Orlando, FloridaFlorida Center
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Caribbean lagoon resort
Florida Center Orlando, Florida
Opened
2016
Price
$$
Rated for
Resort Design SocialOutside the door
The house
LoewsCaribbean lagoon resort
Lush waterways, rum tastings, and cascade views shape an easygoing Caribbean-themed retreat nestled within Universal's energetic park grounds.
What it’s good at
Notable
A 16,000-square-foot zero-entry pool with a corkscrew water slide and white-sand beaches.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The bright and airy lobby sets the tone at Sapphire Falls. A playful chandelier, composed of what looks like dozens of wicker beach balls, draws your gaze up
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Universal CityWalk and the theme park gates sit across the lagoon, reached by water taxi or paved walking paths.
The rooms
Rooms are bright and understated, with generous bathroom storage and built-in benches in the walk-in showers.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A rock flume slide drops into the main pool, and a 226-square-foot whirlpool sits beside the palm-lined deck.
The gym and saunas
Cardio machines and free weights fill the second-floor gym, and each locker room has a dry sauna.
Bar
Strong Water Tavern
Rum captains guide tastings across rare Caribbean labels. On the terrace, tapas and ceviche overlook the waterfalls.
Restaurant
Amatista Cookhouse
Caribbean meals are prepared in an open exhibition kitchen, and patio tables look out on the spinning waterwheel.
How it began
The resort sits twenty feet above the canal, using the elevation drop to carve waterfalls inspired by Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls.
Orlando
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.