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USA Today
24-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
6 must-visit spas in Orlando to hit after the theme parks
Advertisement The Himalayan Salt Room at the Waldorf Astoria Spa in Orlando is the ultimate way to relax – Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Orlando A trip to Orlando's theme parks always promises an action-packed vacation — the kind of vacation that requires a vacation. Instead, plan some relaxation time after the parks at one of the must-visit spas in Orlando. Think soothing tired feet, easing aching muscles, and leaving the noise, mouse ears, lines, and crowds behind. These six Orlando resort spas offer treatments and experiences that will leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated after a day — or days — of doing all the things. Orlando spa resorts for post-theme park bliss There's no shortage of resort spas that offer a full-service experience for guests, even if you aren't staying on property. Waldorf Astoria Spa The Waldorf Astoria Spa in Orlando features an amazing array of treatments – Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando Located within the Walt Disney World Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers a sophisticated experience in its 24,000-square-foot spa. The facility features 22 treatment rooms, a whirlpool, steam room, and sauna, as well as a tranquility lounge with zero-gravity loungers. The Waldorf Astoria Spa is also the first spa in the state of Florida (and one of only seven in the U.S.) to have its own Himalayan Salt Room. Himalayan salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, allergies, colds, ear infections, and even jet lag. The spa's salt therapy includes dry salt scrubs to treat conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. The Salt Solace Room offers a unique experience that combines inhalation therapy with a massage, resulting in a full-body reset. In addition to the spa's included amenities, spa guests can enjoy the resort's fitness center and outdoor pool on the day of their treatment. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando Spas in Orlando, including at the Four Seasons Resort, are made for relaxing and rejuvenating – Photo courtesy of The Four Seasons Orlando The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers private outdoor relaxation spaces and access to an adults-only pool. The 18 treatment rooms, including two couples' spaces, provide a range of services, from facials and exfoliating treatments to bodywork and massage. Advertisement Try the signature Honey Healing Treatment, which uses honey from the resort's bees to provide an antimicrobial, immune-boosting massage that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized. This is one of the only spas in the region to offer IV drips and peptide therapy, providing targeted results such as detoxification, improved joint health, and restored energy. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Grande Lakes The pool at the Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando will melt all the theme park stress away – Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando At 40,000 square feet, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grande Lakes, is one of the largest in the region. With an outdoor lap pool, spa cafe, fitness center, and full salon, this Orlando resort spa is ideal for post-park relaxation. The comprehensive menu of treatments includes massage, facials, and bodywork, as well as wellness experiences such as the energy balancing treatment and sound therapy, which utilizes Tibetan singing bowls. Signature therapies incorporate CBD, local Florida ingredients, and herbs from the resort's organic garden. The ultimate treatment for melting stress and restoring calm is the spa's Grande Indulgence Massage, which includes a full body massage, scalp treatment, hot stone enhancements, and keratin gloves for the hands and feet. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Mandara Spa in Orlando feels like a Balinese temple – Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a Balinese-inspired spa that feels worlds away from its location inside the bustling hotel. Features include a tea garden, a sitting room decorated in Balinese style, and a meditation garden with a signature Meru temple. We recommend the Fire and Ice Massage, which incorporates hot stone massage using cool gels and warm paraffin, all designed to detoxify the body and soothe aching muscles. For a treatment inspired by the local landscape, try the Florida Orange Blossom Body Polish, an antioxidant-rich body polish crafted with sweet Florida oranges. This Orlando spa also offers Normatec Leg Recovery, a leg treatment that increases circulation and relieves leg soreness. It's a quick and reasonably priced way to boost recovery and ease sore muscles from a day spent on your feet. