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Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate - Part 1
Written by: Janet Pope
Something for everyone
I recently stayed at the newly-opened Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate in Florida and this mint destination truly has something for everyone. At first, I wondered how Orlando could squeeze another hotel into an already-crowded market. Situated only 6.8 miles from Disney, and 25 minutes from the airport, the Omni Orlando is both convenient, yet seemingly tucked away. Only opened since October 10, 2004, it has already attracted a busy business and family clientele.
I also wondered why anyone would want to come to Orlando and not spend their days and nights at Disney; yet, to my surprise, I never wanted to leave the Omni Orlando resort. I felt so peaceful, content and comfortable. Usually a vacation to me, means to eat a lot, see all lot and do a lot and, obviously, go home stuffed, fulfilled and exhausted.
The resort is a little like the "Engine That Could." Despite adversity, the resort not only opened on time, but, so far, to rave reviews. It was the first hotel to break ground after 9/11, despite a weakened economy and a severe drop in tourism. Then, prior to its grand opening, Omni Orlando Resort survived three major hurricanes and had to replant 180 palm trees that fell over. So, against the odds, the Omni Resort has opened and the staff seems thrilled to be working in this shining new facility.
There wasn’t a maid, waiter or desk manager that didn't exude a genuine sense of friendliness, helpfulness and warmth. The staff was outstanding!
Currently, there are 115,000 hotel rooms in Orlando, so the Omni staff knows that they have to fill a certain niche and do it well. There are 15 acres here and the resort touts itself as Orlando’s best backyard. In a way, I felt like I was in the best backyard I could imagine and I had no urge to leave. The grounds are well manicured and lush with palm trees and flowering plants, despite the hurricane season having just passed. Behind the 730-room hotel are winding paths leading to two heated outdoor pools, an 850-foot lazy river, tennis and basketball courts, private cabanas, a sand volleyball court, two whirlpools, two Greg Norman-designed golf courses, restaurants and a spa.
On this visit, I squeezed a three-day weekend into a mini-spa retreat. The spa here has 10 treatment rooms and offers a complete line of services from basic manicures to ocean stone massages. I scheduled an aromatherapy massage, as well as a manicure and pedicure. Each treatment experience is extended and enhanced by use of the tea room where all the customers get to chill out, sip tea and listen to soothing music before and after their service. I also took full advantage of the whirlpool and fitness center in between my treatments.
Relaxation is not a life style I've learned too easily. My mom, at 80, is still a workaholic so I haven’t had a wonderful role model in the art of de-stressing. At the Omni Orlando, I felt totally calm and every experience was enjoyable and relaxing.
When I wasn’t being pampered at the spa, I soaked in the sun. The temperature was a warm 80 degrees compared to the 45 degree temperatures that I left in New York City. I spent my free time floating down the lazy river in tubes that always seemed available and there was never a crowd. The "backyard" is so spread out that I never felt confined or cramped and there was always a private little nook with a lounge chair. I also loved "the quiet pool" that promoted a serene atmosphere and discouraged children.
So, unlike other vacations where I squeezed in a hundred things to do, I spent my days floating, reading, snoozing and alternating between hot tubs and pools. It was heavenly and for me - just what I needed.
Another big attraction here, beside the atmosphere and the spa, is the golf. Surprising to me, only four properties in Orlando have golf. At Championsgate, the two golf courses are literally right outside the door. I am not a golfer, but I feel obliged to tell you that the "International" is a link-style course and the "National" is a traditional American-style course. David Leadbetter also has his world headquarters here and, in his golf academy, he offers both group and individual instructions. The Academy and the golf courses, themselves, have been attracting a "who’s who" in the golf world and naturally have been attracting many golf clientele.
Part 1
Part 2
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