Why Stay
If your children can’t get enough of SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer or other Nick Jr. programs, they will love this new all-inclusive resort by Karisma development around the children’s programming network, Nickelodeon. Located outside Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, the resort is the first of its kind and features large family suites, gourmet dining, a water park, beachfront swimming pool, character meet and greets, and yes, green slime.
What Kids Can Do
This resort is meant for the under-teen set and does not offer options for kids 13 and older besides a sports hub with basketball, soccer and a clubhouse with a couple of video game consoles; all of which kids can do at home. Skip this resort if you have older kids.
For younger kids, there is an array of choices, from Nickelodeon play place with character encounters to a supervised kids’ program to Aqua Nick, the resort’s massive water park and splash area. Even the resort’s spa welcomes children, with special services for ages 5 to 9 and 10 to 17.
Room Types for Families
You can live in a pineapple like SpongeBob with the one-of-a-kind Pineapple Suite, one of for private villas with 1,300 square feet of space across two stories with private pools, living space and butler service. (The remaining three lack the pineapple design, but do feature Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in subtle décor.)
Besides the villas, the swim-up and plunge pool suites are also great options, as you have your own pool just outside of your patio door. Suites without pools can accommodate four to six guests, with suites with living areas offering sleeper sofas.
Dining for Kids
Like many Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, the Nickelodeon offers multiple dining options, and does so mostly in one central plaza area. The property shares space with another Karisma resort, to provide extra dining choices. At Aqua Nick, Aqua Bite has snacks, pizza and sandwiches, while the main pool has al fresco dining at Fresco, complete with a signature Slime Green Mojito Smoothie. At night, Spacewalker’s unique space-themed restaurant, BRGRS.PH burger joint and Sugarcane’s all-day buffet will be favorites for the kids. Be sure to sign up for the character breakfast on Saturday mornings at Zest.