Punta Cana – Urban Suburban Mommy

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
Clara Power TPI Travel

Clara Power TPI Travel

Originally published on clarapower.ca

I have to admit I have had this negative thing about “cruises” in my head. I’ll get sea sick, I feel stranded, my kids will go stir crazy. You get the picture. But so many of our friends have had absolutely delightful experiences while cruising with their families. In fact, many of them swear by it and are frequent cruisers.

After watching some of the Disney cruise ship commercials, I am definitely intrigued – and perhaps could be swayed. I thought it would be best to talk to an expert about this travel option. I spoke with Cynthia Joaquin, franchise owner/manager of Expedia CruiseShipCenters about the benefits and highlights of taking a cruise with the family.

1. Why are cruises a great option for travel for families?

Cruises offer something for everyone. The kids can access great activities (rock climbing, kids clubs, slides, etc) and parents can use the gym, spa, adults only areas. You will never be bored and the food and facilities are fantastic!

2. What are your top 3 recommended destinations for families and why?

It depends on if we are looking at a cruise of land destination. For cruises, the Caribbean is a great first-time cruise. It gets you enjoying the ship, has a few ports to stop at and you don’t feel rushed. For land, Punta Cana has been very popular. There are great resorts for families that include water parks. Mayan Riviera is always a popular one as well, they have great highly reviewed hotels and many with great kids clubs, which helps the parents have a relaxing time.

3. How are cruises different from land only trips, and what are the benefits?

The entertainment, food and activities on a ship can’t be beat. And you also get to stop at different places where you can also enjoy some great beach time. It really gives you the best of both worlds. You also get to see different places while your hotel follows you along. With a land vacation you are tied to one resort. You don’t have the variety of food at many of the resorts and if you are not a huge beach person (like myself) you can get very bored very quickly. To me as long as my kids are happy then I am happy. I find that happens easier while on a cruise ship that is geared towards children.

4. What do you say to families who have never tried cruising (like myself)?

You have to try it. Once you try it it’s very hard to go back to a land vacation. It truly is an amazing vacation experience if you are on the right ship. And that is part of my job – to speak with my clients, figure out their likes and dislikes, what they want out of their vacation and then put them on the best ship and itinerary that will give them an unforgettable experience. I haven’t had an unhappy cruise client yet.

Cynthia Joaquin is a franchise owner/manager of Expedia CruiseShipCenters which is a global leader in the marketing and sales of cruise vacations. Expedia CruiseShipCenters also provides resort and other land vacation options, including air, car, hotel and travel insurance. Allowing the company to serve all travel needs.

www.cruiseshipcenters.com/CynthiaJoaquin

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Tag Archives: Punta Cana

Family friendly travel? A review of Nickelodeon Punta Cana

Let’s get cruising