Latest news with #NickelodeonLand
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Beautiful beach-side all-inclusive hotel, with stunning swim-up rooms, fabulous food and incredible cocktails
WHEN you choose to slip a descriptive adjective into a name, you'd better make sure everything lives up to the billing. The late, great MARVELOUS Marvin Hagler fought his corner as undisputed middleweight boxing champion. 12 12 Footballer BRIGHT Osayi-Samuel justified his name to star under Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce in Turkey. So when we headed for the Sherwood EXCLUSIVE Kemer on Turkey's Mediterranean, we had high hopes. Fortunately, it did produce the X-Factor and completely live up to its lavish title. The trip to the Sherwood Exclusive Kemer began with a direct flight from Glasgow to Antalya before an hour-long transfer from the airport. We'd stayed in the town of Kemer in the past but this was definitely a step up in class. Located right on the beach in Goynuk — just outside Kemer — it had everything for a relaxing break for couples or families. 12 12 12 The difference from the rest? What marked it down as truly Exclusive? Well, the design and layout of the gorgeous hotel is the first thing that struck my wife Fiona and I. It's not some high-rise city hotel with balconies in the clouds. The Sherwood Exclusive has an airy reception and lobby bar to greet you on arrival. Rooms are located in three-storey buildings dotted around luscious, green grounds. Our accommodation was on the ground-floor, a swim-up room with plush sun loungers just outside the patio doors and a short step into the very inviting pool. I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets - here's how to get free entry The pools are located all around the grounds, and are all equipped with pool bars for residents. The main pool is close to the hotel's seafront boardwalk and served by a huge pool bar. Espresso Martinis were the afternoon cocktail of choice here. Only once the sun was over the yardarm, you understand. The beach — 500 metres of sand and pebble for hotel residents only — is just a short walk away sitting in the shadow of the imposing Taurus Mountains. 12 12 No interruptions, no one trying to flog you anything. Just you, your book and maybe a cocktail or two. Comfy sun loungers line the Sherwood Exclusive's private beach and, of course, all are served by a beach bar. For the really adventurous, you can stride out to the hotel's own pier and — again — it has a bar over the water for those catching the rays. The weather was much better than we'd expected in late April. It was in the low 20s with just one spot of rain in the middle of our week-long stay. But having holidayed in the area in high summer in years gone by — both Kemer and Lara Beach — you're virtually guaranteed dawn to dusk blistering sunshine during June, July, August and September. Fiona's day would begin at 9am with yoga. Mine began with yoghurt. Normally accompanied by fresh fruit and granola. Plus a little something from the hot buffet. Well, the friendly staff in the kitchen worked so hard that I didn't want to disappoint them. And here's another aspect of the place which backed up their EXCLUSIVE name. This was the BEST buffet we've experienced on our travels to Turkey. A huge selection, fresh fruit and salads, different and varied main course options and delicious sweet treats. But perhaps most importantly for Fiona — a Gluten-free diner — there were loads of options and everything was well marked with that crucial 'GF' seal of approval. Buffet aside, there are four a la carte restaurants to satisfy every taste. The Waribashi Far East restaurant offers an Asian flavour, while the Mama Cocha caters for seafood lovers. But when in Kemer, we just had to try the Turquoise restaurant which offered local flavours from Turkish starter platters through delicious kebabs to the pastry, nut and honey sensation known as baklava. 12 12 12 We also dined at the Basilico Italian restaurant during our stay. The Chicken Parmigiana is to be recommended! And, once again, the Exclusive tag came to prominence at the Basilico when the chef specially cooked the Parmigiana to his own GF recipe for Fiona. With the belt feeling tighter by the day, it seemed sensible to attempt some athletic pursuit during our Turkish travels. 12 12 Yes, the on-site waterpark and splash park were great. And, in the interests of this feature, I felt compelled to have a go. Let's just say those flumes were a little too racy for a 53-year-old with a bad back and a diminishing sense of adventure . . . Another bottle of Efes from the all-inclusive bar was required to calm my nerves. Medicinal purposes only, of course. All the kids around the hotel seemed to love the flumes, though, and the presence of ANOTHER eatery right next to the waterparks (serving delicious pizza, burgers and snacks) meant they never had to stray far from the excitement. Aside from the watery delights, there was everything available from tennis, aerobics, water-skiing, basketball, water aerobics and even darts. The airy gym is also equipped with everything you need. But the pace of our break seemed far more suited to the Amon Spa, with its hammam and beauty treatments. Pack off your kids for face painting or other