Travel

Item Description

Enjoy a four-night stay at this 5-star property located in a huge Y-shaped tower on 1,500 tropical acres overlooking a private 21-acre lake, near the Disney World Resort area. Discreetly hidden behind its gated access and surrounded with lavish landscaping, the structure rises from the woods like the Emerald City. Despite its size, this finely tuned operation is easily navigated and takes top honors in Mouse Town, easily outclassing the Grand Floridian, Peabody, Wyndham Palace and the Gaylord Palms with deft maintenance and glamorous facilities.

The manned and gated entrance is a welcome extra in these security-conscious times. Once past the gate uniformed valets, arrivals are greeted by eager bellmen. The atrium, branching out into all three wings, melds sophisticated contemporary architecture with sublime Asian and Western art in a tropical setting unequaled in Orlando. Sitting areas are interspersed with museum-quality Burmese, Chinese, Japanese and Thai sculpture dating to the 17th century. In the evening, a pianist plays atop a gleaming Italian marble island with a cascading waterfall.

Recreation options include an 800,000-gallon free-form pool with waterfalls, grottoes, a water slide and 24-hour access. A private lake offers a beach and opportunities for boating but does not allow swimming. Anglers must abide by barbless-hook and catch-and-release policies. The racquet club has 12 tennis courts (six lighted) and two racquetball courts. Lawn games, a playground, bicycle rentals and miles of nature and fitness trails supplement a newly upgraded health club with a gym, weight room, saunas and aerobics. The equestrian center offers lessons, guided rides, summer camps, horse boarding and competitions. The main draw for many guests is the Grand Cypress Golf Club. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 45 holes are consistently voted among the best in the nation, and LPGA and PGA tournaments are frequently held here.

Overall this remains Orlando's finest hotel, a welcome antidote to the bright lights, visual noise and caricature of Orlando.

American Airlines

This package includes round-trip coach class service for two from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States to anywhere American Airlines flies in the 48 contiguous United States subject to availability. The winning bidders can upgrade their coach class airfare to first class for $750 per person subject to availability. Note: On three class flights upgrade is to business class. A minimum of 14 days advance booking is required as is a Saturday night stay. The winning bidders will be able to earn AAdvantage miles in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Miles cannot be utilized to upgrade these coach class certificates to a higher level of service. The certificates will have a one-year expiration date from the date issued and all reservations are subject to availability.

Any airport departure or taxes (if charged) are the responsibility of the winning bidder. Ground transportation is not included in this package.