Curator’s statement
Orlando is known as the land of Disney, where millions of families flock year-round for sunshine, magic and endless kid-friendly activities. It consistently ranks as a top US travel destination, drawing around 70 million visitors annually.
While Disney and Universal are incredible, let’s be honest — spending every day at the parks can feel like a marathon. The good news? Orlando has so much more to offer. For those looking to mix in some relaxation with the thrills, the city boasts fantastic luxury resorts where you can unwind, enjoy world-class dining and experience a more elevated side of Orlando. Because even the biggest theme park lovers deserve a break (and maybe a spa day) after navigating those rollercoaster lines!
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For those who want to fully embrace all that Disney has to offer, staying on property certainly has its perks. But these off-property luxury resorts should be high on your radar for your next Orlando adventure.
Grande Lakes Orlando – featuring The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott
This 500-acre property is something truly special. While well-known among Florida locals, it’s often overlooked by visitors from out of town. The resort features both a Ritz-Carlton and a JW Marriott, and recently underwent a stunning $118 million renovation.
The Ritz-Carlton, the more intimate of the two, has 582 rooms and suites featuring a light, modern décor, enhanced technology and a fantastic Club Level lounge. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with our two kids and found it to be the perfect fit for a family.
Ritz One Bedroom Suite
The JW Marriott is nearly double in size, with over 1,000 rooms. Its modern design incorporates beautiful wood and blue tones, and it offers larger accommodations, including three-bedroom suites and some with built-in bunk beds — ideal for bigger families.
JW Grande Lakes Bunk Room
Activities on property are endless:
- An 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course
- Kayaking, canoeing and fishing in a private lake
- Tennis, pickleball, bike tours and a 40,000-square-foot spa and wellness center
- Two incredible pool areas: the Ritz’s relaxed pool with a fenced splash pad and playground for toddlers, and the JW’s more energetic pool, now featuring a mini waterpark with three slides, a lazy river, aqua adventure course and more
Guests can access both pools, and daybeds and cabanas are available at both properties. The Ritz also offers a Kids’ Club (ages 4–12) for an additional fee.
Dining is a highlight at Grande Lakes. With 13 restaurants sourcing ingredients from their on-site 18,000-square-foot Whispering Creek Farm and apiaries, the culinary experience is top-notch. Favorites include:
- Knife & Spoon – An award-winning steak and seafood restaurant (don’t miss the Passion Paradise or Bittersweet Memory cocktails)
- Primo – Authentic Italian cuisine
- Highball & Harvest – Southern-inspired fare with seasonal ingredients
Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Bonnet Creek
JW Grande Lakes, nini 3 slide waterpark
This 482-acre resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and location, situated just minutes from Walt Disney World. Guests enjoy complimentary park transportation and early access to the parks (30 minutes before general admission). Some rooms even offer views of the nightly Disney fireworks.
The Waldorf shares the property with its sister hotel, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, giving guests access to both resorts’ amenities. The Waldorf, however, provides a more intimate and luxurious experience, with 502 recently renovated rooms and suites featuring marble bathrooms and plush furnishings. The deluxe suites are ideal for families and include kitchenettes and dining areas. Signia offers a more budget-friendly alternative with 1,009 rooms.
Waldorf Orlando King Room
On-property activities include:
- A Rees Jones-designed golf course
- A serene Waldorf pool and a livelier pool with a lazy river and splash zone at Signia
- A 30,000-square-foot spa
- The WA Kids’ Club (ages 5–12) with games, crafts and nature activities
Dining at the Waldorf is exceptional, especially at:
- Bull & Bear – An iconic steakhouse perfect for a special night out
- La Luce – Upscale Italian cuisine
- Oscar’s Brasserie – Known for its daily breakfast and croissant bar (Hot tip: Book through me for complimentary breakfast!)
- Peacock Alley – A gorgeous lobby bar where the Peruvian Spritz is a must-try pre-dinner cocktail
Waldorf Resort pool
Conrad Orlando at Evermore Resort
Evermore is a unique, newly developed resort that has quickly become a must-visit destination since its opening just over a year ago. Located minutes from the Disney parks with complimentary transportation to all of them, it’s both convenient and luxurious.
The highlight of the property is Evermore Bay — a 20-acre tropical beach paradise with eight acres of swimmable, crystal-clear water.
Here, guests can enjoy:
- Paddleboarding, kayaking, rope swings and water slides
- A sandy beach perfect for relaxing or building sandcastles
- Beachside dining with vibrant, family-friendly energy
Golfers will appreciate the two renowned courses on-site, and the Conrad Orlando — the anchor hotel — is an exceptional retreat. Rooms are sleek, modern and family-friendly. One-bedroom suites come with two bathrooms and pull-out sofas, ideal for families.
Conrad guests enjoy access to:
- A private pool and splash pad
- A fitness center and full-service spa
- A kids’ club for ages 5–12, including weekend evening programs from 6–10 pm. so parents can enjoy a night out
Conrad King Lagoon View
Dining is a standout at Evermore. Highlights include:
- Ceiba – A rooftop Mexican restaurant with panoramic views and standout margaritas
- The Papaya Club – A tiki-style beachside venue with unique cocktail glassware and a fire pit dining experience
- Apero & Sophia’s Trattoria – Elevated Italian options
- The Food Hall – A casual, versatile option for families with something for everyone
The Papaya Club Fire Pit
Conrad Hotel Suite
Need to know
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Orlando page.
Travel Advisor
Leslie Sand
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