Marriott International has entered into a partnership with Nickelodeon, the children’s TV network, to launch a new themed resort concept.

Marriott and Nickelodeon – which is a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks – are joined in the deal by real estate development company Miller Global Properties to roll out the concept globally, with 20 hotels expected to be under construction by 2020.

Bill Marriott, chair and chief executive of Marriott International, said: “Besides being a great new family destination, we believe that Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott will attract younger adults, the young-at-heart and meeting travellers, especially those who travel on business with their families.

“As younger boomers and Gen X’ers enter prime child-rearing years, their clear preference for seamlessly mixing business with leisure and family fun will mesh perfectly with the Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott concept.”

A signature component to each resort will be a variety of attractions from pools and water features, to live entertainment featuring Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants. There will also be a theatre space called Studio Nick, which will concurrently stage several different live productions.

The resorts will also boast spas, fitness centres, restaurants and private poolside cabanas.

The first Nickelodeon Resort by Marriott is to be a 650-room property at Liberty Station in San Diego, which will incorporate a 100,000sq ft (9,290sq m) water park and activity deck complex.

The site was designed by international architects Gensler and work is expected to begin in 2008 for a 2010 opening.

The concept will then be rolled out across the world, with locations being considered in the US, the Caribbean, Mexico, the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

All the properties will be managed by Marriott, and the majority will be developed and owned by Miller Global Properties.

Bill Marriott getting slimed with SpongeBob SquarePants