SPONGE-WORTHY: New Nickelodeon makes mark in Mexico

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts recently rolled out its signature “orange carpet” in the Riviera Maya, marking the family-oriented brand’s entry into Mexico. Operated in partnership with Karisma Hotels Hotels & Resorts and Grupo Lomas, the five-star all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Riviera Maya is also second resort in the expanding brand after Punta Cana, DR.

Located 20 minutes south of Cancun, purposely located a short distance from the airport, guests will meet an expanded cast of beloved Nickelodeon characters like Sponge Bob, get “slimed,” and otherwise be transported into the “imagination-expanding worlds of the entertainment brand’s beloved shows.”

The resort also features the brand’s first all Oceanfront Swim-Up Suites, expansive Aqua Nick water park, and new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themed penthouse suites.

In fact, all of the whimsically designed rooms are oceanfront swim-up suites, and at 54 sq. m., accommodate five people. Each room has two full bathrooms and views of the Caribbean Sea from an oversized balcony, which includes access to an infinity plunge pool. Design elements include art pieces and furnishings inspired by Nickelodeon’s iconic colours and characters, from shows including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Dora the Explorer.

For the ultimate Nickelodeon experience, guests can also choose from three specialty suites, including: the Big Kahuna Suite; Pineapple Suite (Bikini Bottom); and Lair Suite (Ninja Turtles).

Water Park

At the heart of the resort is the 2.5-hectare Aqua Nick, one of Mexico’s largest themed water parks, encompassing 185-sq.-m. of slides, 170 sq. m. of river rides, and more:

• Activity Pool: A massive pool suited for adventurous water play featuring a full schedule of entertainment and activities.

• Soak Summit Main Tower: A 4.5-sq.-m.-high tower, Soak Summit encompasses exhilarating slides, including the horizontal looping “The Big Plunge,” the enclosed entrances of “Riptide Rush,” or one of the faster rides, “Tubular Twist.”

• Paw Patrol Adventure Bay: Features smaller, fun-size slides for younger children, including the “Hero Half Pipe,” “Rescue Racers,” and the mammoth tipping bucket to cool off with 60 litresf of water.

• Bikini Bottom Beach: A multi-level water playground equipped with numerous slides, water guns and jets, tipping buckets and more.

• Daily Super Slimings: No day at Aqua Nick would be complete without a Super Sliming, the ultimate Nickelodeon honour.

Activity hub

Beyond the expansive offerings at Aqua Nick, there is also Nickelodeon Place, the hub of many of the resort’s entertainment features, which provides additional activities for all ages, from character meet and greets and dinners to Splash Mob dance parties and scavenger hunts. Plus, daily activities include beachside yoga, cooking lessons at Bikini Bottom, beach volleyball competitions, and nightly live entertainment.

More amenities

In October, more amenities will come on stream at the resort, including the opening of a fitness centre and spa, and the introduction of daily activities and entertainment offerings A free play zone will also open, along with a hangout area for older kids.