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Spa at The Alfond Inn The Spa at Alfond Inn is a destination for its treatments and tranquility – Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando Located just north of Orlando in Winter Park, The Spa at The Alfond Inn is one of the region's most popular destinations. You could spend an entire day there. The spa features seven treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, experiential showers, a tranquility room, an outdoor pool with private cabanas, and a spa cafe. For the ultimate in relaxation, the Stress, Sleep, and Pain CBD Ritual combines exfoliation, CBD-infused massage, and a hydrating body wrap to promote rest and recovery. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Conrad Spa at Conrad Orlando Conrad Spa in Orlando features side-by-side soaking tubs and couples' treatments – Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando Conrad Orlando is the only luxury hotel located within the 1,100-acre Evermore development, part of the Walt Disney World Resort. Perched above a water garden inspired by Florida's natural springs and local fauna, Conrad Spa has an expansive outdoor space that includes a water garden, vitality pool, relaxation area, and hydrotherapy tubs. Inside, the spa boasts 11 treatment rooms, including two specifically designed for couples. Among the many body, facial, and massage treatments, one treatment sure to ease your weary bones is the Blanket of Calm massage. The 80-minute body, face, and scalp massage utilizes sound therapy and breathwork to release tension and restore the body's inner peace. For a fully immersive experience, stay overnight in one of the hotel's wellness guest rooms, which have direct access to the spa garden and hydrotherapy pools. Spa guests not staying at the resort receive complimentary valet parking on the day of their treatment, in addition to access to the spa pools and amenities.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Florida keeps shining with a new Two Starred restaurant in expanded 2025 selection
The recently expanded MICHELIN Guide Florida selection has been revealed for 2025 and it features one new Two MICHELIN Star restaurant and four new One MICHELIN Star restaurants. The full selection was announced this evening at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort. ORLANDO, Fla, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sorekara in Orlando receives Two MICHELIN Stars Two restaurants earn a MICHELIN Green Star and four earn One Star Selection includes three new destinations: Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater The recently expanded MICHELIN Guide Florida selection has been revealed for 2025 and it features one new Two MICHELIN Star restaurant and four new One MICHELIN Star restaurants. The full selection was announced this evening at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort. In total, 31 restaurants were awarded Stars by the anonymous Inspectors, with Sorekara in Orlando being the newest Two MICHELIN Starred restaurant. This year's selection also welcomed two new Green Stars in Miami with EntreNos and Stubborn Seed being recognized for their efforts in sustainable gastronomy. The full selection, including Bib Gourmands and recommended restaurants, totals 172 eateries spanning 39 cuisine types. 'Florida has proven to be an international culinary destination, with the expansion to three new cities and five restaurants being welcomed into the MICHELIN Star family in this year's selection,' said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. 'Our anonymous Inspectors continued to be delighted by Florida's culinary community, and we congratulate all of the chefs and restaurants being honored in this year's selection.' Here are the new MICHELIN Star restaurants, with Inspector notes from each (Inspectors' comments in full on the MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app): Two MICHELIN Stars Sorekara (Orlando; Japanese cuisine) In a world of uniformity, Sorekara proudly forges its own path. This Baldwin Park restaurant is unlike anywhere else you've been, offering a surprising and delightful culinary journey that revels in turning expectations on their head. Chef/owner William Shen's tasting menu highlights Japan's 72 micro seasons with highly original dishes infused with a sense of whimsy (note the course designed to mimic a convenience store snack run or the "nigiri"). Whether it's madai sporting a distinctive riff on tradition or a deeply savory bowl of kegani sourced from Hokkaido, there is an elegance and refinement threaded throughout the meal, which progresses through multiple rooms across several hours. Another hint that this is far from typical? Sorekara is open for one seating only a few nights a week. One MICHELIN Star Chef's Counter at MAASS (Fort Lauderdale; Contemporary cuisine) The Chef's Counter enjoys a prime spot inside the MAASS dining room at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, and this stylish perch facing the large, open kitchen offers a distinctive dining experience. Chef Ryan Ratino's tasting menu, in the hands of Chef David Brito, is a beautiful tribute to contemporary cooking with French techniques, Japanese ingredients, and a few Florida highlights. Ingredients take center stage in courses like the single seared diver scallop over a truffle puree. Designed as an upmarket riff