The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The word magic gets tossed around a lot in Orlando, to the point of exhaustion. But when it comes to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, it’s more than warranted. The resort has all the cinematic wows of a Disney movie, but it’s real, from the eco-tours by kayak on area waterways to the royal-worthy spa treatments that include just-picked citrus and honey from the resort’s own hives. Even “basic” rooms are fitted out for visiting dignitaries, with their feather beds, marble-lined baths and sky-high upholstered headboards. Don’t be surprised if you can’t find your golf-loving spouse—there’s an 18-hole Greg Norman course on-site.

Everything you could covet in a Floridian resort, with 582 rooms, 11 restaurants, a 40,000-square-foot-spa and boundless recreation—all under one gorgeous roof.

Impersonal. Despite the resort's size, warm, doting staff await to help you live your best vacation life.

Even in the ultimate kid-friendly town, The Ritz-Carlton pulls out all the stops for tots, with a Ritz Kids program and even in-room camping, complete with a tent and s’mores.

You didn’t know the hotel maintains its own gardens and chicken coops, but it’s clear as soon as you bite into your kale salad with Florida cheddar and housemade bacon: there’s nothing fresher than this. When you sip your Key Lime Apple Cider from St. Petersburg’s 3 Daughters Brewing, you think you may just move here. Your tastebuds are permanently spoiled.

Norman's - Latin, Caribbean, Asian fusion Bleu - Bar food poolside Fairways Pub - Pub food Primo - Contemporary Italian Citron - American Brasserie Sushi Bar - Japanese Café Bodega - Grab and go Highball & Harvest - Southern-inspired cuisine Vitale, Spa Café – Healthy cuisine First Drop – Lobby café Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen – Farm-inspired comfort food Quench Bar & Grill - JW Lazy River Poolside cuisine Starbucks The Lobby Lounge Sushi Bar