Wow! You'll find yourself repeating this word at least a dozen times when you first visit the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
Perched on 26.5 lakeside acres within the magnificent residential community of Golden Oak, the sprawling resort sits just minutes from all of Disney’s theme parks and entertainment districts.
Checking into this resort, which will celebrate its second anniversary in August, is nothing short of a dream come true.
443 modern rooms, each with a furnished terrace and many with unobstructed views of the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom, dot the resort's 17 floors. It's also home to Explorer Island, a five-acre recreation space with a massive 7,590 square foot pool, Splash Zone, two water slides and a lazy river that meanders along rapids and under waterfalls in a spectacular tropical setting.
Florida Resident rates drop as low as $299/night (including valet parking and Wi-Fi) on select dates between May 1–June 9, 2016 and August 14–October 2, 2016. To book, call 800-267-3046.
But you don't have to spend the night to enjoy the Four Seasons. In fact, there are a ton of offerings for non-hotel guests who simply want to visit on date night/day. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
Tabletop S'Mores at PB&G
PB&G, the resort's waterfront and poolside restaurant, recently launched a new dinner offering, served 6-9pm, Wednesday through Sunday. We were invited to try a few items recently, including Ahi Tuna Nachos ($15) and a classic Lobster Roll ($29) crammed with lobster and served with terrific herb/parmesan fries. While everything was delicious and the lakeside venue made for a peaceful waterside dining spot, the show stopper was definitely the Tabletop S'mores ($36). Served with loads of marshmallows and several types of chocolate bars, this DIY dessert was such a fun and interactive way to end the meal.
Dinner at Capa
Recently winning Orlando Magazine's Critic's Pick for the city's best restaurant, Capa is a culinary experience worth having at least once. Doubling as a chic tapas eatery and a posh steakhouse, Capa's mainstay is Spanish fare with flavors and plating as impressive as its 17th floor views. The steaks, albeit pricey, are truly outstanding. When served a bone-in filet ($68) during a 2015 visit, it was so tender that we used a butter knife to cut. If a wood fired steak isn't your thing, opt for any number of delicious tapas (para picar and raciones). The Pan con Tomate ($5), Pulpo ($14) and the Coliflor ($11) are just a few of our favorites. Capa is open daily from 6pm – 10pm.
Cocktails with Firework Views
With its expansive outdoor terrace with firework views, Capa is also one of the best places in Orlando to sip a starlit cocktail. The signature cocktail menu features a dozen distinctive drinks (priced from $16) and appetizers from $5 during Happy Hour (Monday – Friday from 5pm – 7pm).
Sunday Brunch at Plancha
Plancha, the lakeside Cuban American restaurant at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort, serves brunch every Sunday from 10am to 3pm and features a three-course menu with buffet appetizers, choice of one entrée and a dessert buffet, plus soft drinks/juices and bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Cost is $68/adult ($20/child) including complimentary valet parking/self-parking. For reservations, call 407-313-6161.
Couples Weeks
The Four Seasons expands its already ample offering for couples (including a lakeside infinity-edge adult only pool and an 18-treatment room spa with six couple's suites) with additional perks during Couples Weeks at the Resort, through May 26, 2016.
Couples Weeks feature added offerings, including cooking classes, wine tastings and Dinner & A Movie nights. Also, the Oasis adult-only pool for guests ages 21 and older will offer extra complimentary amenities, such as boozy gelato float shooters, on select afternoons.
The Couples Stay & Play package includes an overnight stay, two welcome cocktails, a guaranteed late check (2pm) to enjoy extra time to sleep in, unlimited in-room movies, plus the couples’ choice of a 50-minute Spa treatment for two, a golf lesson for two, or a tennis lesson for two.
For more details visit press.fourseasons.com/orlando/hotel-news/2016/couples-weeks-return.
