Florida has been on everyone’s mind in the wake of Hurricane Ian and Nicole – two of Florida’s most devasting storm seasons in history. The coastal Floridian communities are rebuilding, and Central Florida is welcoming guests with open arms to boost the state’s overall economy, with Orlando as its crown jewel.
I visited Central Florida one week prior to Hurricane Ian, literally the “Calm Before the Storm.” Orlando is of course known for its many amusement parks – Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida Resort.
However, Orlando and the greater Central Florida area offer much more as a destination. Its ecotourism, multicultural history, luxurious resorts and incredible golf are just a few traits that make this area so intriguing.
History
A timely must-visit during Black History Month this February is Orlando’s Historic Eatonville neighborhood, which played a key role in the civil rights movement and was one of the first African American municipalities in the U.S., established in 1887. Eatonville is also the birthplace of famed author Zora Neale Hurston; every winter the town hosts a free festival in the writer’s honor celebrating arts and humanities of the region.
For more history and cultural activities while visiting “The City Beautiful,” head to the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Park, which traces back 12,000 years of Central Florida history in a five-story county courthouse built in 1927.
Ecotourism
From orange grove tours to birdwatching and paddling through Central Florida’s many lakes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. There are 360 different species of birds alone at Lake Apopka including bald eagles and great blue herons. Winter and early Spring are the best seasons to view the flocks of birds that migrate south for the mild climate and undeveloped shores, according to Orlando’s official tourism organization.
Perhaps the most beguiling natural attraction to Central Florida are the area’s crystal-clear springs, with some less than one hour from Orlando. Two options are Wekiva Springs for canoeing and hiking and Blue Spring State Park for year-round manatee viewing. Our lodging recommendation, Grande Lakes Orlando, also offers guided kayak tours of Shingle Creek, the gateway into the Florida Everglades to get the full Floridian wetlands experience. The resort also offers the finest in bass fishing excursions.
The Grande Experience
JW Marriott Grande Lakes is just 25 minutes away from Disney and the urban core of Orlando, but the sprawling 500-acre retreat on 500 pristine acres evokes the feeling of an escape that’s worlds away into the Central Floridian countryside. The resort is adjoined to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, and many of the amenities can be shared including the Ritz-Carlton Spa and the new multi-million Grande Lakes Waterpark, complete with world-class pools, swim-up day beds and VIP cabanas for ultimate privacy. The two luxury Marriott resorts offer a total of 1,582 total well-appointed guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the Orlando skyline in the distance complemented by warm metal finishes and sleek modern décor.
If guests are traveling with a family in tow, the family suites are idyllic for spacious accommodations, complete with an advance VIP planning experience to make the most of your Orlando itinerary. Remote business travelers will appreciate the upgrade to the Presidential Suite with rich furnishings, premier resort views, a stunning lounge area and separate office with an ergonomic desk.
Although it’s difficult to leave the tranquil suites, Orlando’s top golf course is beckoning guests to step outside and hit the greens. A winter or early spring Central Florida golf trip is unmatched in the sunshine state.
“The sprawling Grande Lakes Orlando resort is home to a host of enriching activities within its private, natural setting, including The Ritz-Carlton Club,” said John McGavin, area general manager for Grande Lakes Orlando. “Orlando’s premier golf course at Grande Lakes Orlando offers an escape from the city in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.
“Guests of all ages can enjoy the pristine golf course winding through the property’s lush grounds and 11 lakes. PGA golf professionals and instructors, including Former PGA Tour Player and Top Golf Instructor Larry Rinker, are standing by for group sessions, private lessons, or multi-day golf schools before hitting the links, and Caddie Concierge services are available to accompany any group for a knowledgeable course consultant,” Serna continued.
The iconic on-property club, which plays host to the PNC Championship each year, includes an 18-hole championship golf course designed by two-time British Open champion Greg Norman, an all-grass driving range, putting green, and practice facility, upscale, full-service clubhouse with pro shop and Fairways Pub restaurant and bar, and boasts certification as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and endorsement by United States Golf Association, according to the Grande Lakes Resorts team.
The Ritz-Carlton spa offers nothing short of a grand experience. The multi-level sanctuary sets the candlelit mood from the moments guests walk in and are greeted by accommodating staff who exceed luxury-caliber expectations. After slipping into a comfortable robe and slippers, spa guests are encouraged to take a dip in the heated pool, unwind in the whirlpool tub and sauna and prepare to be pampered with an array of treatments.
With 40 treatment rooms and a massive waiting area with cozy blankets and furniture at every turn, spa goers may choose to spend the entire day here between or post-treatment – highlighted by a Grande Indulgence Massage that melts away tension with a full body massage, a warm stone enhancement for the back and nourishing keratin gloves for the hands and feet. Other signature therapies incorporate CBD and other herbs from the resort garden, honey from an on-site apiary and other ingredients native to Central Florida. The spa also features Vitale restaurant to order mimosas or a healthy meal during the visit.
The Grande Lakes Resort takes its farm-to-table concept seriously with the Whisper Creek Farm, an 18,000-square-foot agricultural area filled with vegetables, fruits, herbs and beehives that give fresh cuisine and garnish new meaning at its restaurants including Whisper Creek Farm – the Kitchen, featuring sandwiches, flatbreads, small plates and more. Seasonal tours and events are available on the farm.
On the JW Marriott side, kick the day off with Citron, a breakfast restaurant and American brasserie serving classic morning fare and fresh pastries. Or head down the corridor to The Ritz-Carlton to dine at Highball & Harvest, offering Southern cuisine and authentic cocktails by seasoned mixologists. Take a midday break from golf or lounging poolside at tropically inspired Bleu or Knife Burger by award-winning Chef John Tesar.
Finally, choose from two signature restaurants for the main event: Primo, hailed as a Recommended Restaurant in the Florida MICHELIN Guide serving Italian fare, fresh produce and a sommelier-curated wine list and Knife and Spoon, a stunning new conceptual steak and seafood restaurant led by Chef Tesar, earning a MICHELIN Star for his culinary arts in 2022. The extensive menu at Knife and Spoon invites guests to dive into the plentiful raw bar from the sea, nosh on sides such as Steak Tartare, nourish with the Goat Cheese Mezzaluna, and surf and turf entrées including Wagyu Flat Iron, From the Reel fresh-caught fish and King Crab Scampi.
To cap off the evening, guests can meander through the immaculate grounds, enjoy a sunset over the rolling landscape and recap a trip well-spent. Whether golf, wellness, culture or outdoor exploration is your traveling “love language,” Orlando and the Central Florida area are sure to invoke that passion.
