We just came back to Vancouver after spending a week at the brand new Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana. The new Karisma Gourmet All-Inclusive® Resort is located in the exclusive area of Uvero Alto Beach and it is the first resort of its kind in the Caribbean (and the world!).

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

We were invited to the grand opening of the resort and my family and I all had a truly unforgettable time. If you are looking for a kid friendly resort where luxury and high quality premium food are priority then you would enjoy your visit to the Nickelodeon™ Hotel & Resort in Punta Cana as well.

The stunning beachfront resort is located approximately a 45 minute drive away from the Punta Cana Airport. Upon arrival we checked into the hotel and were greeted by friendly staff members with wine for the adults and “slime”(green non alcoholic fruity drinks) for the kids. Our luggage was taken to our room and we were upgraded to a room with a swim-up pool.

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

ACCOMMODATIONS

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

The rooms at the resort are simply beautiful. The orange Nickelodeon theme colour is integrated in the rooms with colourful playful touches like the signature Nickelodeon blimps and all rooms feature new modern furniture. The Nickelodeon theme is not in your face or overwhelming and all of the rooms have an upscale, clean and fresh feel to them. The beds are also extremely comfortable with nice colourful pillows set up for you every day.

In our room we loved having a large freestanding bathtub in addition to the shower to give the kid’s proper baths before bed and a large bathroom with his/her sinks plus a lot of closet space.

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

Having the pool attached to our balcony was also amazing, it was great to enjoy the pool with the kids without leaving our room. All balcony doors have a kid gate for safety that can be opened to keep little ones away from the pools.

Something we liked as well was having USB plugs on the wall for our phones and devices on top of the regular power plugs. All the little details make a big difference when you are staying in a hotel.

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

The resort has a selection of different suites available including Super Pool Villas and The Pineapple. We went inside The Pineapple during a press tour and it was amazing. The Pineapple is completely Bikini Bottom-inspired, including the indoor and outdoor living and dining areas. It includes a private master suite with a king size bed, smart TV and closets, and a second bedroom on the upper level of the villa’s loft-style living room. While staying at The Pineapple private butlers can also take care of all of your family’s needs. Pretty exclusive and swanky at $3,800 per night!

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

KARISMA GOURMET DINING EXPERIENCE 

The resort features a list of gourmet restaurants where the food is prepared by world-class chefs and high quality fresh ingredients and lavish food displays are found everywhere you go. The all inclusive dining experience is definitely more luxurious and decadent than typical all inclusive resort meals we’ve had in the past. The convenience of the included 24/7 room service is also a luxury that allows you to enjoy your vacation and stop worrying about the little things. We ordered room service a few times and received our food around 45 minutes after placing the order, pretty good when the service is 24/7 and there is no extra charge.

We booked reservations for dinner at all of the a-la-carte restaurants available and also dined at the open buffet restaurant options. Both were great and we enjoyed the different ambiences and themes offered.

Our favourite restaurants at the resort were Zest, Sugarcane, Verdello and Spacewalker. Zest had character breakfast for the kids twice a week and for lunch we loved the pizza and mini burgers, so yummy! Sugarcane had a huge variety of food and being able to go to the buffet to select different things for the kids was wonderful, that was great for our picky eaters. Verderello featured delicious sicilian food and the Spacewalker was a fun experience for the entire family, we loved the fact that the servers were wearing space suits and the entire restaurant looks like a spaceship, the dessert was also a huge hit, check out our Youtube video above to see how it was served, so cool!

I must say that one of the highlights of the trip for both boys was the Character Breakfast at Zest, where they got to see Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Sponge Bob Squarepants and other loved Nickelodeon characters. It was so much fun for everyone! After the character’s fun dance show you get to take photos with each one and then have a fun family dance party.

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

The resort does a great job at offering a balance of activities and restaurant options for both adults and kids. We liked having the options and being able to pick what to do each day.

