Welcome to the Nickelodeon Resort
A Nickelodeon Resort was the landing spot for a recent trip to the Caribbean. The beach has always been the ultimate vacation place for me. I can relax, unwind and just forget about the stresses of life back at home.
I recently stayed at the Sensatori/Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. Being a Prestige member, Iwanted to explore one of the newest resorts in the Karisma brand. Having stayed at the “sister” resorts in both Cancun, Mexico and Negril, Jamaica, the bar was set pretty high. Punta Cana did not disappoint.
After a 45-minute drive from the airport in air-conditioned hotel shuttle comfort, I arrived at the resort. The castle-like entrance welcomed me to my “home away from home” for the next week. This particular resort is actually 2 in 1. The Sensatori side is more for adults, while the Nickelodeon Resort is geared toward families. The only differences are in the lobbies and the interior designs of the accommodations themselves.
Resort Amenities
Both resorts have access to the wide variety of restaurants scattered throughout the property. There are also swim-up bars, pop-up restaurants, and snack bars. For the water lovers, you will find an infinity pool, a full-on waterpark (Nick’s Place), and small pools meandering through the property.
If the ocean is more your thing, the resort has a large stretch of beach. There are cabanas and beach chairs lined up just outside the infinity pool area. There are plenty of other amenities including a spa, dance studio, fully-equipped gym, gift shop, and concierge desks.
You can find everything you need for a fun-filled or relaxing vacation at this resort.
The Culinary Experience
My main goal for most of my trips is to find amazing foods to share with everyone. Karisma resorts pride themselves on their culinary offerings. The restaurants were amazing!
You need reservations for a number of the restaurants, with the exception being Lighthouse, Brgrs PH, Sugar Cane, Zest, Fresco, and Aqua Bites (at Nick’s Place) There are pop-up restaurants, usually found in the area outside of Sugar Cane. You can also opt for room service for a limited but delicious menu at any time of day.
Lazy Day Options
Whatever you’re in the mood for, the resort has something for you. If you’re used to doing things on the fly, these are the places you won’t have to plan for. There is Doppio, a coffee shop near the Gourmet Village, at the front of the property. Doppio has a wide array of fruit smoothies, desserts, coffee and snacks.
The buffet-style restaurants of the Lighthouse, Zest and Sugar Cane have a range of meal options. You’ll find deli selections, salads, pastas, breads, fresh-cut fruits, seafood, and desserts. Sugar Cane even has a section for curry dishes and soups. Brgrs PH has some crowd-pleasing burgers, which come with a huge side of fries. They even provided some tasty appetizers (for free), while you waited for your food.
Just a Little Planning
These restaurants require a bit more planning, with reservations needed. Spacewalker was an interesting experience, like walking onto (you guessed it) a space ship. Waiters and waitresses came out in space suits, while the kids got to wear helmets. The appetizers and main dishes were fresh and inventive, coming out on eclectic plates.
If you like Italian, Verdello has the best authentic Italian food I have ever had. Their risotto with scallops and parmesan cheese melts in your mouth. The waiters are extremely attentive and create the best experience for your dinner. Wok Wok brings the Asian cuisine to the resort with hearty portions of their main dishes. Again, everything was well-prepared and the service was top-notch.
Snacks, anyone?
Fresco is one of the snack shacks you can find near the back of the resort. They offer lighter dishes, perfect after spending some time in the sun. If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t go wrong with a well-made ceviche. Typically, this dish is prepared by marinating small pieces of fish or shrimp in lemon and lime juice. The acids in the citrus help to “cook” the seafood. Each country has its own version of the dish.
This Dominican resort focused more on marinated shrimp. They added in some plantain (green banana) chips. This was a beautiful display of color with a little crispness. I had the ceviche three times while I was at the resort. I was surprised each time it was prepared. On my last day, the chef even sent over ceviche. That was a nice touch.
A Pleasant Surprise
The Nickelodeon Resort was extremely accommodating. I shared that I wanted to video and photograph some of the cuisine for my website. I was contacted by Jessica Doroteo, one of the sales managers, to set things up.
A few days later, I met the executive chef at Kitchen 23 (K23), Dayleny Dominguez. She welcomed me into the kitchen to get to know her (see video below). I learned about the food they prepare at this posh sister restaurant to Le Chique. (Le Chique is located at the Azul Sensatori resort in Cancun, Mexico.) She prepared the restaurant’s version of sancocho. This is popular Dominican stew, usually made with beef. K23’s version uses grilled lobster, and it was absolutely amazing!
The K23 Experience
I had the pleasure of eating at K23 the next evening. (Read more about the restaurant at Hanging at K23.) The 2-hour dining experience was by far the best culinary adventure I have ever had. There were perfectly paired wines from Spain, France, and Napa Valley, California. They served beef-filled potato ball or ceviche appetizers. Following up with the pork belly and onion with shredded beef entrees. These dishes teased the palette and left you wanting more.
The desserts complemented the meal with more eclectic combinations. Pineapple granita with cream and the tiny samples of chocolates added just the right amount of sweet.
As I sipped my machiatto and looked around the restaurant, I felt completely satisfied and pleased with what the Nickelodeon Resort had to offer.
Final Thoughts
The Sensatori/Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana has something for everyone. There is the excellent service they are known for. Concierge staff, activities coordinators, chefs and spa staff, make the experience the best possible. (Kudos to Leonardo, Franklin and Ysmaury for making this trip unforgettable. They had awesome personalities and always smiling faces!)
There is no shortage of activities. You can find nightly musical and dance performances. There are movie nights for the kids. Try the yoga and dance classes. Take in the parties at the pool. Follow along with the cooking lessons. All of these things are just the tip of the iceberg.
You can do whatever you like. Or just relax and take in the gorgeous weather and beautiful water. You’ll be glad you came to the Nickelodeon Resort.