An upscale offering at Evermore Orlando Resort
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
Looking at the pierce blue waters of Evermore Bay’s picturesque crystal lagoon, it’s easy to forget that you’re in Orlando and not somewhere on the Florida coast. Resembling a tropical beach getaway, the show-stopper of Evermore Orlando Resort and Conrad Orlando is the eight-acre crystalline water lagoon designed by Crystal Lagoons.
“It’s a game changer,” says Jill Yurko, director of sales and marketing for Conrad Orlando. “We sit as the luxury anchor on the north shore of Evermore Bay. That sets us in a really different environment than any other resort here in Orlando — we have this eight-acre lagoon that just can’t be matched… You no longer have to choose between hanging out on the beach and the theme parks. We’re just three miles from Epcot.”
By the numbers, the crystal lagoon is made up of 17 million gallons of water — the equivalent of 1,000 swimming pools. An expansive view of the water feature that looks like it’s been enhanced by an Instagram filter is the first thing that guests see as they walk into the lobby. In fact, Kelsie Everett, group sales and marketing coordinator for Conrad Orlando, says people at head office thought the images were photoshopped when they initially submitted the hero images they captured of the property ahead of its launch.
“They said, oh, you guys really oversaturated the water,” she recalls. “We sent them the unedited photo and we were like no, this is actually what it looks like. They were like wow, it truly is really that blue.”
The 433-room hotel is the destination’s first Hilton luxury brand — for calibre reference, Waldorf Astoria and LXR Hotels & Resorts also fall under that tier.
“The main difference between Waldorf Astoria is that they’re more of a traditional luxury styling, whereas Conrad is more of the contemporary modern styling with a luxury touch. The same vein of luxury but a different way to approach it, that’s what Conrad is in a nutshell. We focus on bold design, which you see in the artwork and architecture, also passionate service that’s delivered with perfection and then experiences with impact so a big focus on sustainability.”
For clients looking to enjoy the nearby parks without the hassle of driving and finding a parking spot, luxury motor coach transportation between Conrad Orlando and any of the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort are offered for hotel guests.
Hotel guests have access to shared amenities offered by Evermore Orlando Resort, including the lagoon and beaches, an aquatic adventure area, bars and restaurants, as well as private areas that are exclusive to guests of the hotel.
Living large: for bigger groups and families seeking an alternative to the hotel route, Evermore Orlando Resort offers a variety of vacation rentals from 2-bedroom villas and 4-bedroom flats, all the way up to 11-bedroom houses with the services and conveniences of a hotel. Some options even have in-house movie theatres, large indoor slides that are a hit for kids, ping pong tables and private pools. With large kitchen spaces, this is also a great option for those who are looking to cook some of their own meals. Groceries can also be procured to the rentals. Rentals utilize an easy check-in process where door entry-codes are sent prior to arrival.
For the kids and kids at heart: the on-site waterpark at Evermore Orlando Resort is home to a large water slide, a rope swing and all kinds of watersports. Standup paddleboarding is another popular activity.
