Tranquillity might not be on your mind when booking your dream Orlando holiday...
Yet beyond theme parks, there are plenty of wonderful, quiet resorts in Orlando where you can while away your day. Think peaceful golf courses at dawn, revitalising spa treatments, or simply swimming a few gentle laps in your own private pool as the sun sets.
Join us on a trip through some of our favourite relaxing villa and hotel resorts in Orlando. And by the end, you'll be ready to let all troubles melt away, in the Sunshine State.
The ever-popular ChampionsGate Resort occupies 900 vast acres of lush parkland in Kissimmee. Its double-gated entrance is followed by rows of majestic palm trees, welcoming guests to a world of serenity right from the outset.
With a 36-hole championship golf course and exclusive clubhouse, there are few better places to spend a sunny Orlando morning. Although we wouldn’t say no to reading a book on the lazy river or in a private cabana at the resort’s main pool either.
Villas at ChampionsGate are considered some of the best in central Florida, ranging from 4 to 9 bedrooms. They are luxurious yet wonderfully homely, with private pools and lots of space. The resort’s flagship hotel, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, plays host to the world-class Mokara Spa as well as a fitness centre and two outdoor swimming pools – perfect for doing as much or as little as you like. All in all, relaxation is non-negotiable at ChampionsGate.
A great affordable choice for families who want proximity to major attractions but crave the opportunity to enjoy some relaxing downtime on days away from the hubbub. The hotel’s tropical, oversized pool and two whirlpools provide the focal point for lazy, sun-drenched days, while the splash pad gives the kids a space to run about and play. The Tiki Bar is a fabulous poolside addition with tasty snacks and beverages on offer, and a range of fun games and activities mean you could easily spend all holiday here.
The hotel’s rooms and suites have everything required for a comfortable and restful stay, and the KidSuites with partitioned-off bunk beds are an excellent option for giving the grown-ups a little privacy and space. The icing on the cake is the free daily scheduled shuttle service to Disney’s
Magic Kingdom,
Universal Orlando Resort,
Aquatica and SeaWorld Orlando, which makes for stress-free visits to your favourite parks.
One of our most popular and cherished villa communities, Emerald Island benefits from a close location to Walt Disney World Resort – just 10 minutes drive away off Highway 192 – whilst still enjoying a secluded position amid 300 acres of lush conservation area. This secure gated community boasts fantastic tropical views from all directions as well as excellent walking trails and tranquil wooded areas to explore.
Families come here for the peace away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and attractions, but also to luxuriate in the wide-ranging amenities on offer. As well as comfortable home-from-home villa accommodation with private pools, Emerald Island features two heated communal pools and a resort clubhouse. There is also a sand volleyball court, fitness centre with a sauna, kids’ play areas, and tennis and basketball courts. Apart from the occasional food shop, you don’t really need to leave.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
The number one voted accommodation in Tripadvisor’s ‘Quiet Resorts in Orlando’ list lies the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. This four-star escape is located just one mile from Walt Disney World and close to Universal Orlando, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away once you step inside.
The award-winning, family-friendly resort is set on the serene Lake Windsong, where you can go sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, as well as fishing for a truly relaxing experience by the water. For a slightly different type of water-based relaxation, the resort also features an 800,000-gallon lagoon pool complete with 12 cascading waterfalls, a waterslide, swim-through caves, and a rope bridge. You can even rent a poolside cabana for the day to savour your tropical surroundings.
Still the list of ways to unwind here goes on. There is a signature Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, walking and jogging trails, mini-golf for the kids, tennis and beach volleyball courts, an arcade room, and a 24-hour fitness centre. Perhaps the pièce de résistance is the Marilyn Monroe Spa, touchingly designed to emulate the iconic star’s Hollywood home and offering a full range of lavish services, from manicures and pedicures to restorative massages and facials – in short, relaxation redefined.
As the name suggests, the award-winning Rosen Shingle Creek rests within an unspoiled 230-acre creek comprising swathes of manicured lawns, calming waterways and a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, nestling amid towering pines and oaks.
The hotel features 1,500 guest rooms and suites in a sleek Spanish style, which offer sweeping views across the undulating golf course and surrounding landscape. But don’t be fooled by its size, there is an element of calm here despite its proximity to the illustrious International Drive and a vast array of world-famous attractions.
There really is no need to venture out of this peaceful resort. With 15 eclectic restaurants and lounges – including two AAA Four Diamond-rated eateries – you have everything you require for an indulgent stay. The on-site basketball court, nature trails, and sand volleyball court will keep you active, while the luxurious Spa at Shingle Creek and four palm tree-edged swimming pools offer composure before you tackle the major theme parks.
This Disney resort embodies the vibes of Spanish Colonial Mexico, that is, typically laid-back and very cool. Centred around an idyllic lake (note the running theme with most hotels in this list), Coronado Springs benefits from its fabulous Disney World location yet retains a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing Orlando holiday.
Guests can chill out by the pool during the hot days and spend balmy evenings watching Movies Under the Stars – a popular pastime at many Disney hotels. Downtime at the resort can also be spent playing beach volleyball or in the Iguana Arcade, plus the dining here is top-notch.
The resort delivers three superb restaurants so you can really maximise on your super-lazy resort days: Maya Grill for authentic Nuevo Latino cuisine, Café Rix for light-bites and refreshing beverages, and El Mercado de Coronado for all-day international fare. And for an extra slice of serenity, choose a Water View Room overlooking the resort’s shimmering waterways.
We all need time to re-energise on a jam-packed Orlando holiday. Fortunately, Ocean Florida offers a vast range of hotels and villa communities that provide an oasis of calm amid the chaos -
are you ready to discover your slice of paradise?