The Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana is ready to welcome your family. Swim the day away in the waters of the Uvero Alto beach in the Dominican Republic, just a 30-minute drive from the Punta Cana airport.
This is Nickelodeon’s first international property, but don’t be scared that you will find over the top décor and Sponge Bob around every corner. Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is tastefully adorned in white and gray with hints of Nickelodeon’s signature orange color.
- Packing
- Resort Details
- Room Details
- Nickelodeon Place
- Restaurant Guide
- On and Offsite Activities
Table of Contents
PACKING
You will need to pack the usual items for your Caribbean vacation, but sunscreen and mosquito repellant should be at the top of your list. To help you prepare, we’ve created a printable packing list that will get you down to the Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana with minimal stress.
I don’t know about you, but I find it impossible to decipher resort dress codes these days. Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana is a luxury resort, so you will need to dress accordingly. Clean shorts and tops, sundresses and maxi dresses, cute skirts, sandals, flip-flops and swimsuits and cover ups are the norm. Dinner is elegant casual, which means you need to put an outfit on that you would be proud to wear on a date. Stilettos are worn, as well as delicate sandals.
Here is a sampling of what you might see (click each square to find out more):
Official dress code of the resort:
- Women: capri pants, dresses, skirts, pants, shoes, sandals dress
- Men: Long pants, shirts, dress sandals, casual shoes, stylish shorts or formal
- Children: Clean shorts and top (there is much more leeway with kids)
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NICKELODEON HOTELS AND RESORTS PUNTA CANA AND SENSATORI
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana isn’t alone on the property. Sensatori, another Karisma property is also located on the grounds, and it is very hard to tell where Nickelodeon ends and Sensatori begins.
The basic difference is the color scheme.
While Nickelodeon sticks to their signature orange and green, Sensatori leans towards red and blues. Some amenities are only offered to Sensatori guests (PlayHouse kids club; Nickelodeon guests will use Nick Place.) Both resorts share the main pool and Gourmet Village.
Mosquitos
No one wants to have to worry about bugs on their trip, especially those pesky mosquitos that are spreading disease throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana sprays for mosquitos, which does keep the bug population down, but you will want to pack your bug spray.
Spray yourself and your kids before you head out of the hotel room each day, and especially at night when mosquitos are more active.
You may never see a mosquito at Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Here are a few of our favorite products to pack when we need to stay protected:
FRIENDLY STAFF
The staff is warm, welcoming and ready to see to your every possible need when you visit Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana.
All speak Spanish, and almost all speak great English.
If you know some Spanish, use it. The staff is happy to help you out if you have trouble defining a word, or you want to learn more about their native language.
Rooms
There are six blocks of hotel rooms at theNickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana, and even more room types.
The resort features 208 suites, in seven different design styles to accommodate your family’s size and needs, whether you are looking for a ground floor suite with a swim up pool, your own personal Super Villa, or just a simple room that can fit your family of four comfortably when all you plan to do is sleep while in there.
SAMPLING OF ROOM AMENITIES:
- Robe
- Safe
- Mini-Fridge
- Calais toiletries, includes the usual plus Q-tips and sewing kit
- Hair Dryer
Sampling of amenities just for kids:
- Child-size robes
- Strollers
- Cribs
- Gerber baby food at the restaurants
WI-FI
There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort. In the rooms, restaurants and by the pool you should get a strong signal.
You should be able to easily stream video, Facetime and Skype with family back home. If you are streaming video as you walk, you may get cut off as you jump from one router to the next.
Simply pause by a building and you will reconnect. Wi-Fi is not great by the beach.
Nickelodeon Place
One of the biggest reasons families are booking this new hotel is because of Nickelodeon Place. Although delays stopped this family-fun zone from opening at the same time as the hotel, the entire complex and the sports fields behind it will be open by August 1st. The water park should open earlier than that so families visiting this summer can enjoy this amenity.
Aqua Nick. Float down the lazy river, let your little ones run through the splash pad and reconnect with your kids on a water slide, as you take on the most highly anticipated feature at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana.
Don’t forget to get slimmed while you are at it.
The big bucket at the top of the water complex dumps regularly, so pick up your kids and run through while mom or dad takes a photo. These are memories you can’t make back home, and you will want to remember.
Just Kiddin’. Kids clubs are always a welcome treat for parents who just need a little break on their vacation too. Children ages 4-12 years old will enjoy supervised activities and programming, plus character meet-and-greets.