Below is a full list of the restaurants available at the resort with a short description of their featured cuisine:

  • SUGARCANE

Featuring Marketplace Cuisine

Healthy meets delicious at Sugarcane. Meals are cooked to order in the open-plan kitchens using local produce and global ingredients to turn all meals into mouthwateringly memorable experiences.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

  • VERDELLO

Featuring Sicilian Kitchen

Start off with focaccia fresh from the oven and follow up with our wide selection of shareable starters. Verdello has a large variety of wines you can choose from and enjoy.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

  • SPACEWALKER

Featuring Interstellar Cuisine

You and your fellow astronauts will dine on a menu of favorites from across the galaxy, served by our spacewalking staff. Even the cocktails are out of this world!

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

  • ZEST

Featuring Mediterranean Cuisine

Zest dining is very interactive and family oriented. While we have Food Displays for breakfast and lunch, we serve an a la carte menu in the evening. You will enjoy our starters served at the table, while you have a choice of food to order from our menu.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

    • WOK WOK

 

Featuring Far East Fusion

You’ve stepped into an authentic Asian culinary adventure, where the dark wood paneling and the gentle sound of running water prepare you for the exquisite Far East flavors of the Wok Wok menu.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}
Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

  • VINO VINO

Featuring Grapes & Keys

Sangria, anyone? Vino Vino serves up a quality selection of wines and wine-based creations, as well as ice-cold beers and soft drinks. Ask our service staff about our wine tastings.

  • BRGRS.PH

Featuring Artisan Burgers

BRGRS.PH takes the humble hamburger to a whole new level. Come by our Food Truck and choose from a selection of burgers, toppings, sauces and freshly-baked buns which are specially designed for each burger. Try our Machete Burger, built for a whole family, or our Vegetarian Lentil Burger. It will be a burger experience you won’t forget.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

  • KITCHEN 23

Featuring Cuisine D’auteur

Designed for refined palates, Kitchen 23 by Le Chique – Cuisine D’auteur exemplifies contemporary culinary art. Our culinary creations and inspired cocktails take originality and attention to detail to the next level. Using imaginative ingredients and techniques, Kitchen 23 offers molecular and traditional dishes with a flair that cannot be found anywhere else. Guests over 18 years of age are welcome.

  • FRESCO

Featuring Gourmet Corner

As the name implies, Fresco delivers fresh, creative and delicious offerings in breezy “al fresco” surroundings. Enjoy a quick meal or a drink at the swim-­up bar. Don’t miss out on our daily ceviche creation from today’s freshest bounties of the sea.
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

  • AQUA BITE

Featuring Kid Friendly Light Meals

The good times don’t have to stop for food. This sunny, splashy area at Nickelodeon™ Place is just steps from the pool and features kid-friendly, grown-up-approved light meals and cold drinks that allow guests to grab something delicious without having to leave Nickelodeon™ Place.

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

  • DOPPIO

Featuring Coffee & Tea

Take a snack break and enjoy a variety of speciality coffees, teas, iced teas, iced coffee and gourmet sweets.

  • JAZMIN

Swim-Up Bar & Deck

Swim up and sip your favorite international and tropical cocktails, ice-cold beers, soft drinks and natural fruit-flavored waters. Enjoy your beverage in the refreshing pool or on the sundeck.

It is worth noting that all of the restaurants have a kid’s menu and they have high chairs available.

DAILY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

During our week stay we had the chance to take advantage of all the many entertainment options offered at the resort with the boys.  There was always something to do for the entire family. Usually during the morning and after breakfast we would hit the beach for some sun and to play in the ocean and make sand castles. The beach is absolutely stunning with golden sand and refreshing warm water and it is located just a short walk away from the room buildings. By the beach there are beautiful infinity pools where you can go for a swim and order drinks at the swim-up bars as well.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

After having lunch at one of the many restaurants we would go to the room for a quick siesta for the kids and to take a rest before heading to Nick’s Place to the Aqua Nick water park and Just Kiddin’ play area. The huge water park was a big hit with the boys and they specially loved the lazy river. It was also fun for us to enjoy the water and the sun while floating away. They have scheduled entertainment at Nick’s Place with kid’s activities and music and family slime time, yup you get slimed as a family! So much fun to watch you guys!

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}
Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

The Aqua Nick water park was perfect for both the toddler and our 5-year-old and we were impressed by how many people were watching over the kids at the water park to ensure everyone was safe and following the rules. There were a few life guards standing in front of the water park and staff watching carefully telling kids to slow down and not to run when going up and down the stairs and different levels. I also saw a few young kids being asked to get out of the water and come back with an adult as they were on their own and unattended. I liked seeing that they really care about the safety of the children and that is was a priority at the water park.

