A Florida Retreat at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Pulling up to the The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, it was hard to believe that this unique retreat is so close to the parks and other popular activities in Orlando! Situated amid over 500 acres of natural surroundings, I couldn’t wait to relax, rejuvenate and get in some fun family time as well. Research has shown that travel can be a wonderful way to strengthen family bonding and travel can actually be good for our overall well-being and brain health as well! My family and I received a sponsored media stay for 3 nights which included some activities and amenities including access to the club lounge, dinner at Primo, an Oasis Grande Cabana reservation and a couples massage. We had a wonderful time and I am excited to share some of the highlights!
Special Touches
After a smooth check in process in the club lounge we arrived to our room where some wonderful surprises were waiting for us! There was a bowl of fruit and an artful display of sweets with waters and handwritten notes welcoming us to the resort.
Room With a View
We had a lovely balcony overlooking the pool and plenty of space for us to unwind and relax. Looking out at the resort, we were excited to start exploring!
Dinner at Primo
For dinner on our first night we headed to Primo at the JW Marriott, which is also on the Grande Lakes Orlando property, and we knew we were in for a treat! Primo uses local, sustainable and organic ingredients and they even have their own herb garden on property!
The Club Lounge
A huge perk of our stay was having access to the Club Lounge which included wonderful food and drink options throughout the day. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the breakfast was amazing! I was so touched when a staff member went out of their way to bring in their favorite matcha tea for me the day after we had a friendly conversation about what kinds of teas we enjoy. These meaningful touches made it even more memorable!
Pool and Cabana Time
On day 2 we walked over to the Grande Lakes JW Marriott pool to enjoy their lazy river, waterslides and our reservation for an Oasis Grande Cabana. The cabana had incredible amenities including a comfy sofa and seating, a TV and a plunge pool! Our day was filled with floating on tubes around the lazy river, zipping down their 3 water slides, relaxing in the shade of our cabana and enjoying lunch poolside. It was perfect!
Outdoor Activities
From great tennis courts to a running trail, ping pong, bocce ball and a golf course, there were an abundance of activities to enjoy. The resort also had additional activities available like Eco-Tours, fishing, mountain biking and more. The grounds were beautiful and included well-placed hammocks inviting you to relax, let go and enjoy the moment.
The Spa
On our last day my husband and I had some spa time where we indulged in a relaxing couples massage. My massage therapist was wonderful, and she personalized the treatment for me recognizing that I am a runner so certain muscles were extra tight. We were able to test out different scent options for the massage and it also included a hot oil scalp massage which was amazing! The experience was incredible, and I left feeling rejuvenated and thankful.
As our time at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes came to a close, I was grateful for the incredible staff and the unique experiences that my family and I will be talking about for years to come. You can learn more about this resort HERE!
Disclaimer: Kristel Bauer and her family received a 3-night complimentary media stay at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes including some meals and activities . This content is meant for informational and educational purposes only and is solely based on the opinion of the author.