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KISSIMMEE’S FANTASY IN
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Kissimmee, Florida: Looking for luxury has never been so much fun, and this time I’ve uncovered Kissimmee’s glass act, the talk of the town in Central Florida It’s none other than the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, a $450 million monolithic treasure spanning 63 acres on W. Osceola Parkway. Capped by a magnificent 4.5-acre glass canopy, the Gaylord Palms stylishly embrace a “Made in Florida” theme based on St. Augustine, Key West, the Everglades and Emerald Coast. It’s so realistic, you’ll feel the vibes of each region once you’re there. |
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Until now, the weather has been Florida’s best friend and mine. Now that’s all blasé. I’ve found the perfect getaway, one where it’s forever 72 degrees. Within this vast climate-controlled zone guests can explore the four regional vacation spots, all Florida originals. Forget Hollywood, this is Planet Florida. It’s like a movie set and everything is carefully scripted by the luminaries at Gaylord Palms. Of course they say, “You have to see it to believe it.” I have and I hope you will too. At First Glance The grand lobby echoes turn-of-the-century elegance of a Florida mansion, subtly lit by lanterns accentuating the unique “backless” reception desk that stretches to great lengths (ensuring virtually few line-ups.) Just imagine stepping into a tropical oasis surrounded by a grand hotel, overflowing with almost half a million single plant specimens that include well over 500 palms in 19 varieties and 2,500 vines. Some 161,000 gallons of water tumble, trickle and flow in the waterfalls, springs, pools and ponds as a kaleidoscope of color explodes under the Grand Atrium, revealing bougainvilleas, allamandas, philodendron, ferns, orchids and bromeliads. Relaxation Beckons As the outside world vanishes, heat is passé and relaxation is all that’s on my mind this weekend. The internationally acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Gaylord Palms indulges guests in a 20,000-square-foot ultra-modern spa with 25 treatment rooms, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center and a full-service beauty salon. SpaClub professionals are experts on fitness, nutrition, massage, energy therapy, body scrubs, cocoons, facials and Ayurvedic treatments. If you’re on a spa quest, yielding to temptation is not a question of what and when, but how beneficial the experience might be, especially when it’s done in traditional Canyon Ranch style. Exotic choices such as the Mango Sugar Glo or Grape Seed body scrubs are among the most splendid 50-minute pastimes you or I can indulge in. Euphoria, the 100-minute specialty is a sensational original (or signature treatment) that begs indulgence if, for some reason, nothing else is possible. Who would deny themselves such luxury? Weekly scalp massages at my regular hair salon notwithstanding, I would readily opt for sage and geranium compressed in hot towels on my scalp, and vanilla oil rubbed on my neck and shoulders are so soothing. I’ve never heard of exfoliating the skin with bindhi herbs, but it worked. Next I find myself soaking for 20 minutes in a rose petal tub with invigorating oil in preparation for the finale - a soothing massage with more vanilla oil. Shades of Florida The spa experience is undoubtedly a highlight of my visit, but basking in luxury (I quickly discover) is also the trend at Emerald Bay, the chic boutique-style hotel located within the resort for discerning guests. Stepping into a luxurious terry robe after a leisurely soak in the marble tub and relaxing in an elegant bed certainly add to the comfort level, as do the marble foyers and bathrooms and Egyptian cotton rugs. With nightly turndown service comes a little card that says “Sweet Dreams. The Florida sunshine will return tomorrow” and a “Florida Fact” on the reverse, just another special touch for guests. With 362 rooms, Emerald Bay can facilitate meetings for smaller business groups who also desire first-class accommodation. At Gaylord Palms every one of the1,406 guest rooms has hi-tech capabilities that include a safe that can store and re-charge a laptop computer, electronic doorbell, LED privacy display and high-speed Internet access. The most appreciated service is the “Consider It Done” button on all guest phones (which I think should be available in every upscale hotel.) This valuable tool can be used to summon a ride to nearby Disney World or, if you feel like chartering a helicopter for the evening, that can also be arranged. From one atrium to another, it’s a picturesque wonderland reflecting the Florida “originals” spotlighted here. Modeled after Castillo de San Marcos, the 16th century Spanish fort in St. Augustine characterizes historic old world charm associated with the city. There’s even a “fountain of youth” to quench your thirst. Key West is a lively fun stop where a nightly “Sunset Celebration” is staged at the resort’s version of Mallory Square, while the Everglades sends chills down your spine as a mysterious fog moves ever so slowly across the “river of grass.” Quaint St. Augustine rooms are awash in Spanish designs that focus everything from furnishings to carpets. Flashes of tropical colors welcome guests to Key West where whitewashed furniture, clapboard siding and shingles vividly set the scene. If tales of “gators that got away” are up your alley, why not settle for a jungle retreat in the Everglades? Far from primitive, cool wicker furnishings mellow the darker green and crimson drapery and linens and palm fronds on the carpeting add a special touch. A Celebration of Food If your taste for Florida puts you in the mood for creative dining the chefs will satiate even the most discriminating palate, and every one of the three restaurants can be fun, relaxing or sophisticated, it’s all up to you. At Villa de Flora in the St. Augustine atrium, Mediterranean fare from six kitchens makes it a temptation zone. I had a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the Villa de Flora Mediterranean-style restaurant from my balcony. Sangria and European wines accompanied French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Turkish and North African cuisine, lending an international flavor to breakfast, lunch and dinner guests. Island flavors, bursting from Sunset Sam’s Fish Camp, are as alluring as the restaurant’s setting on the S.S. Gaylord, a 60-foot sailboat moored in a huge coral reef. Cigar shrimp, sugar cane Lobster skewers and conch fritters are tempting starters. You can order this combination as the Three Tiered Tower (for two or four), served with remoulade, lemon-gras, ponzu and cocktail sauces. “Catch of the day” ranges from yellowtail tuna, pompano, grouper or Chilean sea bass, prepared to your order (sautéed, blackened, grilled or broiled) and served with sauces such as Beuree Blanc, Ponzu, Mediterranean Salsa or Remoulade. And watch out for those irresistible super-sized rum concoctions a la Hemingway! While you’re tiptoeing through the Everglades, you’ll discover Old Hickory Steak House is the ultimate dining spot, famous for the Certified Black Angus beef and the artisanal cheese course. (See A CLASS ACT FOR FLORIDA CUISINE in our Chef Celebre section) Isn’t it time you escape your world and discover theirs? | ||