Artist rendering of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Photo: Universal Orlando
The Caribbean is coming to Orlando. Universal Orlando, to be exact. I love a good theme, and if I can’t be in the actual Caribbean, staying somewhere that looks like the Caribbean is the next best thing. Being so close to the magic of Universal’s theme parks (which includes Harry Potter, Diagon Alley and Hogwarts) as well as my personal mecca of Margaritaville is just an added bonus in my opinion.
Universal Orlando Resorts has recently announced that it will be opening a brand new resort, Sapphire Falls, in 2016. Part of the Loews Hotels & Resorts family, Sapphire Falls will be located across Adventure Way from Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It will be Universal Orlando’s fifth resort hotel and will have 1,000 rooms, which includes 77 suites.
With a casual Caribbean vibe, Loews Sapphire Falls is inspired by the beautiful rivers and waterfalls of the Caribbean. Island style and modern touches play up the overall look of the resort. A spectacular waterfall is sure to be the centerpiece of the resort.
Artist rendering of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Photo: Universal Orlando
Guest rooms surround the central courtyard, which is formed by the pool, water slide, children’s play area, sand beach and fire pit. A water taxi and shuttle access will transport guests to the entertainment and dining options throughout the Universal Orlando Resort.
“We are excited to continue our growth plans at Loews Hotels by building another hotel with our long-standing partners at Universal Orlando,” says Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts. “Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will be every bit as distinctive as the other four on-site hotels and will offer a new option to families looking for a truly special Orlando vacation.”
The new Universal Orlando hotel will be a full-service resort with amenities such as early park admission to Universal’s theme parks, restaurants with scenic views and outdoor dining, a themed lobby lounge, poolside bar and grill, quick-service marketplace, valet service and a fitness center.
“Our guests repeatedly tell us that our Universal Orlando on-site hotels provide them a completely immersive vacation experience from the moment they enter our hotels and are transported to another place,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We look forward to bringing them yet another incredibly themed experience with the opening of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.”
Booking and pricing information for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando will be announced at a later date.
Loews Sapphire Falls Facts
- Opening date: Summer 2016
- Style: Casual Caribbean surrounded by a tropical lagoon and waterfalls
- Rooms: 1,000 guest rooms and suites
- Amenities: Just a few include Early Park Admission to Universal theme parks, resort-style pool with water slide and children’s play area, valet service and fitness center
- Dining: Full-service restaurant with scenic views and outdoor dining, themed lobby lounge, quick-service marketplace, poolside bar and grill
- Reservations: Will be accepted in spring 2015
What is there to do at Universal Orlando, you ask? Well, how much time do you have? Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are packed with the movie magic of Jurassic Park, Men in Black, E.T., Terminator, Twister, Minion Mayhem, Transformers, Dr. Seuss, Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk. Then, of course, there’s everybody’s favorite fictional towns of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, both brought to life in spectacular detail. You can even ride the Hogwart’s Express and take a trip through Gringott’s and Hogwart’s Castle. Don’t forget the butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Personally, I prefer the pumpkin juice.
The Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios’ Diagon Alley
Photo: Universal Orlando
The Hogwart’s Express
Photo: Universal Orlando
I have not had the opportunity to stay at any of Universal Orlando’s resort hotels, but I’ve spent a lot of time drooling over them online. Check them out here (drool not included). Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the moderate/value resort in the group, and Loews Royal Pacific, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay are Universal’s Deluxe resorts. Click here for a review and lots of photos of the opening of Cabana Bay Beach Resort this past spring.
How about you? Have you been to any of Universal’s Loews resort hotels? Do tell …
