With so many of our summer trips cancelled that would’ve required crossing not just state lines but going out of the country, we’ve refocused our wanderlust on places that are driving distance. We’d previously associated Orlando with just our visits to Disney and whenever we’d do more than just a day trip we’d always lament that we wish we would’ve built more time into our visit to just hang out at the hotel’s pools and enjoy the amenities! That is especially true with a place like the Four Seasons Orlando. I wrote about our visit last fall when we did visit parks during our stay, and also our recent summer getaway with the girls and friends when they reopened after implementing their Lead With Care initiative.
Like so many, Curtis and I realized that while we were spending more time together at home than we ever had, we were also in dire need of restorative time as a couple to reconnect. About two years ago we moved from Dallas back to our hometown area on the Florida Gulf Coast to be near our families for so many reasons, one of them being the support system it would provide for us. So after some begging on our end, my in-laws agreed to watching the girls for two nights so we could get away and actually leave our house. Having been to the Four Seasons Orlando last month, we knew we felt safe and comfortable with the mitigation efforts which would be half the battle toward real relaxation. So we packed our bags and dropped off the girls and headed up to the hotel, which is about 2 hours north of us.
Here are some of the perks about visiting the FS Orlando right now:
The rates: If you’re in state, you can call about the Florida Resident Rates they usually have this time of year. They’re around $359 per night during the week for a basic room and go up if you’re booking a weekend or a room beyond the basic offering. If you’re out of state there are specials like the Experience More package that offers up to $500 of resort credit daily. There is also the Fourth Night Free package to look into as well!
Limited Capacity: When we checked in we learned the max they’ve operated at is 50% capacity and during the week it tends to be less. This means the pool is easy and comfortable to physical distance. You’re more likely to get early check-in or late check-out, just give them warning and if they can accommodate it with their sanitizing needs they will! It also means you’re more likely to get a little room upgrade than during normal circumstances, though of course that isn’t guaranteed.
Staff: The staff has gone above and beyond both times we’ve been there. While the resort was closed they received thorough training on best practices for health and safety. This includes how to sanitize shared spaces, like doing so for poolside chairs and tables after every guest, not just every few hours.
More meaningful: We both agreed that this current situation makes times like this feel even more special. We are so grateful we were able to do this and know not everyone can. But I encourage you that if it is possible, if you have access to childcare and the means to getaway that you seize the moment because while we were hesitant at first, this kind of investment in our mental health and marriage will continue to be vital as the affects of this pandemic wage on.
Safety measures that are noticeable:
They reduce face-to-face interactions without losing their signature high quality and responsive services. This is done largely through their unique App that you can use as soon as you have reservations and a confirmation number.
They’ve limited high-touch items like menus and in-room information sheets. They’re found via QR scanning or by inquiring via the messaging in the app. Or if you’d prefer a hard copy they are happy to provide you with a single use menu. The tables in the restaurants are not pre-set, and instead you receive your glasses and plates on an as-needed basis which is more sanitary.
They’re are multiple temperature check-points. One time I was stopped reentering from the pool because the scanner showed a fever. After sitting for a few minutes I was re-scanned and allowed to go.
Masks are required. It was a relief the first time we visited that masks just weren’t even a question. They’re standard and enforced politely. It can be easy to get in relaxation mode and forget your mask – I did once as I walked in from the pool – but they’ll ask if you need a mask as a nudge to put one on or in case you actually are in need, they’re ready with one for you.
There are sanitizer stations everywhere and it is protocol before you enter the elevators. Like I wrote about here, you’re on the elevator alone with your party.
What was different without kids:
We spent tons of time at the 21+ pool The Oasis which is unbelievable tranquil and the positioning of it, facing the pond and fountains, makes you feel like you’re somewhere besides just a stone’s throw from kid city, aka Disney World. I overheard a couple talking to another couple that they didn’t even know the resort had a lazy river or water slide – they’d spend the entire day perched up at The Oasis.
But the Lazy River is so fun, and even more lazy, without your little ones. Don’t get me wrong, we always have a great time with the girls, but it was truly something being able to float around, totally relaxed and just the two of us. At one point we’d ordered drinks at our chairs and our server Tony spotted us and literally walked through the bushes to hand deliver our cocktails while we were floating in our tubes. I think that was the moment we officially relaxed.
Capa – For starters, on an adults only trip we were able to make late reservations which allowed us to enjoy the pool for more daytime and with only ourselves to get ready, we stayed in the water until the last minute and quickly got ready for our first date night. We’d only ever had tapas in the bar of Capa, which were delicious, so getting the full steak house treatment was incredible. The view of the restaurant is not to be missed, we grabbed a cocktail and head out to the balcony to look out. To eat, I highly recommend the Coliflor and snapper ceviche (from the tapas menu) to start, and I enjoyed my favorite steak duo of filet and Bearnaise. And to finish, their Fuego dessert is not to be missed. There were plenty of families with young children, even as late as as our reservation was, so this can totally be enjoyed with your littles in tow. But we haven’t been having date nights out at restaurants during our normal day to day like we used to, so this was truly special to get dressed up and eat dinner out. We also enjoyed Ravello the next night, their Italian restaurant on the first floor. Just like Capa, there is outdoor seating and our server Freddy was so friendly and helpful. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but their ravioli was next level!
The Spa – without the girls, we had more time on our hands so I decided to get a treatment. I love a massage and definitely haven’t been getting them recently, so this was a great opportunity to enjoy one. Both the provider and myself had our masks on and all services require that except a facial. Curtis enjoyed one of their new vitality drips and even though he is normally a big baby about needles he said he was totally fine, barely felt it, and was so refreshed after the drip. He had nothing but wonderful things to say about the nurse who facilitated it and would definitely recommend it.
A big take away about visiting the Four Seasons Orlando right now: whether you’re bringing the kiddos or find the time to sneak away with girlfriends or even just the two of you, I think this is an ideal time to go. Though there are many safety measures in place I don’t think it takes away from the relaxation and fun of it all. Everyone is working as a team to do their part. The staff are incredibly dedicated and conscientious, and the guests are on board, pulling their weight and following guidelines. Now with two experiences under our belt it is nice to feel like we have a place where we can feel at ease, just a short drive from our doorstep.
