What do you get when you combine some of the most famous kids TV shows ever and a luxurious all-inclusive resort? Family-friendly heaven, that's what.
When parents hear the word "Nickelodeon", it brings up lots of nostalgic memories from our childhood. From the Rugrats (remember them?!) to the Ninja Turtles, and who could forget Double Dare? And the famous bright green slime. Oh, the slime.
Well, now that a new generation has been introduced to some of Nickelodeon's greatest hits (here's looking at you, Dora and Spongebob) the new all-inclusive Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya is sure to become a major vacation bucket list item for many families. Designed specifically with families in mind, the new resort is a short 30-minute drive from the Cancun airport and boasts over 250 suites — each accomdating familiies of five — that each come with two full bathrooms. That's not even the best part. Each suite is also an ocean view swim-up suite, meaning families have access to a little pool right off their patio, which is a godsend for if you still have a baby or toddler that naps but want the older kids to still be entertained and quiet.
As a family of five with kids ages 3, 7, and 10, the room was spacious and more than easily accomdated us all. The two older kids shared a pull-out couch bed and the toddler was thrilled to have the super cool Murphy bed to herself. Us parents were thrilled to have a door to our "room" so we could still keep the lights on (and not have to tiptoe to the bathroom) after the kids went to sleep. And two full bathrooms for a family is just a gift when traveling, amirite?
While some all-inclusives are lacking in one area (usually food), this one had it all — delicious food, fantastic entertainment and spacious accomodations. Basically, we can't wait to go back already.
Things to Do:
Know Before You Go:
COVID Testing
There's on-site COVID testing, which you'll reserve at check-in as the many countries require a negative test within a certain timeframe of flying back. It was super easy, with no wait and they were great with the kids. We got our results back in under 24 hours.
Mosquitos
Bring your own bug lotion/spray if you have a favorite otherwise you'll be paying premium resort prices to buy them there — and you will need it, especially at night in the balmy tropical weather.
Water Safety
There are life vests provided at Aqua Nick, so no need to bring your own unless you want them for the pools at the hotel.
(Disclosure: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts provided partial press accommodations for this trip. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.)
