Sprawling across 500 acres only minutes from downtown Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando resort is a property unlike any other in Central Florida. Home to The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes boasts more than 1,000 guest rooms and suites, a lazy-river, three outdoor heated pools, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, The Ritz-Carlton Spa (featuring 40 treatment rooms) and more than a dozen top-tier restaurants and lounges.
Whether you're visiting for a few hours or a few days, it's easy to let the ‘real world' drift away inside Grande Lakes gates. Here are a few activities to tempt you there this spring.
COOKING CLASSES
One of the few resorts in the country to house its own cooking school, Grande Lakes hosts cooking classes in its JW Griffin Cooking School a few times each here.
Upcoming Classes
Brew n' Bite
Saturday, July 16
Noon-2pm
Whisper Creek Farm:The Kitchen
An interactive tasting and pairing session that is sure to leave your taste buds buzzing! Join the brew master and chefs to create a beer-licious summer lunch and explore the world of pairing craft beers.
$55 per person; Tax and gratuity not included
Instructional and hands-on. Includes beer flight and lunch
Primo Desserts
Saturday, August 20
11am – 1pm
Primo
Take a break from the sun and join the Primo pastry chef for a lesson on how to create sweet and decadent classic Italian desserts perfect for any party!
$55 per person; Tax and gratuity not included
Instructional and hands-on. Includes (1) glass of Prosecco.
JULY 4TH & LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Celebrate two grand holidays at one of these five-star offerings at Grande Lakes:
Independance Day at Highball & Harvest
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
Monday, July 4, 13pm – 9pm
Enjoy BBQ favorites plus an entire buffet dedicated to bacon at this southern-style fete. Attendees will receive two complimentary drinks and can participate in games, enjoy live music and watch a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.
$69 per adult; $30 for children 12 and under (plus tax and gratuity)
Reservations required; (407) 393-4648
Labor Day Highball & Harvest
The Ritz-Carlton
Sunday, September 4, 5:30 – 9pm, À la carte.
After enjoying Highball & Harvests’ Southern à la carte menu, join guests on the lawn to watch the fireworks!
Reservations recommended; (407) 393-4648
OVERNIGHT PACKAGES
Enjoy an unforgettable overnight with your sweetie via The Ritz-Carlton's Reconnect package, which includes:
- Overnight accommodations
- Breakfast buffet for two
- Valet parking
- $25 nightly resort credit
Package rates starting at $339/night
PARENT'S NIGHT OUT VIA RITZ KIDS
For those traveling with kids in tow, never fear… your date night is still possible thanks to Ritz Kids, a spectacular kids program that was recently revamped. The refreshed Ritz Kids space and programming offers children the opportunity to become fully immersed in Florida’s rich history and biodiversity. Through these new program and spaces, kids get the opportunity to:
- observe baby alligators and red-eared slider turtles and learn about the impact these creatures have on the Florida ecosystem
- use planters made from repurposed pallets to examine the world of edible seeds and nuts and learn how humans, animals and plants all benefit from them
- about this natural region of tropical wetlands located right in the hotel’s backyard
Grande Lakes offers day and evening programs as part of Ritz Kids. More information and rates at www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/orlando/area-activities/ritz-kids.
SPA DAYS
Escape to The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Grande Lakes, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of tranquility that consistently wins awards annually as Orlando's best spa. Whether you are a hotel guest or resident of Orlando, you can come take advantage of the spa's 40 treatment rooms, 4,000-square-foot outdoor heated lap pool and indoor spa facilities, which include a co-ed relaxation conservatory, full-service salon and 6,000-square-foot Wellness Center.
Access to spa facilities are included with purchase of services of 50 minutes or longer. Hotel guests may purchase a day pass for $50. For more information, please 407-393-4200 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/orlando/spa.
ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES
Open to hotel and non-hotel guests, Grande Lakes's experiences for outdoor enthusiasts give visitors a taste of real Florida. From eco-tours to guided kayak tours of Shingle Creek, the Headwaters to the Florida Everglades, guests can learn about the history and native species (including alligators, bald eagles, osprey and barred owls) in their natural habitat.
Eco-Tour on Shingle Creek
Two-hour guided Eco-Tour via canoe
$60 adults; $30 children 17 and younger (with an adult).
Available everyday at 9:30am and 1pm, reservations required
Maximum 15 guests per excursion
Pedal Boat and Kayak Rentals
Explore Grande Lake on your own
9-10am and 5-7pm daily
Must be 18 to rent
Bird Habitats
Paint your unique birdhouse then travel with our guide to Shingle Creek, where you will install your birdhouse
$60 per person
Available Saturday & Sunday at 4pm; based on availability Monday-Friday
Reservations required
Guided Bird Watching
Explore over 300 acres of Grande Lakes natural surroundings while locating and identifying dozens of Central Florida's native avian species.
Bushnell Binoculars, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are included.
$20 per hour adults; $10 per hour children 17 and under (with an adult)
Maximum 5 guests per excursion, based on availability
Wings Over Florida Bird Watching Program
Wings Over Florida is an award-winning program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission designed to encourage you to identify as many Florida native birds as you can.
Based on availability. $60 adults; $40 children 17 and younger (with an adult)
Fishing Excursions
Fish from the shore or board Hyde Drift boats alongside a guide team in the private waters of Shingle Pond.
By Boat: $60 per hour adults; $30 per hour children 17 and under (with an adult)
From Shore: $40 per hour adults; $20 per hour children 17 and under (with an adult)
Minimum two guests and maximum five guests per excursion. Based on availability
For more information and reservations please call the Grande Lakes Adventure Experience desk at 407-393-4900
AFTERNOON TEA
A regal affair, Grande Lakes Orlando's weekly Afternoon Tea service brings all the elements of this iconic tradition together in one delicious fete.
Saturday & Sunday, 2 – 4pm
Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
Children – $30 Peter Rabbit Tea
Adults – $39 Traditional Tea; $55 Royal Tea