on chicken noodle soup, it's finished with a velvety broth. A delicate bowl of koshihikari rice cooked in a donabe with maitake mushroom and a Comté foam is excellent from start to finish. Finally, kakigori with candied nuts and fresh raspberries is a delightful conclusion. Itamae Ao (Miami; Peruvian/Japanese cuisine) A restaurant within a restaurant, this 10-seat counter by Chef Nando Chang in Midtown looks to set a new standard for Nikkei cuisine in the region. Those familiar with the chef's past work in the Design District will take heart in how classic Peruvian-Japanese flavors as well as signature dishes have been reworked, reimagined and refined. Searing levels of acidity and spice figure prominently on this bold tasting menu, often in the form of leche de tigre. From lobster bisque with sweet potato gnocchi to creamy rice with Hokkaido scallops and parmesan, the cooking possesses style and substance in spades. Sourcing is a priority, with whole fish flown in from Japan, later to be broken down and occasionally strung up in dry-aging fridges along the wall. Konro (West Palm Beach; Contemporary cuisine) Chef Jacob Bickelhaupt and sommelier Nadia Bickelhaupt preside over this beautiful, and intimate, counter set within a mixed-use building in West Palm Beach. Bold cooking takes center stage here, where an affinity for rich, umami-packed dishes surprise diners. Meals begin with snacks; the foie gras mousse in a chicken-skin cone is a highlight. The chef's creativity is displayed in dishes like barley risotto with enoki mushrooms, caramelized crispy fried onions, and black truffle shavings, served in a golden egg. Binchotan grilled wagyu in a house-made soy sauce with a poached carrot dotted with celery root and brown butter purée evolves with each bite. A beautiful bowl of coconut and passion fruit sherbet with shortbread cookie crumble delivers a memorable ending. Ômo by Jônt (Orlando; Contemporary cuisine) Chef Ryan Ratino's lauded D.C. restaurant, Jônt, is more than just the inspiration for this offshoot. This Winter Park restaurant echoes that spirit and sensibility (think classic French techniques married with pristine Japanese ingredients), albeit with a few Florida touches. The space allows for discrete moments at each meal, while three tasting menus run the gamut from tightly edited and more affordable to loaded with luxury ingredients. No matter the selection, expect Chef Mike Commins' refined dishes punctuated by the seasons, as in chawanmushi with an autumnal twist of braised sweet potato, kombu, and a brown butter sauce. Scallop prepared two ways demonstrates the kitchen's deft hand while chocolate and hazelnut kakigori is an elegant tribute. MICHELIN Green Star EntreNos (Miami; Contemporary cuisine) Initiatives: locally sourced produce and land-based protein; sustainably sourced seafood; dinnerware crafted by Miami-based artisan; organic and biodynamic wine program; food waste repurposed into vinegars and sauces. Stubborn Seed (Miami; Contemporary cuisine) Initiatives: ingredients sourced from Chef Jeremy Ford's 5.5-acre farm; composting program repurposes food waste to be collected and used at the farm; initiatives to reduce carbon footprint of restaurant; partnership with Compost for Life, a community compost program in the Miami Beach area. Bib Gourmand The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors gave 36 restaurants the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value. The full list can be found below. MICHELIN Special Awards In addition to the Bib Gourmands and Stars, the Guide announced four Special Awards:The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony is presented with the support of Capital One. Hotels The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Florida and throughout the world. Each hotel in the selection has been chosen by MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Florida features the state's most spectacular hotels, including the only private island resort in North America, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (three MICHELIN Keys), the iconic White Elephant Palm Beach (one MICHELIN Key), or sustainability pioneers like the Hotel Greystone (one MICHELIN Key). The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now it's setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable MICHELIN Guide in North America Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Florida (Greater Miami, Orlando and Tampa in 2022, adding Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater in 2025,statewide in 2026); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024), Quebec (2024) and the American South (2025). About the MICHELIN Guide Recognized globally for excellence and quality, the MICHELIN Guide offers a selection of world-class restaurants. The famous one, two and three MICHELIN Stars identify establishments serving exceptional cuisine that's rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef. The Bib Gourmand is a designation given to select restaurants that offer good quality food for a good value – often known as personal favorites among the Inspectors when dining on their own time. The MICHELIN Green Star honors restaurants that are pioneers in sustainable Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking an unforgettable meal and hospitality experience. