Hotel of the Week: Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando

Liliane Opsomer takes a break from the theme parks to chill out at the Villas of Grand Cypress…

Orlando is the ultimate fun family holiday, but if you want to escape the thrills and the crowds of the parks, the Villas of Grand Cypress is the perfect place. An oasis of luxury and relaxation, this villa resort is a haven for golf lovers.

The resort was recently awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. It’s 19 miles from Orlando International Airport and offers free shuttle transportation to Disney, Universal and Seaworld.

During my off-season visit, the kids were in school and most guests were golfers and older couples, but the Villas of Grand Cypress is geared up for families too.

Now, I’m no golfer, but I was still blown away by my private patio overlooking the waterways of the pristine Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed North Course. Rated as one of the ‘Top 25 Golf Schools in America’ every year since 1999, the Academy of Golf is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies and is a golfer’s dream. A variety of golf school programs offer one to five days of instruction. Prices start at $495 per golfer for junior spring break schools to $2895 for a three-day package for advanced golfers.

The spacious one and two-bedroom villas come with a living room, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. They can also double up through connecting doors for larger families.

With contemporary décor and original art, the villas feel like a luxurious home away from home. The kitchen is fully equipped with electric oven, dishwasher, toaster, microwave, full-sized fridge freezer and a coffee maker.

The cupboards were stocked with modern dinnerware, very pretty glassware and sleek modern cutlery for eight people as well as enough cookware to entertain in style. The dining room is well lit and spacious. The sunken living room comes with an open gas fire and a huge, soft and comfortable leather couch, which allows a family to gather and watch television together.

Each room allows access to the patio with dining and sunbathing space. All bathrooms feature a separate shower with body jets. Armed with deliciously scented bath salts, I decided to indulge in the deep-walled tub while enjoying a show on the 19inch HD television integrated in the bathroom mirror. Bliss.

For an entire day I didn’t even think about the theme parks. I enjoyed some down time at the pool, which also has a hot tub and a bar. The bar tender was experienced, courteous and keen to share his love for the resort. He talked me through the highlights of the jogging trail.I have to confess, I didn’t do the full 25 miles but I did manage six miles through the lush landscapes.

 I enjoyed seeing the golfers applying their skills on beautifully landscaped grounds. The golf course is modeled after The Old St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland and has breathtaking views. Once an orange grove, sweeping lawns alternate with tall grass sections, evergreen bushes and flowerbeds.

There’s also a state-of-the-art Fitness Center with built-in home theater, treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical and multi-purpose strength machines. If you prefer to get around on two wheel, bikes are available free of charge and are another great way to explore the property.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served at The Club restaurant and bar where I enjoyed a lovely Spring Roll ($8.95) followed by Crab Cake with Mango Remoulade ($14). When it was time for dinner I decided to splurge at the Nine18 restaurant. The cuisine is contemporary, the service was perfect but it was outdone by the spectacular view of the North-South golf course. Chef Alan Gould, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, rules in the kitchen.

I enjoyed a 14-ounze Rack of Lamb, Honey Roasted with Rosemary Demi ($39). It was a feast for the senses. As my first day at the resort came to an end, I watched the fireworks over Epcot from my table. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the parks again.’¨

Prices: One-bedroom Villas start at $289-$429, the two-bedroom Townhouse Villas are $349-$499. The resort also offers standard room accommodation starting at $149 mid-week, off-season. All-inclusive packages start at $667 in March for a stay at the Club Suite or Villa, included are breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages at Nine18, The Club Bar and Hospitality Carts and much more.’¨