Plaza Orange. This is where you will find entertainment, movie premiers and game shows to enjoy with the whole family.
NICK kNacks. Stock up on all of your favorite merchandise from the shows you and your kids love, whether you want a few movies, apparel, toys or just some sunscreen and beach toys.
Sports & Entertainment Complex. Tennis, pro archery, soccer, and basketball are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at the sports complex, along with a teen center.
Restaurants
All of the restaurants cater to families, except Kitchen 23, which is adult-only and charges a surcharge. The Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana does not use the term “buffet.” You will hear the resort staff refer to buffets as “food displays.”
Across the “display” restaurants, food is brought out in small batches so the food is always fresh, hot, and to the highest standard.
Allergies are taken into consideration, but not all allergies are known. The hostess will ask your allergies, but at buffets, you will need to ask if a specific dish has the item you are allergic to if you are not sure.
All restaurants have a kid’s menu, except Kitchen 23 and VinoVino.
Breakfast recommendations
Doppio. Open 7am-7pm
Surcharge, except on daily special. Coffee and tea lovers will appreciate this well designed coffee shop that serves LaVazza coffee, as well as a few sweet and savory treats.
Every day the shop will offer one item that is included in your all-inclusive package. All other menu items carry a surcharge.
Sugarcane. Open 6:30am-11am (breakfast) and 5:30pm-10pm (dinner)
This is the perfect spot to start any day. The décor is reminiscent of a California eatery with exposed brick, wood, and iron.
There are so many food stations, you will want to take a tour around the restaurant before you grab a plate and start loading up.
iThere is an omelet station, breakfast sandwich station, cereal, fresh fruit, cured meats and cheese, mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, pastries, breads, rolls, French toast, Venezuelan sweet corn cakes (amazing!), crepes, pancakes, bacon, eggs, and so much more. Sugarcane is also open for dinner with just as many selections.
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS
Lunch time is all about the beach and pool, especially when you are in the Caribbean on a multigenerational vacation.
Two restaurants, Zest and Lighthouse, are located at the ends of the pool, while Fresca is behind Building 2.
Zest. 7am-11am (breakfast), 12pm-4pm (lunch) and 6pm-10pm (dinner)
Sit outside or inside at this multicolored restaurant to the left of the pool where Caribbean flavors come alive.
Here you will find a food display featuring fresh fruit, dessert, pizza straight out of the oven, ceviche, salads, and Caribbean inspired dishes.
Character breakfasts are also offered at Zest, which includes your kids’ favorite characters from Dora the Explorer, The Fairly Odd Parents, PAW Patrol, and Sponge Bob Square Pants.
The Lighthouse. Open 11am-6pm
Caribbean sea fare is on the menu at this restaurant on the right side of the pool. The display/buffet selection is larger than Zest, with ceviche, local Dominican dishes, a carving station with fish and meats, cured meat and cheese, salads, fresh fruit, ice cream, pastries and more.
If you aren’t sure what a dish is, just ask. The kitchen staff is happy to explain what each dish includes.
Fresca. Open 10am-5pm (food service starts at 11am. Drinks offered at 10am)
Everyone is welcome to dine at Fresca, but if you have a swim up suite in Building 2 or a swim up suite in the back of Building 1, you can literally jump into the pool from your patio and swim over for a cocktail, beer, glass of wine or ceviche.
This restaurant features a daily fresh ceviche as well as other a la carte bites to enjoy throughout the day.
Aqua Bite. Open 10am-6pm
Located in Nickelodeon Place, families can enjoy flatbread pizza, pita wraps and salads in between playtime at Aqua Nick.
DINNER RECOMMENDATIONS
Verdello. Open 6pm-10pm
Sicilian food is on the a la carte menu, and the chef puts his heart and soul into ever dish. Fresh mozzarella is made onsite, and you can watch the cured meat being slice in front of you. Enjoy fresh salads, risotto, filets of beef, fresh fish and pasta.
Make sure you tell the hostess and waiter about any allergies you might have, as they can steer you towards safe dishes.
BRGRS.PH. Open 6pm-10pm
Burgers and unlimited milkshakes will make you and your kids’ smile at this a la carte restaurant, especially if you have a pick eater.
The Machete burger is a novelty item that you will want to order at least once if you have a large group. This one-kilo burger can serve 4-6 people, depending on how hungry you are, and keep in mind that fries do come with it.
There are other, more manageable burgers created in a normal portion size, as well as non-beef and vegetarian options for those who don’t eat meat at all. Parents can enjoy a boozy shake, while kids can dive into root beer floats or milkshakes.