Just Kiddin’ at Nick Place is the club for kids only. Whether they’re in the mood for free play or more structured activities, they’ll find a whole lot of do-­it-­yourself fun, including daily supervised activities program for children 4-12 years old, meet and greet Nickelodeon characters and more. There is a ball pit,  a wall filled with toys and video games for the older children. A great place to drop off the kids for  a few hours if you want to have some adult only time.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

After a few hours of fun at the water park we would usually hit our own pool back at our suite to relax for a bit before dinner. Heading to the restaurants was always fun and most of them are located at the Gourmet Village area. Every night after dinner there was a family friendly movie playing at an outdoor theatre by the Gourmet Village and a few nights a week there was scheduled entertainment at Nick’s Place for families.

The resort is very large as you can see in this map here so there is a lot of walking involved, there are mini carts available throughout the resort that you can call up to your room or you can catch outside.  The friendly employees will drive you to your destination if you ask.  Having the carts is wonderful when you are going from one end of the resort to the other end, like going from the beach to Nick’s Place or Just Kiddin’.  We didn’t mind all the walking as it was nice exercise and we  also brought our stroller for the toddler, that was great and necessary when we ended up walking instead of taking the carts.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

I have to say that both of our boys slept really well each night after all of the fresh air, swimming and fun in the sun!

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

We had a great experience with the customer service at the hotel, the people at the front desk were very helpful and friendly, the servers and waiters at the restaurants were very polite as well and it was a similar experience with the cleaning staff, luggage handlers, the mini cart drivers and all staff in general. We were often asked how we were doing by our building’s concierge and we had people checking to see if we needed anything as we were entering or leaving our room.

Given how new and large the resort is there were inevitably a few kinks left to iron out. We had some issues with our room’s WIFI access for example but they were eventually able to fix this by replacing our router. Most of the restaurants had excellent and attentive service but occasionally some of them were a bit disorganized but I would chalk that up to the staff being very new and working on the communication and timing.

Since the resort is so large and essentially split between two locations we found that some of the employees did not yet know where everything was located. However even if they did not know they would always make sure to find out for us and make sure you were helped. In fact anyone we asked for help was always happy to do so with a smile.

If we needed something like a mini bar refill or a turn down service it was never more than a phone call away and a few minutes of waiting.

A small suggestion for the resort is to offer kid’s cutlery at their restaurants in the future. They had kid’s plates but all knives, spoons and forks were metal. It would be nice to have some plastic cutlery available for kids but again something that you can bring from home if you prefer to have your own.

EXTRAS

We didn’t have the chance to use the gym or spa services but we did see them and they both looked great, at the gym they have a great selection of cardio and weight training machines that are perfect if you want to continue your fitness routine while you are away from home. The spa looked super relaxing and they offer a variety of services to help you unwind.

Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

RATES

Standard rates at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana begin at $345 per adult, per night including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, with complete a la carte dining, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, full-service concierge, and 24-hour room service.  Additionally, up to two kids under 13 years old Stay, Eat and Play Free with a minimum 4-nights’ stay when staying in a room with two adults; the third child will pay a child rate.

Sliming Savings!

Kids are included with Sliming Savings at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana! Plus you can save up to 50% on vacations booked between now and October 21, 2016 for travel until December 22, 2017.  Special rates start at $190 per person, per night for adults with kids included*. Sliming Savings is not combinable with other promotions and excludes the Pineapple and Super Pool Villas. For more information and to book, please visit www.nickresortpuntacana.com/specials.

*Two children (ages 3-12) are included when sharing a room with two adults.

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Celebrating the Opening of The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Review}

We had a really amazing vacation and really enjoyed our time at the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana. The kids are already asking to go back to the place where Sponge Bob and the characters of Paw Patrol sing to you while you eat breakfast. We better start planning our next visit soon!!!

Our Stay At The New Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana {Travel Review}

Disclosure: I have been invited to the Nickelodeon™ Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana and was provided with complementary flights and accommodations, however this is not a paid post and all views and opinions are 100% my own.