Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Ordinarily, a bedroom balcony is your own private outdoor space to kick back and relax with a glass of something and a few nibbles. But here at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando there’s a welcome interruption to my standard balcony reverie. It’s 9pm and that means I have a front row seat to Disney’s nightly firework extravaganza taking place next door.

Handy that, being next door to Disney. No expensive entrance fees, long lines and endless repeats of It’s a small world after all. Just the grand finale with no one blocking my view.

Of course, staying at the Four Seasons Resort has many more benefits than simply being Disney’s next door neighbour. It’s a global brand I’ve always admired simply because of its consistency. It offers five star luxury hospitality and always delivers it wherever you are in the world.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando has the added pressure of being the largest property in the portfolio at nearly 27 acres and 443 rooms, a responsibility it seems to have no problem shouldering.

Fortunately, the walk from the lobby check in to my room is a lot less than the property size. But hang on a minute, there is chatter coming from inside. This might be awkward.

I open the door to find two lovely ladies standing there smiling at me.

“Good afternoon Mr. Mossack. Welcome. Just putting the finishing touches to your room. And your latest copy of the Four Seasons Magazine. Wouldn’t want you to be having an old copy now would we.”

And then, just like that, they were gone.

The room doesn’t disappoint. A king bed surrounded by plush brown and cream interiors, a comfy settee, a glass workspace and a hefty 80 square foot balcony looking across the lake. The bathroom is a study in marble with an in-mirror television, a good size tub, a walk-in shower, and a suite of impressive C.O Bigelow amenities.

A smart Nespresso machine winks at me from the counter, an invitation I dare not refuse.

Back downstairs I take a stroll around some truly sumptuous gardens. An adult only pool is a welcome retreat from the main pool area that also provides access to the hotel’s own 5 acre water park; a lazy river ride, two water slides and The Hideout, a kids-only area.

I’m tempted to self indulge at The Spa, a huge palette of pastel pink containing just about every treatment available to keep your mind and body in balance from sticks and stones massage to cupping therapy. However, I contain the urge in favour of a some gym work in advance of my dinner at Capa, the Four Season’s signature rooftop Spanish steakhouse..

Showing no sign of last night’s excesses, sampling the delights of Capa’s memorable Spanish food and wine, I take the ten minute walk across to the Tranquilo Golf Club for a quick snack at Plancha before playing a round. It’s a chance to savour some more delightful Four Seasons topiary sprinkled among the truly impressive outdoor art forms.

Plancha is the club house restaurant, and presents Cuban-American food in a lake side setting.

I take a half Cuban sandwich and side of fries ($15) which sets me up for my round, although I’m almost tempted to stray to the Ceviche ($14) and the chorizo flat bread ($19)

There is a sense of pride at this hotel. A real and genuine attempt to provide a guest experience that justifies the price tag. This has always been the Four Seasons mantra and Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a perfect example of how to pull it off perfectly.