This trip was graciously hosted by the resort and my review is based on
personal experience and honest opinion during my stay.
AHOY, THERE!! ARE YOU READY TO PLAY!?
I just got back from my vacation to Nickelodeon™ Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya, literally in the lap of luxury for 4 days straight, and I'm finding it hard to adjust back to my normal life.
During my stay, I joined a group of 30+ Macaroni KID publishers to tour and explore the NEW & ALL-INCLUSIVE Nickelodeon-themed resort with special appearances from SpongeBob, Paw Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The trip was jam-packed with a surprising (and satisfying) combination of two contrasting elements: five-star luxury + silly and messy fun. I'm talking about extravagant comfort mixed with gooey green slime, world-class dining featuring ice cream for breakfast, oversized works of art with neon colors, and high-energy entertainment with an unexpected twist.
The result is fantastic, offbeat, and nostalgic — an unforgettable family getaway for Nickelodeon fans of all ages. And it's all tucked away in a lush forest environment overlooking the Caribbean Sea... which I admired every morning from the swim-up infinity pool on my private balcony. It's unbelievable!
CROSSING THE GULF OF MEXICO
My vacation started with a 2-hour direct flight from Atlanta, Georgia, to Cancun, Mexico. That was pretty easy. Then I headed for ground transportation and boarded the hotel shuttle, which was already organized by the resort. Effortless. Less than 30 minutes later, I arrived at the front gates of Nickelodeon™ Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya. So excited!
GOLDEN PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEA
WOW! The lobby is decorated with a giant golden pineapple, high ceilings, shiny lights, pop art, and funky chairs. I checked in, grabbed a complimentary donut, and headed for my hotel room. Actually, the entire resort is located on a nature preserve, so the main lobby and ocean-front hotel are located one mile apart. Works out perfectly when you want a secluded experience, away from it all. When I needed to go to and from the lobby, water park, or hotel rooms, I just caught a quick shuttle through scenic mangroves.
 Super comfy orange couches in the main lobby |  A fast and free shuttle will take you to your room |
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTEL ROOM WITH A VIEW
A big surprise awaited me inside the hotel. I was totally shocked to find that every single room has:
- Room for 5 people
- 2 smart TVs
- A gorgeous oceanfront view with A SWIM-UP POOL
- Plenty of closet space, comfortable robes, and slippers
- Fully-stocked MINI FRIDGE with free drinks
- 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE
- A MASTER BATHROOM with double sinks, toilet, shower, and free-standing soaking tub
- And a SECOND BATHROOM with sink, toilet, and shower... WHAAAAT?
Yes, you heard right... my standard room came with not one, but TWO FULL BATHROOMS, a complete game-changer for family vacations, especially with kids.
WORLD-CLASS DINING & RESTAURANTS
After that, I proceeded to enjoy an all-inclusive experience like you'd expect on a cruise ship, but way better. There are a total of SIX different restaurants, with unique decor and menu items including unlimited food, beverages, and desserts.
- Le Spatula - breakfast
- Good Burger - playful burgers and fries
- Bikini Bottom Bar - tiki bar, seafood
- Nick Bistro - family-friendly breakfast, lunch
- Yacht Club - world cuisine, including seafood
- Piazza - gourmet pizza, salad, pasta
The resort uses high-class ingredients and menu items for adventurous foodies. At the same time, I noticed the kids section at Le Spatula serving mac and cheese for breakfast, so there's something for everyone!
 Very Happy Kiwi & Guava at Le Spatula |  Burgers & Fries at Good Burger |  Dessert Plate & Cake Smoothies at Nick Bistro |
EXCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Throughout the trip, I was entertained by vibrant live performances and character dance parties.
Then there's Club Nick, an indoor play area for kids – a perfect spot to just hang out and beat the heat. For an additional fee, you can hire a babysitter, laundry service, or visit Náay Spa for a massage. I also loved browsing three gift shops for unique souvenirs, searching for fun artwork and photo opportunities around the resort, and touring the signature suites.
NAUTICAL NONSENSE @ AQUA NICK
Hands down, my favorite part of the resort was Aqua Nick, the 6-acre water park. It has a lazy river, adventure river, 20+ water slides, splash pad, rock climbing wall, and daily sliming zone where one of my childhood dreams came true... I GOT SLIMED! Best of all, water park admission is included in the cost of your stay.
HAPPY-HAPPY JOY-JOY!
There's no denying that this resort is a premium, five-star getaway and they totally elevated the Nickelodeon™ brand to a whole new level. As an adult fan, I appreciate the nod to classic 90s shows and obscure references to delight my sense of nostalgia. Ahh, to be a kid again...
But that's how I felt on this trip. It's made for kids, but also for grown-ups. It's wild, crazy, fancy, and fun.... from top to Bikini Bottom! And I can't wait to go back.
The author was given a complimentary 3-night stay at Nickelodeon™ Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya. However, all opinions expressed are her own.
Save up to 40% at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts PLUS $400 Bonus Resort Credit
What You Need to Know:
- Deal valid at Nickelodeon™ Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya and Punta Cana
- Book by August 30, 2022
- Travel by September 7, 2022
- Blackout dates / minimum stay requirements may apply
- Click here for more information on the resorts
If this sounds like the kind of vacation you want, head over to CertifiKID for a special offer just for our readers!
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