pursuits while you relax and get some well- deserved pampering. If retail therapy is your thing, though, you could either stroll into Goynuk's little shopping centre or head into Kemer. The bus stops right outside the Sherwood Exclusive and costs just £2 each way. While many head to Antalya for new hair or teeth (no, I didn't), there are also plenty who love the Turkish shopping scene for, er, 'designer gear'. We were sent with a shopping list by our daughter, Katie. And, of course, everything we brought her back was authentic. But back to the real authentic and EXCLUSIVE element of this holiday. It's always the little touches which make your break special. Like wandering into the shade to the hotel's all-inclusive coffee shop, ice cream parlour or waffle house. Like the little calls from guest relations to make sure everything is to your liking. Like the beachfront towel huts where you can grab the fluffiest, thickest towels for your spot on the pier. The Sherwood Exclusive was established just 11 years ago but already it's a jewel in the heart of Goynuk. With 492 rooms spread across its vast grounds, it offers a perfect holiday experience amid nature and stunning sea views. Just eating outside in the month of April was a special treat. It was marvellous, it was magnificent. You could even say it was EXCLUSIVE.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets – here's how to get free entry
WHO lives in a pineapple under the sea? Not SpongeBob SquarePants any more. The yellow cartoon character has a new home on Turkey's southern coast at the impressive Land Of Legends theme park. 5 5 5 He's brought along all his pals to its new Nickelodeon Land — and I was one of the first there to check them out. The themed area neighbours Adventure Land and the exotic Aqua Land in the vast entertainment complex in Antalya. Nickelodeon Land consists of three areas — the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants; intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy; and the open-air Adventure Bay from PAW Patrol. And just steps away is a plush new Nickelodeon hotel, featuring 238 themed bedrooms and its own waterpark-like outdoor pool where you can get 'slimed' for real, Nickelodeon style. Sounds totally retro, right? There's a definite nod to the nostalgia of 90s Nickelodeon. Think Rugrats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as little ones' modern favourites, such as Chase from Paw Patrol, Dora The Explorer and Nickelodeon's cartoon reboot of Star Trek. I got stuck into the action at Bikini Bottom, my favourite area, which transports visitors to a neon, SpongeBob-themed underwater landscape. The standout attraction is the Fiery Fist O'Fun, a reference to a classic SpongeBob episode. The ride is like a ferris wheel on steroids, fast-paced enough to make your stomach drop — in the best way. But if that is not your style, take a spin on the Jellyfish Jam swings. New Nickelodeon land to open in Brit-loved holiday hotspot next year - with Paw Patrol rides and Spongebob attractions Or you can pootle around the land in overhead blimps, dubbed Sandy's Rockets. Plankton's Plunge is another must for thrill-seekers. As the name suggests, it drops you from a squeamishly scary height. Then there's the Crazy Carnival Ride, where you can battle against your family in a virtual shoot-out. Aside from the rides, my highlight had to be meeting the chipper yellow sponge himself. At various points in the day, each of the characters pop up for meet-and-greet sessions, so you can snap a picture with Squidward or pose with Patrick. Giant pineapple Meanwhile, Chase and the gang from Paw Patrol can be found hanging out at Adventure Bay, where rides are aimed at the littlest of adventurers. It's not just about the kids, though. There's plenty of spaces that even Mum and Dad will enjoy. The Snick Lounge, a games room and sports bar, hosts live music where you can bop away while enjoying a tasty cocktail. For a proper place to unwind, head to the luscious Anjana Spa which is worlds away from the neon orange and splat motifs that adorn the rest of the hotel floors above. Although, you may spot SpongeBob in subtle murals dotted around the space, donning his very own robe and head towel, or striking a yoga pose. There are even more character nods across the main Nickelodeon Hotel, where the rooms are as comfortable as they are vibrant. 5 5 Each floor is themed around a character — think jungle motifs for Dora The Explorer and industrial pipes for the adventures of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. If all the Nickelodeon colours get too much, though, hotel guests can enjoy free transfers to Rixos Premium Belek, a sister hotel down the road that has its own private beach as well as pools, restaurants and bars. Likewise, any guests staying at a Rixos property in Antalya can enjoy free and unlimited access to The Land Of Legends, including the new Nickelodeon Land, during their stay. I was staying in a SpongeBob suite where a giant pineapple housed all the drinks and snacks I could dream of. After a tiring day on the roller-coasters, I would sink into the plush bedding and unwind with the TV (which, of course, has access to all your favourite Nick shows). Even SpongeBob would be impressed with this place.
