and three wishes a day, hillarious magical adventures are never far away!

shimmer and shine video
Our house gives Shimmer and Shine two magical thumbs up!

Tags: Animated Cartoon, featuredxx, Genies, nickelodeon, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Shimmer and Shine, television show, Treehouse TV .

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