BY OLEG RABINOVICH
With Spring break over, it’s time to focus on the next family adventure. Many all inclusive resorts are rolling out the red carpet or in this case the green slime to welcome families of all ages. Just a four hour plane ride from NYC, The Nick Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic has taken the all inclusive experience to another level.
Nickelodeon’s parent company Viacom partnered with the five star Karisma Hotels brand to offer families the perfect amount of family bonding. Refreshing green slime smoothies are waiting for guests who check into one of 208 Nickelodeon themed rooms, all complete with their famous orange blimp. There’s no need to use the front door if you book a swim up suite on the first floor, just make sure to pack a bathing suit. There’s even a stocked mini bar. The biggest decisions of the day will be where to soak in the sun. Choose between lounging on plush beds situated in the middle of the pristine beach and Infiniti pool complete with swim up bar or the lazy river in the AquaNick water park where there’s a good chance you will run into Dora, Boots, Sponge Bob and Patrick.
The water park also plays host to $50 slime time experiences, character meet and greets, nighttime entertainment and an expansive sports center complete with archery. Younger kids are kept occupied at Just Kiddin’, an indoor orange and green themed kids club with a slide, ball pit and Joe’s big red chair from Blue’s Clues.
The Foodies will not be disappointed with eight restaurants to choose from including a burger that will feed your entire family and is served with a machete for divvying up. Other options include an expansive buffet, Italian, Asian fusion, a food truck named Fresco and meals where the kids can hang out with their favorite Nickelodeon characters for an extra charge. Most are located in the Gourmet Village area where outdoor tables, music and activities are set up. A nice added bonus is the steady stream of golf carts used as shuttles to get you around the property.
PROS: Beautiful grounds. Wide variety of food options. Plenty to do for kids under 12.
CONS: It’s the Atlantic Ocean & not the Caribbean Sea. Beach beds need to be reserved at 8am on the day before. There’s another Karisma Resort on the property creating some confusion with amenities.
DEALS: https://www.nickresortpuntacana.com/specials/