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
I took my children to the new ‘Turkish Disney' – it may be the highlight of their year
I can't say I've ever felt compelled to hurl tomatoes through a basketball hoop. Nor have I ever been tasked with smashing suspended dinner plates with burger patties, propelling them one by one, frisbee style. Yet during recent school holidays, I found myself doing exactly this, with a surprising level of determination. These unlikely scenarios were among the missions I encountered on SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride at the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey. While I wasn't hurtling vegetables around per se; I, my husband and our two children were using these ingredients on a series of screens, frantically trying to reach the high score from a moving carriage. While you could relive this zany ride in Vegas, it is Europe's first. As for Nickelodeon theme parks, you'll find two others on the Continent – in Spain and Germany – plus one on British soil, at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach. But the neon-lit underwater city of Bikini Bottom, here, near the coastal resort of Belek, is like nowhere else. To a bouncy bluegrass banjo soundtrack, we soared on swings beneath a giant pink jellyfish, squealed on the forbidding Flying Dutchman's Ghost Ship and got yo-yoed on the submarine-like Snailways Express. To temper the adrenaline, we took a sedate flight on Sandy's Rockets, marvelling at starfish-dotted rocks and 'flower clouds' around us. There are 15 rides and attractions across Nickelodeon Land. Neighbouring Bikini Bottom is the open-air PAW Patrol: Adventure Bay, where speakers blasted out classic tunes from the popular kids' TV series. Our eyes were drawn skywards to a PAW Patrol lookout tower whose pup-themed parachutes, we were told, were off-limits owing to high winds. But a flight on Skye's Flyers (which flew us round in a model of the namesake cockapoo's pink and grey helicopter) softened the blow before a circuit on Rubble & Crew (a spinning ground-level ride on which we were jerkily flung at high speed in mock construction vehicles that the cartoon's loveable English bulldog would typically drive) and a miniature racetrack drive. Keen on ticking off each attraction, I cajoled my brood towards the VR expedition of the Star Trek ™ Wild Galaxy. Eerily empty, save for the Galactic creatures encased in a 'Biodome', this low-lit capsule seemed to have the desired effect: 'We shouldn't be in here,' my six-year-old stuttered. After some gentle reassurance, we continued and a human eventually appeared, presenting us with 3D glasses to wear in the Space Shuttle theatre. Alongside a narration from Dal and Gwyn of the Star Trek ™: Prodigy spin-off series, blasts of water, sulphur-smelling air and a juddering simulator made us seemingly speed past unearthly creatures, tumbling rocks and treacherous lava fields. 'This place is epic,' the kids announced when we were back on planet Earth. I was starting to agree. I'd previously steered away from theme parks owing to my fear of heights – and I guess, pre-conceived notions of being in a queue-heavy 'fantasy bubble'. In the lead-up to our visit, I found myself downplaying our plans among fellow parents. 'The kids will love it, even if I don't,' I'd remarked. As it turns out, visiting outside of high season, around six weeks after opening, allayed my fear of tedious queues (€19pp Fast Track passes are available). Nick Land is part of the existing Land of Legends – which comprises four more attraction-filled zones – meaning we could dip into circus shows at Masha and the Bear Land of Laughter and enjoy a soaking on Adventure Land's Watermania boats. We followed foliage-lined paths to the Wave Shock Pool, whose faux beach setting and wave machine kept the others busy while I briefly basked in the sun. The five-star Rixos-owned Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, which debuted with Nick Land, was our abode while at the park. Packed with Nickelodeon design features – from slime drips to life-size Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle models – and with free pick 'n' mix in the lobby, it was the stuff of kids' dreams. Staying here also gives guests unlimited park access, which usually costs from €40 per adult / €32 per child, per day. Our bright and spacious PAW Patrol Junior Suite (there are also various Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and SpongeBob-themed options), came with park views that we never tired of. And the hotel's SpongeBob-themed Le Spatula restaurant – with its wide-ranging buffet and Nick character-topped desserts – meant we could watch juggling chefs and the park's Typhoon Coaster through the windows. Thanks to the hotel's 'full board-plus' offering and handy location, we could swerve the park kiosks' £7 coffee, zipping back to the lobby bar for take-away drinks within minutes. As well as an on-site splash park and pool, the children could enjoy Club Nick's drop-off craft sessions and evening discos. Post-dinner, my husband and I headed off to the adjacent open-air Shopping Avenue, taking in its twinkly lights, gondolas (£25pp) and fountain shows. Stay up late enough (we didn't) to catch its musical boat parades and Wonder of Legends Laser Show, performed in front of a glowing model château (free for hotel guests). Nearby is another strong accommodation choice, the palatial Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel. This all-inclusive property has a colonnaded facade that wouldn't look out of place in ancient Rome. Inside, its 380 rooms come with games consoles and cartoon murals of Roman-like soldiers while dance machines, air hockey and a kids' bar serving drinks and treats complete the family-friendly picture. As we neared the end of our trip, it became apparent that our five- and six-year-old were at a sweet-spot age for Nickelodeon Land. They happily skipped past the 100cm minimum height restrictions, and the rides were scary enough to make them squeal, yet not so terrifying as to put them off theme parks forever. My six-year-old even built up the confidence to conquer the Fiery Fist of Fun and Plankton's Plunge, Bikini Bottom's most daring rides. High-fiving their favourite sea sponge by his underwater pineapple home, during a character meet-and-greet, may well be their highlight of 2025.