5 Reasons Orlando is the Place To Escape To This Winter

Sunny Orlando is more than just Disney. We took a trip and strolled in beautiful gardens, soared to new heights on the Orlando Eye and ate delicious local dishes. Here are our top picks. —Amanda Nunes

Stay: The moment we stepped into the B Resort, we were greeted by their signature white tea & thyme soothing scent and a glass of blue sparkling wine. We knew we were in for a great stay. We loved the bright, relaxed style of the lobby, complete with a colourful $15,000 Proust Geometica Chair designed by Alessandro Mendini. (Yes, you can sit in it.) If you’re staying on the 12^th – 17^th floor, you can take a glass elevator to your room, and take in a view of Disney Springs as you travel. Located right inside Disney Resorts, the hotel offers free daily shuttles to four Disney theme parks and Disney Springs. 

Spa: Indulge in a relaxing massage at the on-site B Indulged Aveda Spa. Your massage therapist will begin your service with a soothing reflexology foot massage before starting your full body massage. Bliss! When you’re done, pop into the adjourning nail salon to experience the only Nailae machine in Florida. The machine originates from Paris and can actually print any design or photo that you want right onto your nails, within seconds. 

Savour: You don’t have to travel too far to find delicious food! American Kitchen and Bar is located in the lobby of B Hotel. The restaurant prides themselves in providing dishes made with fresh, locally sourced food. They even grow their own herbs onsite. We fell in love with the Cape Rock Shrimp Mac-n-Cheese with gruyere, fontina cornbread gratin and succulent shrimp.

When the former personal chef to Oprah opens up a restaurant, you know it’s going to be good. Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming just opened in July, and showcases farm-to-table dishes. Art’s Fabulous Fried Chicken is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours before being fried. It’s tender and cris—everything friend chicken should be. Wash it down with a Fig and Berries (fresh muddled strawberries and tequila) cocktail. End on a sweet note with a classic slice of pecan pie. Homecoming, Town Center at Disney Springs, 1602 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States.

Play: You can’t step into Orlando without encountering a bit of Disney magic. At Epcot, we caught the Food & Wine Festival where guests can eat their way around the world. Different bites and drinks are offered at all of the international pavilions. When we had our fill, we let it go on the brand new Frozen Ever After ride. At Universal Studios, we donned our robes and were immersed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Walk through Hogsmeade as you sip on frothy Butterbeer. Don’t forget to visit Honeydukes for a chocolate frog! Universal Studios, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL.

See: Take in Orlando from new heights on the largest observation wheel on the East Coast, the Orlando Eye. Get an unobstructed 360° view in your glass viewing pod. The ferris wheel is 400 feet tall and the journey takes about 25 minutes. After, go for a stroll in the Florida sunshine at the beautiful Leu Gardens. The 50 acre gardens include towering oak trees, bamboo groves, exotic plants and an impressive collection of camellias and roses. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL.