Things to do on‑site and nearby The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
At The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes you can use multiple on-site recreational facilities (three outdoor pools, a 40,000 sq ft spa, tennis and an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course), dine at several restaurants including Knife & Spoon and Highball & Harvest, and take short drives or reservation shuttles to SeaWorld, Universal and Walt Disney World. The resort also offers family-focused options (Ritz Kids, kids pool, playground) alongside adults-only spa facilities and a 24-hour fitness center.
In this guide
Pools, cabanas and pool hours
The property has three outdoor pools: a family-friendly resort pool (Solaire Pool), a kids/wading pool, and the adults-only Ritz-Carlton Spa Pool (heated lap pool) reserved for guests 18 and older. Private cabanas and daybeds are available to reserve for a fee.
Pool opening hours differ by pool type: the Solaire Pool is open daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; the Spa Pool follows spa hours (see spa section for those hours). Pool rules like age restrictions for the spa pool are enforced by resort staff.
- Private cabanas and daybeds can be reserved for a fee (examples: Solaire Daybed, Spa Tahitian Daybed).
- Guests may have connected access to the JW Marriott Grande Lakes waterpark facilities (lazy river and slides) through resort arrangements.
- Pool depth: a kids pool with shallow depth is provided for younger guests (sources list a 3 ft max depth for the kids pool).
| Pool | Typical Hours | Age Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Solaire (main resort) Pool | Daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM | Family-friendly |
| Kids/Wading Pool | Hours as Solaire Pool (varies by season) | Children allowed; shallow depth |
| Ritz-Carlton Spa Pool (lap pool) | Follows spa hours (see spa) | Adults only (18+) |
The Ritz-Carlton Spa and wellness
The on-site spa is The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes — a 40,000-square-foot facility with private treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, a co-ed relaxation lounge and an outdoor adults-only lap pool. Spa hours are Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.
The spa offers signature treatments that draw on produce from the resort’s organic garden (citrus- and herb-based treatments) plus specialty rituals and an Energy Balancing Treatment noted in property materials. Spa facilities and the spa pool are restricted to guests 18 and older; younger guests may use age-appropriate services under the spa’s children/teen menu.
- Spa hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sat–Sun 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.
- Kids & Teen Spa menu available for ages 2–17 (examples: fizzing manicure/pedicure, kids massage; teens may have facials with a guardian present).
- Vitale spa café serves smoothies, salads and power drinks (Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sat–Sun 11:00 AM–5:00 PM).
| Facility | Notes | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Rooms | Private rooms and specialty rituals | Spa hours (see above) |
| Spa Pool (adults-only) | Heated lap pool reserved for 18+ | Follows spa hours |
| Vitale Spa Café | Healthy menu items after treatments | Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sat–Sun 11:00 AM–5:00 PM |
Golf, tennis and outdoor recreation
Golfers can play The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes — an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Greg Norman. Tee times are available daily, with reported tee-time hours beginning early morning and running through late afternoon.
The resort also offers tennis courts (and pickleball courts in some materials), a driving range, a two-mile bike trail, kayaking and options for fishing and canoeing. Many outdoor activities may require advance bookings or additional fees.
- Golf tee times are available daily (example range cited 6:00 AM–5:30 PM in property materials).
- Fairways Pub at the golf clubhouse serves clubhouse fare and views over the 18th hole.
- Bike trails, tennis courts and water-based recreation are available; check with concierge for equipment rental and reservations.
| Activity | Typical Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18-hole golf course | Daily (tee times available) | Greg Norman–designed; driving range on site |
| Tennis / Pickleball | By reservation (hours vary) | Courts available on property |
| Biking, kayaking, fishing | Seasonal / by reservation | Two-mile bike trail; canoeing and fishing options nearby |
Dining and bars on property
The resort offers multiple on-site dining venues, with seven locations listed on the property site and a total of 11 food-and-beverage venues across the Grande Lakes complex. Signature venues include Knife & Spoon (steakhouse and seafood), Highball & Harvest (farm-to-table Southern American) and The Lobby Lounge (afternoon tea and cocktails).
Hours and dress codes vary by venue; Knife & Spoon lists evening hours and a Smart Casual dress code. For reservations, the resort provides direct phone numbers for major restaurants.
- Knife & Spoon: dinner hours and bar/lounge service; Smart Casual dress code (reservations: +1 407-206-2400).
- Highball & Harvest: farm-to-table Southern cuisine, open daily for breakfast/lunch/dinner (reservations: +1 407-393-4422).
- Other outlets: Bleu Pool Bar (poolside, casual), First Drop coffee house (early morning to evening), Vitale Spa Café and Fairways Pub at the golf clubhouse.
| Venue | Cuisine / Offer | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Knife & Spoon | Steakhouse / Seafood | Evening service (bar/lounge and dining) |
| Highball & Harvest | Farm-to-table Southern American | Breakfast–Dinner (daily) |
| The Lobby Lounge | Afternoon tea / Cocktails | Late afternoon–evening hours |
Family amenities and kids' programs
The resort is family-friendly and offers a Ritz Kids program for children ages four to twelve (program available for a surcharge). There is a playground on site and supervised childcare/activities for a fee.
Families can also use the kids pool and reserve family cabanas. The spa and certain fitness areas remain restricted to guests 18 and older, and specific kids/teen spa services are offered separately.
- Ritz Kids program: supervised activities for ages 4–12 (surcharge applies).
- Playground and a shallow kids pool (the kids pool depth is listed in property materials).
- On-site childcare / supervised activities available for a surcharge; book in advance through concierge.
| Family Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Ritz Kids | Ages 4–12; surcharge |
| Kids Pool | Shallow pool area; family use |
| Playground & childcare | On site; supervised childcare/activities available (surcharge) |
Nearby attractions and transport options
Grande Lakes is a practical base for Orlando attractions: SeaWorld is about 2–3 miles (a short drive), Universal Orlando is roughly 9.5 miles, and Walt Disney World Resort is about 9–12 miles depending on which park you visit. The resort’s daily resort fee may include reservation-based shuttle service to major theme parks (advance reservation typically required).
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport — sources list it at about 10 miles from the resort (around a 16–20 minute drive). The hotel offers valet-only parking and concierge can arrange transfers or provide details on Mears and other paid ground-transportation options.
- SeaWorld Orlando: ~2–3 miles (short drive).
- Universal Orlando: ~9.5 miles (approximately a 10–15 minute drive).
- Walt Disney World / Disney Springs: roughly 8.9–11.6 miles depending on destination (estimated 15–20 minute drive).
- Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 10 miles away; hotel does not operate a public airport shuttle (paid transfers and third-party services available).
- Parking: valet-only parking on site (no self-parking).
| Destination | Approx. Distance / Typical Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | About 10 miles / ~16–20 minutes |
| SeaWorld Orlando | About 2–3 miles / short drive |
| Universal Orlando | About 9.5 miles / ~10–15 minute drive |