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Magical reason people love Turkey's new Nickelodeon Land - and the one thing it gets wrong
The receptionist hands me a room key adorned with a certain yellow, porous protagonist. I've journeyed to Turkey's sun-drenched Antalya coast—not for the ancient ruins or the crystal-clear Mediterranean. I've come here to answer the question: can an all-inclusive hotel built around a talking sponge actually deliver luxury, or is it just a gimmick that would make Squidward roll his eyes? Walking into my SpongeBob -themed Deluxe Room (starting at £349 per night) feels like I've tumbled through my television and landed in Bikini Bottom. The sign above the king-size bed proclaims "Home Sweet Pineapple" in cheerful lettering, while pretend portholes dot the walls. Think nautical blues, strategic pops of yellow, and character touches that stop just short of having Patrick tucked under your pillow. It's a room that would make even Squidward crack a reluctant smile. The rooms are sure to make children squeal with delight while allowing parents to relax (as long as you don't mind the colour yellow). Even the mini-fridge is disguised as a giant pineapple. I wonder briefly if it contains Krabby Patties before discovering something far more welcome – a selection of beverages that don't require a secret formula. The rooms themselves are surprisingly practical underneath the cartoon sparkle. Alongside the themed décor, you'll find modern comforts like fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs (where you can of course watch Nickelodeon all day long) USB charging ports, and thoughtful touches for little ones like child-sized robes and step stools in the bathroom. Nickelodeon Land officially opened on 1 March 2025 - forming a partnership with the The Land of Legends theme park resort and water park. The Rixos hotel features 238 rooms spread across seven floors. You can stay in themed rooms based on PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and of course- SpongeBob SquarePants. As I step onto the balcony of my room, I'm greeted not by the depths of the ocean but by a bird's-eye view of the new theme park area; Nickelodeon Land. It means you can literally watch your offspring carting around a Paw Patrol helicopter ride while sipping coffee from the comfort of your balcony. Helicopter parenting has never been so literal – or so relaxing. Also in view is the new indoor SpongeBob Universe - which is as close to being in the show as you can get (beyond your bedroom). From character meet and greets to spinning round on the "Jellyfish Jam" swings - it's fun that may have even the grown-ups answering, 'Aye-aye, captain!' Guests also get complimentary access to Aqua Land, part of the wider Land of Legends theme park. It's a sprawling water world packed with high-speed slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and aquatic shows. While Nickelodeon Land hits the mark for themed fun if your kids love Spongebob, Paw Patrol or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, those raised on Disney's brand of magic might find it a little less spellbinding — the attention to detail and immersive storytelling don't quite reach the same heights, though it still delivers plenty of joy for younger fans. The real genius however is that when you're ready to trade cartoon characters for coastal charm, the resort brilliantly delivers on both fronts. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to another Rixos property - Rixos Premium Belek, where guests can enjoy access to some stunning pools and beach club., among pine and walnut forests. A nice reminder that yes, you are actually in Turkey, not merely inside a cartoon. Because even SpongeBob occasionally needs a day above water. And one thing that certainly hits the spot is the food. Back at the Nickelodeon hotel, I head to Le Spatula restaurant, named after our yellow hero's favorite kitchen tool. The all-day dining venue offers a buffet with everything from traditional Turkish fare (the best baklava) to yummy stews. The all-inclusive nature of the resort means entertainment options abound. Club Nick provides supervised activities for children, operating with themes that rotate daily, as well as an outdoor heated splash park. Meanwhile, parents can sneak off to Anjana Spa, offering treatments that will have you feeling more relaxed than Patrick on a Sunday afternoon. So, can a hotel inspired by a talking sponge deliver on luxury? Surprisingly, yes. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya walks the tightrope between chaos and calm with surprising grace—offering sugar-fuelled fun for the kids and enough grown-up perks to keep parents sane. To book, visit the Land of Legends' website. Rooms are available from £349 per night in a Themed Deluxe Room.
