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Telegraph
6 days ago
- 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.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
World-class entertainment on the Turkish Riviera
From concerts by global artists to two premier golf courses, an on-site waterpark and a sweep of top sports facilities, Regnum Carya offers seriously impressive credentials from its spot in the resort town of Belek, Antalya. This year, Regnum The Crown will open close by, adding extra-plush suites and villas, alongside adults-only zones for added privacy. Here's all you need to know about these two Antalya hotspots. Global stars and championship golf Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Jason Derulo, Tom Odell, Jennifer Lopez and Tom Jones are just a few of the stars to have performed on Regnum Carya's stage in the past – and its concerts are free of charge for all hotel guests. It's not the only perk of staying here; if you're staying at least three nights, you'll also get unlimited complimentary access and a free shuttle service to The Land of Legends, a sprawling theme park and water park a five-minute drive away. The resort also offers its own private white-sand beach, kids' and teens' clubs, a children's adventure park, a fitness centre offering Technogym equipment and complimentary Les Mills sessions, plus a huge spa. A brand-new on-site Aquapark has waterslides, a lazy river and a 1,500 sq m wave pool. It also lays claim to two 18-hole golf courses, including the Carya Golf Club – home to the first fully floodlit course in Europe and host to numerous international tournaments. Tennis, padel courts and two Fifa-standard football pitches add further sporting clout. It's all just as impressive on the culinary side, with more than 30 dining venues – from locally inspired Turkish to Thai, Japanese, Brazilian and plenty beyond, plus access to the bohemian elegance of Alia Beach Club, featuring a Mediterranean fusion menu, live music and private cabanas. For accommodation, you'll find 553 rooms and suites and a collection of 20 spacious villas with their own private pools. The pièce de resistance is the Crown Villa, which sleeps up to 14 and has a handful of indoor and outdoor pools, its own spa and gym, a swim-up bar, cinema lounge and more. Wherever you stay here, you can't really go wrong – this place knows how to dazzle. Next-level luxury Scheduled to open its doors this June, Regnum The Crown is set to bring more amenities to the area at a stone's throw from its sibling. Guests will get full access to Regnum Carya, while benefiting from an adults-only rooftop that will feature an infinity pool, restaurant, bar and fitness studio with sweeping sea views. Evening entertainment promises further appeal for couples and groups – but families won't be neglected, thanks to kids' and teens' clubs, outdoor play areas and baby-care services, alongside all the family-friendly perks of nearby Carya. You can expect swish touches across its 343 suites and 15 villas, from Bvlgari products to daily restocked mini-bars – guests in the Amber Lagoon Villas, Crown Horizon Suites and Crown Signature Suites will also get extra bonuses like butler service and private in-room check-in (anyone lavish enough to book the last will even get their own chauffeur and return airport helicopter transfer). But if you don't have your own private pool, fear not – you'll have a grand total of eight to choose from, including a Caribbean-style seawater spot with a vibrant tropical bar. The new resort will also have its own 4,500 sq m wellness centre with a Turkish bath, sauna, salt room, ice fountain and more, plus five fine-dining restaurants, several beachside eateries and a handful of casual culinary spots. And you'll find plenty of nearby attractions to explore, too, from the ancient city of Side to Antalya's atmospheric old town. If there's one challenge at Regnum, it's fitting it all in; you certainly won't be stuck for things to do across this lively duo. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your all-inclusive holiday to Regnum Carya and Regnum The Crown with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.