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage the development of car mobility as well as tire sales by giving practical advice to motorists. Progressively, the Guide has specialized in restaurant and hotel recommendations. Michelin's Inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by the Inspectors in the very beginning. The restaurant selections join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay around the world. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an amazing hotel. Thanks to the rigorous MICHELIN Guide selection process that is applied independently and consistently in more than 50 destinations, the MICHELIN Guide has become an international benchmark in fine dining. All restaurants in the Guide are recommended by Michelin's anonymous Inspectors, who are trained to apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin Inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence. As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin Inspectors pay all their bills in full, and only the quality of the cuisine is evaluated. To fully assess the quality of a restaurant, the Inspectors apply five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. These criteria guarantee a consistent and fair selection so a Starred restaurant has the same value regardless of whether it is in Paris, New York or anywhere else in the world. About Michelin North America, Inc. Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high- quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 36 production facilities in the United States ( and Canada ( About Capital One At Capital One we're on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they're passionate about, including dining, music and sports. Learn more at and CONTACT: Name: Carly Grieff Email: Job Title: Public Relations Manager
Miami Herald
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Florida gets another two-star Michelin restaurant. See who just got added to the guide
Florida finally got its second two-star Michelin restaurant. On Thursday night at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Sorekara Japanese restaurant become the second spot in the state to earn two stars from the Michelin Guide, which reviews and rates restaurants from around the world. The first restaurant to earn the two-star designation was Miami's L'Atelier du Joël Robuchon in 2022. Located in the Baldwin Park neighborhood of Orlando, the restaurant, which offers a single seating only a few nights a week, 'proudly forges its own path,' according to the internationally renowned guide. Chef and owner William Shen's spot 'is unlike anywhere else you've been, offering a surprising and delightful culinary journey that revels in turning expectations on their head,' according to the guide. The tasting menu 'highlights Japan's 72 micro growing seasons with highly original dishes infused with a sense of whimsy (not the course designed to mimic a convenience store snack run or the 'nigiri.') . . . There is an elegance and refinement threaded throughout the meal, which progresses through multiple rooms across several hours.' Also honored at Sorekara was Austin Joseph, who won the Outstanding Service Award. Sorekara wasn't the only new Orlando restaurant to be honored at the awards. Ômo by Jônt in Winter Park also earned a star. Led by Chef Ryan Ratino, whose Washington, D.C. restaurant Jônt has two stars, Ômo 'echoes that spirit and sensibility (think classic French techniques married with pristine Japanese ingredients), albeit with a few Florida touches. The space allows for discrete moments at each meal, while three tasting menus run the gamut from tightly edited and more affordable to loaded with luxury ingredients.' Other Florida starred restaurants Three other Florida restaurants earned their first Michelin stars on Thursday, too. Two of them are from cities just added to the guide this year: The Chef's Counter at MAASS in Fort Lauderdale and Konro in West Palm Beach, both of which serve contemporary cuisine. The third newly starred restaurant in the state is Itamae Ao in Miami, a 10-seat counter that serves Peruvian/Japanese cuisine. No spots in Tampa or the newly added Clearwater/St. Petersburg earned stars this year, but in the special awards category, Tyler Wolff at Ponte in Tampa won the Exceptional Cocktails Award. In the 2025 Michelin guide, 31 Florida restaurants have stars. Miami leads the state with 15, while Orlando has nine. Tampa has earned five, and Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach have one apiece. No restaurants in the state lost a star. Affordable honors Several Florida restaurants were also added to the guide's Bib Gourmand list, which highlights restaurants that serve quality food at a great value. The new additions include aioli and Palm Beach Meats from West Palm Beach; Heritage from Fort Lauderdale; Banh Mi Boy, Coro, Smokemade Meats + Eats and UniGirl in Orlando. Florida has 36 Bib Gourmand-designated restaurants.