This restaurant features a food truck inside of the restaurant, which kids can pop into for a photo in the drivers’ seat. Parents stay close though, as this is a working food truck and there is hot oil back there for the fries.
SpaceWalker. Open 6pm-10pm
Visiting guests with children have been excited about this restaurant well before it opened. Families can hop into their shuttle and take off into a world of interstellar cuisine.
What does that mean?
You will just have to find out for yourself, but don’t be surprised when the food you ordered looks a little different and otherworldly.
Wok Wok. Open 6pm-10pm
The Far East fusion menu features fresh sushi rolls, won ton soup, pork filled dumplings, Vietnamese spring rolls, beef satay, pad thai, curries, stir fries, fried rice, and even coconut mahi mahi. If you have ever wanted to expand your taste buds, this is the place to do it.
The wood-paneling and gentle sounds of running water transport you across the globe, and create an intimate setting for couples and families alike.
VinoVino. Open 5pm-1am
Although children are allowed into VinoVino, this wine and piano bar does not cater to children. Wine, beer and cocktails are available.
See the weekly schedule for nightly live music performances.
Kitchen 23 by Le Chique (Adults only + surcharge). Open 6pm-10pm.
Reservations are required to dine in this exclusive restaurant just for adults. There are two dining options:
- 8-course Discovery menu for $45 per person, which includes house wine. Add $35 for four wine specialty wine pairings
- 16-course Epicurean menu for $65 per person, which includes house wine. Add $55 for six wine specialty wine pairings
The Beach at Nickelodeon
What better reason do you need to visit the Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana than the gorgeous beach that the property sits on? The water is calm and warm, with just a few small waves that will make your kids giggle as they jump and splash around.
Grab a lounge chair or a cabana (included in your hotel stay, but you do need to request one) to relax, read a book, or just store your stuff while you build a sand castle with your kids.
When you have had enough of the salt and sand, walk up to the infinity pool for a refreshing beverage, or take part in any number of activities that are planned that week (you are given an activity sheet at check in).
If you are at a loss, here are a few ideas to keep you busy during your stay.
Pools
There are no life vests available, but there are towels, sunscreen for purchase, athletic balls (football, volleyball, etc.) and beach toys. Lifeguards are also stationed at the pool.
Infinity Pool Terrace and bar. Order a mojito or an el Caipirinha (Brazilian cocktail made with a lot of lime, sugar and cachaca or rum) from the bar, or if you prefer, beer, wine and any other cocktail. Daily signature drinks will also be available.
If you get hungry in the pool, ask for a cup of pretzels to munch on while you sip.
Fitness Center and classes
The Fitness Center is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and includes your standard gym equipment, like treadmills, ellipticals, weights and circuit trainers. There is a television, water and towels available as well.
Fitness Classes are located in the Fitness Center, Dance Studio, Beach (Playa) and Main Pool. Sampling of classes (check weekly schedule for offerings):
- Yoga
- Stretching classes
- AquaFit
- Dance
- Zumba
- Cardio ABC
- Beach Running
- Beach Volleyball
Vassa spa
While the kids are off with their friends at Just Kidding (Kid’s Club), hop into the spa for a massage or facial.
Make sure you leave time to sit in the herbal steam room or dry sauna, relax in the chromo therapy showers, bubble beds, whirlpool, and arctic and warm water pools.
There are five indoor treatment rooms, five outdoor treatment huts with showers, a couple’s suite, a bridal suite, and a full service salon that can do hair, make up, manicures and pedicures.
Vassa Spa’s Signature “perfectly pink” treatments can be booked for your little one if she/he would like to accompany you to the spa.
Spa facilities are available to guests without an appointment at a day rate of $35.
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Sports equipment is available on site if you are interested in getting active on your vacation, but please remember to bring your own sneakers and sportswear.
- Sports hub clubhouse
- Soccer field
- Multi-purpose court
- Tennis Courts
- Archery Rage
- Running path
- Giant chess board
Other Onsite Activities
- Snorkeling equipment
- Lighted tennis
- Spanish classes
- Cooking classes
Offsite activities
Speak to the concierge if you would like to book any number of excursions outside of Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana during your stay. Here is a sampling of what you can do offsite:
- Golf at nearby courses
- Diving trips
- Dive certification
- Deep sea fishing
- Snorkeling
Many thanks to Karisma for hosting me for four nights while on assignment for Travel Age West magazine. As always, my opinions are my own. When they aren’t you will be the first to know.
