Our family loves all-inclusive resorts. We’ve checked out places in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and more. But this trip was special.
It was the first time our boys, ages 10 to 13, would experience something outside the U.S. The idea of an all-inclusive resort was new to them.
When I explained to my oldest son that all the food was included, he was baffled. “Wait… how’s it possible that all the food is free?” he asked.
After I explained it again, he just said, “Bet!” Translation: “Cool.” And with that, our adventure at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya kicked off.
Aqua Nick Waterpark: A Splashing Good Time
Aqua Nick was a highlight for us. This sprawling 6-acre Nickelodeon-themed water complex is packed with slides, rivers, and countless activities.
The boys were in heaven with the Soak Summit slides like the Epic Plunge and Rad Racers. Sarah and I spent much of our time in the lazy river, a peaceful 15-20 minute ride that wound through the park. Of course, the kids spent some time in the lazy river, too. They even stopped by the glass bottom bridge for this amazing photo opp:
What could be better than quietly relaxing surrounded by beautiful landscapes while your kids are running around having the time of their lives?
The crowds weren’t bad at all, which meant the boys could ride the slides over and over with no long waits. Our favorite part was the tandem raft slides. It was great to ride together and scream our heads off.
The kids also got wristbands that let them grab food, drinks, and ice cream whenever they wanted from the five food and beverage kiosks scattered around Aqua Nick. This gave Sarah and me some much-needed relaxation time.
Another thing we loved about the waterpark was the option to upgrade to a cabana. We were able to enjoy reserved, shaded seating with a stocked refrigerator and waiter service for an extra touch of luxury, letting you spend a full day at the park in comfort.
Who Says You Can’t Learn on Vacation?
Let’s face it, flying from the US to Mexico and taking a ride directly to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya probably isn’t a full cross-cultural experience. However, that doesn’t mean that we didn’t experience some fun moments with the kids, who were outside of the US for the first time in their lives.
One of our funniest moments happened in the Nickelodeon Shop. Hudson, our witty 12-year-old, was looking at hats and said, “Am I daydreaming? Because it says this hat is $822.”
I gave a quick lesson on the difference between a Mexican Peso and a US Dollar before we moved on with our day.
Elevated by Butler Service
One unexpected treat was our upgrade to butler service. Roberto and Moises, our butlers, were just a text away during our 4-night stay.
They zipped us around the resort on a golf cart, handled dinner reservations, and made sure we didn’t miss any shows. Their warmth and attention to detail ensured that our trip felt particularly special.
Having someone always on hand to help was incredible. It was like having a VIP pass to the whole resort.
If you’re able to add this level of service to your experience, I’d highly recommend it.
Most Characters in the Caribbean
Another cool thing? Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya has the most characters in the Caribbean. They say there are 29 different characters at the resort, and I believe it. It seemed like every time we turned a corner, there was someone new to meet. Our kids had fun taking photos with Squidward, SpongeBob, and the Ninja Turtles.
Besides the scheduled meet and greets, they even host events like The Orange Carpet and the Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, which takes the experience to another level if your kids are really in love with a particular Nick character.
Spa Experience: Relaxation for All Ages
Even the boys got to enjoy their first spa day. They had 25-minute chocolate facials and massages, while Sarah and I enjoyed 50-minute massages at the luxurious Náay Spa.
We were a bit nervous about taking three boys into a spa, as they aren’t exactly known for their quietness. But they held it together quite well, and the staff was amazing with them.
We weren’t sure what to expect from a spa in such a kid-friendly resort. However, I’m glad to report the spa was serene and beautiful for adults and kids alike.
Wildlife and Scenic Drives
The resort is huge. Shuttles constantly run between the lobby, waterpark, and main hotel buildings. We mostly used our butler service, which allowed us to see vibrant birds, huge iguanas, and even a Mexican raccoon.
These raccoons looked different from the ones back home. So while it was no big deal for our driver Moises, we were freaking out as if we’d just spotted an extremely rare and startling creature.
There are also spider monkeys that come to the resort in the mornings. We weren’t early enough to see them, but our driver spotted them often.
Maybe next time, we’ll set an alarm.
However, it was a fun surprise to see some beautiful wildlife as we traveled around the property.
Surprisingly Delicious Dining Options
I’ve learned to manage my expectations when it comes to food at all-inclusives. But Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya was a pleasant surprise.
We had breakfast at Le Spatula, a playful, family-oriented spot named after SpongeBob’s iconic spatula. The breakfast buffet had everything from omelet stations to custom crepes, so my Nutella fix was sorted.
We visited Good Burger, inspired by the popular comedy sketch and movie, for dinner. Their playful take on burgers was a hit. The kids devoured pasta and pizza at Piazza Restaurant, where you might even spot a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle roaming around. We also enjoyed delicious drinks with ocean views at the Bikini Bottom Bar.
Entertainment and Pools: Endless Fun
The indoor theater at the resort offered top-notch entertainment, including talented acrobats that the kids loved.
I should also note that the Nickelodeon entertainment schedule has no shortage of slime.
Daily mass slimings at the water park and private slime sessions were available. It was a paradise for kids who dream of getting slimed.
Besides Aqua Nick, our kids loved the huge hotel pool with Cosmo and Wanda swim-up bars at each end. They were thrilled to order a Coke without leaving the water, which is like heaven on earth for a kid.
We also enjoyed a small pool on our balcony with stunning ocean views. It was perfect for a morning dip while waiting for mom and dad to get ready.
The Summer of SpongeBob and SpongeBob’s 25th Anniversary
So, if your kids are SpongeBob fans, this summer is the time to visit. The resort is celebrating its annual Summer of SpongeBob from May 24th to September 3rd, 2024. Think of it as a SpongeBob bonanza with themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and tiki parties.
It’s even better because 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants.
They’ve got SpongeBob Nick Live! Poolside with dance shows, live music, and character meet-and-greets. It seemed like we ran into SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and other Nick characters almost every time we ventured into the waterpark or lobby.
The Perfect Setting for Families
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya’s blend of fun, luxury, and relaxation made it the perfect first all-inclusive experience for our family. The short, 25-minute ride from the airport was stress-free. Getting through customs was a breeze.
The resort features 280 oceanfront suites with swim-up or balcony swim-up pools. The 9-acre Nickelodeon™ Place and Aqua Nick were the main attractions, but we also loved relaxing in our beautifully decorated suite.
The Spa and the themed dining options catered to our every need. From the thrill of the waterpark to the Gourmet Inclusive® experience, the resort had something for everyone.
But what stood out most were the shared experiences and memories we created together.
Conclusion
In summary, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya exceeded our expectations. It provided an ideal first all-inclusive experience for our kids. Whether it was the thrill of the waterpark, the impressive dining options, or the entertainment and spa services, the resort offered something for everyone.
Most importantly, it gave us countless family moments and lasting memories. We’ll cherish them forever.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly all-inclusive that delivers on fun and relaxation, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya fits the bill. Bet on it.