Miami Herald
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach restaurants earn Michelin stars for the first time
For the first time, restaurants in Broward and Palm Beach counties have earned Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide, which reviews and rates restaurants from around the world, announced in February that it was adding three more Florida cities to its guide this year: Fort Lauderdale, the Palm Beaches and St. Petersburg-Clearwater. It appears Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches were ready for it. Chef's Counter at MAASS in Fort Lauderdale and Konro in West Palm Beach were announced as additions to the 2025 Michelin Guide at a ceremony Thursday at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort. Both restaurants serve contemporary cuisine. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, praised the growth of Florida's restaurant industry. 'Florida has proven to be an international culinary destination, with the expansion to three new cities and five restaurants being welcomed into the Michelin star family in this year's selection,' he said in a statement. 'Our anonymous inspectors continued to be delighted by Florida's culinary community.' MAASS, which is located in the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, offers 'a distinctive dining experience,' according to the internationally famous guide. 'Chef Ryan Ratino's tasting menu, in the hands of Chef David Brito, is a beautiful tribute to contemporary cooking with French techniques, Japanese ingredients and a few Florida highlights. Ingredients take center stage in courses like the single seared diver scallop over a truffle puree.' The guide went on to praise the restaurant's 'upmarket' riff on chicken noodle soup and koshihikari rice cooked in a Japanese clay pot with maitake mushroom and topped with Comte foam. Konro, helmed by Chef Jacob Bickelhaupt and his wife and sommelier Nadia Bickelhaupt, also makes use of the counter concept. 'Bold cooking takes center stage here, where an affinity for rich, umami-packed dishes surprises diners,' according to the guide. 'Meals begin with snacks; the foie gras mousse in a chicken-skin cone is a highlight. The chef's creativity is displayed in dishes like barley risotto with enoki mushrooms, caramelized crispy fried onions and black truffle shavings, served with a golden egg.' The guide also praises Konro's Binchotan grilled wagyu. Other newly starred restaurants in Florida No restaurants from the other newcomer to the guide, Clearwater/St Petersburg, earned stars this year, and neither did Tampa. But another South Florida spot did: Itamae Ao, a Nikkei-style Peruvian-Japanese spot in Miami, earned its first Michelin star. Chef Nando Chang is also a nominee for a 2025 James Beard Award in the Best Chef: South category. Two Orlando restaurants earned stars, too. Sorekara Japanese restaurant became Florida's second spot to earn two stars (the first is L'Atelier du Joël Robuchon, which got its stars in 2022). Ryan Ratino of MAASS, who earned two stars for his restaurant Jônt in Washington, D.C., also earned a star for Ômo by Jônt in Winter Park. Talk about a good year. In the 2025 Michelin guide, 31 Florida restaurants have stars. Miami leads the state with 15, while Orlando has nine. Tampa has earned five, and Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach have one apiece. No restaurants in the state lost a star. Other Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach honors Fort Lauderdale also gained its first ever Bib Gourmand, a designation for restaurants that serve great food at a great value: Heritage, from chef/owner Rino Cerbone. The restaurant is known for pizza and pastas. There were a couple of Palm Beach restaurants added to the Bib Gourmand list, too: aioli and Palm Beach Meats, both from West Palm Beach. Four Orlando restaurants were added, too: Banh Mi Boy, Coro, Smokemade Meats + Eats and UniGirl. Florida has 36 Bib Gourmand-designated restaurants. The two newly added areas also saw several local restaurants added to Michelin's Recommended lists. The Fort Lauderdale Recommended restaurants are Daniel's, A Florida Steakhouse; the Mediterranean spot Evelyn's at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences; and Larb Thai-Isan. In Palm Beach County, the following were added to the list of Recommended spots: Nicholson Muir Distinguished Meats in Boynton Beach; Buccan, known for American cuisine in Palm Beach; The Butcher's Club at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens and Coolinary and the Parched Pig, also in Palm Beach Gardens; and Moody Tongue Sushi and Stage Kitchen & Bar in West Palm Beach.
