To welcome Spring of 2021, our team did something we haven't been able to do for a while. We actually took a trip together. Last Friday, we made the decision to close our office for the day so we could spend a little time together, outside of the office walls, and share in some fun and educational experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes.

The Ritz Carlton was kind enough to host us for two nights so that we could experience first hand some of the exciting updates they've made to the property. After our short 3-hour drive down I-95 and across I-4, we checked into our newly renovated rooms and headed out on a site inspection. Tom & Kirsten, our contacts at the resort led us on a tour through The Ritz-Carlton, including a peek inside one of the new residence villas available for rent or purchase, as well as through the adjoining JW Marriott. After the tour, the team was hosted for a memorable and tasty dinner in the new fine dining restaurant with a more casual vibe of the hotel, Knife & Spoon.

The following morning after breakfast in Highball & Harvest, the team was treated to a falconry experience. One doesn't usually associate falconry with Orlando, however Terry, our guide for the morning was exceptional. So great that our daughters were every bit as engaged and impressed as they were when we participated in a Falconry activity at Gleneagles, in Scotland, during our around the world trip.

After our Falconry experience, we all enjoyed a little time on our own. It's been a long time since several of us have had the chance to simply relax and decompress. Having the time to just be in the moment was something we all appreciated. Some chose to sit by the pool, some enjoyed a quiet walk around the lake, others read a book. The pool was too strong a magnet for the girls; we couldn't resist a family swim and a soccer match. After an enjoyable afternoon on our own, we gathered again for a casual dinner followed by some time around the fire pit outside of the lobby lounge.

Sunday, we filled our bellies with one last full breakfast before heading back home. The entire weekend was great and a well needed break from the routine we've been in for the past several months. The resort is a big one and has so much to offer on it's 500 acres! So often, we think of the parks when thinking of Orlando, and while the parks were within a short drive had we wanted to visit, being on the lake and immersed in the natural preserve, we felt like we were worlds away. The closest we had to any sort of park experience was our stop at Buc-Ee's on the way home, but that's a story for another day. For now, we want to spread the word that the property is looking great - there are several interesting and immersive experiences to be had for any of you who are ready for your next quick getaway.

Rocky Mountaineer USA

Rockies to Red Rocks/Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah

Thursday, March 25, 2021

5:30 PM - Zoom

If the idea of winding slowly through the Rocky Mountains in the comfort of a domed train car, savoring the spectacular views of the rugged canyons and Colorado River sounds like a nice way to spend a few days, we encourage you to join us and learn about Rocky Mountaineer's newest itinerary, "Rockies to Red Rocks." Incorporating two days of scenic train followed by five days of touring the State & National Parks of Utah. We have some space protected on a Rockies to Red Rocks Itinerary this September, we'd love for you to join us next week and learn more about Rocky's newest USA option.