Orlando caters to growing health and fitness trend

Health and fitness travel has become a major component of one of the hottest travel trends in the country, adventure travel. As travelers begin to explore the destinations they escape to each year, a portion of the more than 47 million visitors to Orlando are embracing this new trend and discovering the natural beauty of the area by bicycle, kayak, water skis, surfboards or their favorite pair of tennis shoes.

Water enthusiasts have unlimited options when they want to swim or skim the water’s surface on skis, kneeboards, wakeboards or other watercraft. Area facilities include Buena Vista Water Sports on Lake Bryan and Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Orlando Watersports Complex is the only facility in the United States to have two cableways for unlimited riding time and increased skill building for riders of all levels. In early 2007, weather will never be a factor when Ron Jon’s Surfpark opens at Festival Bay Mall on International Drive, where visitors will find guaranteed waves 365 days a year.

Trail followers can choose from a multitude of paved fitness trails to put more fun in their exercise program by biking, in-line skating or walking. Orlando has received the honor of being designated a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Many of the area’s paths surround scenic lakes or are located in recreational parks. And visitors needn’t worry about bringing their own exercise equipment as a number of area shops offer equipment rentals.

With golf and tennis ranked as popular travel activities, Orlando serves up more than 800 tennis courts at area tennis centers, resorts and hotels and 168 area golf courses designed by famed architects.

At the end of a hard day’s play, Orlando offers guests the royal treatment. As travelers place greater importance on personal health and relaxation, resort- and day-spas throughout Orlando are growing to meet the demand for innovative rejuvenating therapies, pampering treatments and fitness solutions. Destination spas throughout the Orlando area offer an enticing lineup of amenities and many offer their own state-of-the-art fitness centers.

As dining out also ranks as one of the top activities for travelers, Orlando offers a diverse range of cuisine at more than 5,180 restaurants. Visitors can discover new restaurant concepts like Seasons 52. This casually sophisticated grill and wine bar invites guests to discover the sensational flavors of a seasonally changing menu using natural cooking techniques such as grilling over oak and mesquite to give food exceptional taste with fewer calories than similar restaurant meals. Or visit Jack’s Place, the award-winning restaurant located in the Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive. One of five top Orlando restaurants among 75 restaurants nationally recommended in The South Beach Diet Dining Guide, published December 2005 by the bestselling author of The South Beach Diet, Arthur Agatston, MD. Jack’s Place was selected for its outstanding food, including a variety of prime steaks and fresh seafood, as well as the exemplary service, atmosphere and South Beach-friendly menu.