IN A TIME WHEN GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT, THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES PROVIDES JUST THE KIND OF RESPITE NEEDED, WHETHER IT’S A LONG WEEKEND OR A 10-DAY STAY. Within close reach of all the Orlando attractions, it still manages to offer a tranquil sanctuary for relaxing and rejuvenating at the end of the day.

While Orlando is one of the most popular and diverse destinations in the U.S., Grande Lakes has an entirely different allure for golfers. As the home of an 18-hole par-72 championship course designed by Greg Norman, it played host to the 2020 PNC Championship, where 20 of golf’s biggest champions teamed up with a family member to play the challenging course. (The event was ultimately won by Justin Thomas and his father, Mike Thomas.)

It seemed fitting for Grande Lakes to host this family-friendly event, since Orlando revolves around family fun and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando has created an environment that is perfectly suited for both children and adults.

HAVING FUN ... NATURALLY

The golf course is a stunning example of how nature plays a central role at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. In designing the course, Norman used the Central Florida landscape to his advantage to create challenging greens, wide fairways and hazards. It is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and followed guidelines to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats while protecting national resources. It was even named the National Resort Course winner in the Environmental Leaders in Golf by Golf Course Management magazine.

With its immaculate, all-grass driving range, putting green and practice facility, the course is not just breathtaking to look at, but is giving back to the environment while showcasing its natural beauty. Sitting in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, the course is dotted with beautiful pines, palmettos and live oaks that complement a layout that is as close to perfection as you’ll find.

As you might expect, all that beauty hides some secrets, and this course is unlike any other you’ll play in Orlando. It boasts exceptionally fast greens, water hazards and more than 100 strategically placed bunkers. Of all the holes, one of the greatest challenges awaits you at the end, where the par-5 18th hole features a lake to the left of the fairway, bunkers to the right—and no easy way out.

However, the reward that lies just beyond that harrowing hole makes the hard work worthwhile. The Fairways Pub provides the perfect end to a day on the links, with a selection of crafted micro brews, draught beer and some of the best possible views of the 18th hole and resort.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

The course is adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, which is designed
in an elegant architectural style that gives a nod to the grand palazzos of Italy. With fresh, airy colors and plush furnishings, the 582-room hotel offers spacious layouts and luxury touches such as balconies, marble bathrooms and, for guests in the suites, large living spaces and outdoor areas. No matter where you stay, the views are spectacular; whether it’s a garden view, lake view or lake front that helps you unwind, you can find the exact setting you’re looking for.

To further that relaxation, a 40,000-square-foot spa has 40 treatment rooms, a full salon and a barbershop. Its signature therapies, which include massages and body treatments, use CBD and herbs from the resort’s own organic garden. And you can always end the luxurious experience with a healthy meal at Vitale, a Spa Café. The delicious but healthy cuisine includes options like unique salads, power bowls and smoothies.

IN GOOD TASTE

Beyond Fairways Pub and Vitale, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando offers an abundance of other options for satisfying your cravings, whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual snack. One of the things you’ll notice on the grounds are gardens, apiaries and chicken coops—and that tells you just how fresh the food here is. You’ll enjoy a unique dining experience that is as locally sourced as you can get but can still take your tastebuds around the world.

Casual dining includes Bleu, the poolside restaurant serving up burgers, salads and an array of tropically inspired frozen drinks; Citron, a popular breakfast stop featuring seasonal, local ingredients and Café Bodega, where guests find chef-crafted breakfast and lunch sandwiches, fresh fruit, quiches, salads and more to-go.

More elevated options include Highball & Harvest, offering a creative menu of Southern dishes and handcrafted cocktails in a railroad-inspired environment; Knife & Spoon, a new signature steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef John Tesar and Sushi Bar, where, in addition to sushi, guests can enjoy a raw bar, Asian tapas and creative cocktails and wines.

For something in-between, there’s Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen, where guests can enjoy comfort food served alongside craft beers from the onsite nano brewery and Primo, an Italian restaurant that sources its produce from The Ritz-Carlton Orlando’s Primo Organic Garden.

With so many options for dining, playing or just relaxing, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is an ideal getaway, regardless of whether you’re looking for a little quiet time or want to enjoy some fun in the sun. For golfers, it has the added appeal of one of the most unusual courses in Florida that will make your stay even more unforgettable.

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