Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10
4 THE BEST ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS
Courtyard at Lake Lucerne (Down-
town; & 800/444-5289 or 407/648-
5188): This charming little B&B is an
eclectic mix of some of Orlando's oldest
homes—each impeccably restored and
meticulously furnished to period. Ask
for the honeymoon suite for a really
romantic getaway; just off the main
room is a quaint little glass-enclosed
porch—the perfect spot to watch
the sunset or sip a glass of wine. See
p. 124.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (Lake
Buena Vista; & 407/934-7639 ): This
grand resort is reminiscent of the lodge
found at Yellowstone National Park.
The spewing geyser out back, the mam-
moth stone hearth in the lobby, the
Artist's Point 360-degree view of Bay
Lake, and the towering forest sheltering
the resort from the rest of the world are
just a few of the reasons to stay here.
Some guest rooms have patios or balco-
nies overlooking the lake, woodlands,
or meadow. See p. 90.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
(Lake Buena Vista; & 407/934-7639 ):
This uniquely themed resort, home to
Jambo House (the original lodge) and
the Kidani Village (Disney's newest
vacation club villas), is set against a
Disneyesque version of the African
savanna. The resort's grand lobby—
with its thatched roof, ornate shield
chandeliers, and large stone fireplace—
is just a sampling of the spectacular
architecture and decor that runs
throughout this remotely located resort.
Have a romantic meal at one of the
resort's great restaurants; then catch the
sunset over the savanna. See p. 90.
Portofino Bay Hotel (Universal
Orlando; & 888/322-5541 or 407/
503-1000): This enchanting resort re-
creates the romantic atmosphere and
architecture of its namesake town in
Italy. Lounge in the ultracomfy rooms,
the state-of-the-art spa, or at one of the
three heated pools. And it's only a stroll
away from both of Universal Orlando's
theme parks. See p. 116.
Villas of Grand Cypress (Orlando;
& 800/835-7377 or 407/239-4700):
This luxury villa-style resort offers lush
grounds dotted with bougainvillea and
hibiscus, lakes fat with largemouth bass
and bream, and grounds speckled with
trumpeter swans, wood ducks, and the
occasional fox or bobcat. It shares a golf
academy, racquet club, and equestrian
center with the Hyatt Regency Grand
Cypress. Best of all, the woodsy grounds
make you feel as if you're far, far from
Disney, which is right next door. See
p. 101.
1
5 THE BEST LUXURY RESORTS
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort &
Spa (Orlando; & 407/934-7639 ): This
magnificent Victorian inn—Disney's
best hotel—has an opulent five-story
lobby complete with a Chinese Chip-
pendale aviary. An orchestra plays big-
band music every evening near Victoria
& Albert's, the resort's five-star restau-
rant. See p. 85.
Gaylord Palms (Lake Buena Vista;
& 877/677-9352 or 407/586-2000):
This destination resort features impec-
cable service; themed guest rooms (the
Emerald Bay rooms are the best) with
luxe amenities; a lush, 4 1 / 2 -acre glass-
topped atrium; and (best of all) a
branch of the renowned Canyon Ranch
Spa. See p. 100.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search