Orlando

4 Reasons the Grove Resort and Spa is Worth the Trip to Orlando Itself

Last updated 8th October 2018

Theme parks aren’t the only attractions to see in Orlando. The Grove Resort and Spa is a great destination all in itself with it’s new waterpark and spacious suites. It’s close proximity and free shuttle service to the Disney Parks makes it the ideal spot to stay in Orlando.

The Hotel

My husband and two children and I recently headed down to the Sunshine State to check out The Grove and see for ourselves why its the perfect place for families to stay. The resort is fairly new as it just opened in 2017 and the grounds are meticulously manicured. It offers apartment-like suites for the smallest to the largest families. The open floor plan is spacious and modern, offering full kitchens with granite countertops, washer/dryers and bathrooms so large you could sleep in them. As my children are ten and twelve years old it really made a huge difference to be able to have a suite where we each had our own bedrooms. It truly became a home away from home.

The Waterpark

There’s plenty to do at the Grove without ever leaving the property. My kids were kept busy at the new onsite waterpark, Surfari. They loved flying down the two open and closed body slides as I preferred floating along the lazy river until getting soaked by the water cannons in the hands of my children.

The real showstopper (and by far my children’s favorite experience) was the FlowRider, a surf simulator for catching waves in the pool. After a few wipeouts, they were able to  master some of the stunts with the help of the the two surfing instructors. 

For families with young kids, there’s a two story splash zone and a large zero entry pool. The pool is also surrounded by lounges and full service cabanas. The cabanas come with free tube rentals, outlets for charging all our families’ devices, ceiling fans and even a button that can be pushed to request service for food and drinks.

Relaxation Time

We loved the waterpark but it was also nice to take it down a notch and relax in the secluded Springs pools which were perfectly heated to a spa like temperature. The area has two pools and a jacuzzi for adults and children to chill in.

From the  hammock village, the spa and the beautiful natural lake bordering the hotel, there are lots of spots created on the grounds to allow you to have that special, “moment of peace” we all crave for ourselves especially on a family vacation. My husband is an avid fisherman so his favorite part of the day was at the crack of dawn fishing for some sort of fish called “Crappies” off the dock at the onsite Lake Austin. During the day fishing poles are provided as well as pontoon boats, kayaks, paddle boats and guided fishing excursions. However, to truly relax I escaped to the onsite spa and booked an organic 50 minute facial. The spa has a full service menu offering massages and facials and is perfect for some “mom time.”

The Food

There is literally no reason to ever leave the property as there are four various restaurants to choose from including Valencia which offers delicious wood brick oven pizzas. If you’re looking for more of a homier feel, you can also request to have your fridge stocked before your arrival. There’s also a small mart to get most essentials.

By Carey Reilly 

Get more inspiration with the world’s coolest hotel water parks and indoor water parks families will love