Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resortat Universal Orlando Resort is a hidden gem and worth a visit even if you are not staying at this resort.
A wall of vintage rums, your own rum specialist, a ceviche bar and a patio overlooking the lagoon combine to make Strong Water Tavern an exceptionally cool and stylish watering hole. Featuring tapas-style dining options with rum tastings, this is a true jewel at this very tropical island feel resort.
On a recent visit to Universal Orlando, I visited twice. The service was wonderful each time and the food delicious! It was impossible to choose drinks and tapas, but our server made suggestions and following those proved to be the right choice.
Fountain of YouthSeafood CevicheFlorida Ceviche
My companion and I shared a few tapas, the Florida Ceviche and the Seafood Tostadas which were both incredible. Especially the Florida Ceviche which came highly recommended by our server. She was not wrong, we got it again on our next visit!
While they have anything you could want including wine and beer, Rum is their speciality as we went with rum drinks. Fountain of Youth the first visit for me and to accompany our Florida Ceviche on our second late-night visit, a Cayman Island Iced Tea.
The bar was full late afternoon on our first visit, pre-dinner drinks going strong, tables were plentifully available though. During our late-night visit, there were considerably more people, but we still were able to be seated immediately, it’s a very large space.
Next time you are at Universal Orlando, be sure to stroll over or take the water taxi over You can even walk to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort from Citywalk.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort is one of my favorite hotels in the world. It is picturesque and looks exactly like the real deal in Italy. Only cleaner. It’s so serene and really does force you to slow down and savor the sweet life.
Our most recent stay was longer than in the past and much more relaxing as we enjoyed the resort as much as the theme parks. We arrived in the evening and after a lovely check in were in our room in no time.
We stayed Club Level in a Deluxe room and found ourselves in the Villa Wing. Location was great, high floor which I requested and not too far from either the front elevator down to the lobby and club lounge or the back elevator which led right to the pool. We had a lovely view of the Villa pool and Bocce Ball court.
The deluxe rooms are larger than the already very large Portofino rooms. They are 490 sq ft. The bathroom had a tub and separate shower and is spacious as is the room.
Club Level at Portofino was wonderful. The staff is very helpful, friendly and they keep the food and drink stocked nicely. Club offers you food and beverage options throughout the day. It was easy to stop by the lounge on the way in or out to grab water or a drink.
In the morning there is breakfast which includes fruit, pastries, cereal, hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes. A coffee station as well as milk and orange juice station round it out.
During the afternoon, snacks are available, chips cookies and the like. As well as lemonade.
A drink station is available all day, anytime the lounge is open. Soda and bottled water are available here as well as to go cups.
During the evening reception, 2 hot dishes are available, usually a pasta dish and something else. As well as a salad bar, cheese, crackers and wine and beer.
Later, dessert with cakes and cookies.
walking to the parks with my to go cup of vino
One of our favorite features of this hotel is the pool. The main pool is the Beach Pool. There are fun pool side activities for the kids and adults, the slide is fabulous and great food and drinks can be had at Splendido, the poolside bar. The villa pool is the quiet pool, with cabanas surrounding it and in just a beautiful serene location. There is another small pool called the Hillside in the East Wing of the resort. Pools stay open late, 11pm and the main pool shows a movie at night right there on a screen on the beach in the sand. There is a lovely large hot tub at the Beach Pool as well, with a waterfall feature. Another hot tub and a small children’s splash pad rounds out the area. Music is playing all day and there is lots of activity.
There are lots of great restaurant choices here, but it’s not far to City Walk or the other hotels either. Bar food at Thirsty Fish, comfort food from Nonna at Mama Dellas or the Trattoria, something quick from Sal’s Deli or upscale Bice. Don’t forget gelato, it’s so good! There is a Starbucks as well. Shopping for art work and unique pieces, a Universal Studios Store and the hotel gift shop with some lovely unique gift ideas.
The walk to the parks is about 15 minutes via a lovely scenic path that takes you passed Hard Rock Hotel. Security will be a the end of the path just before arriving at Universal Studios. The boat is quick and easy and you will go through security before boarding the boat.
A little bit of “la dolce vita” right in the heart of the theme parks!
Today we’re going to head over to Universal Studios Orlando Resort and check out the brand new resort Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
A few nights at Universal Studios Orlando is a great add on to any Walt Disney World or cruise vacation and especially will appeal to families with slightly older children, tweens and teens.
The new Cabana Bay offers some fabulous unique features in a moderate price range making it a great choice for families. It has a fantastic multi-pool area with lazy river, family suites and is within walking distance to the Universal Parks with 1 hour early entry included for onsite guests.
Take a look at a few of these short videos highlighting all the property has to offer.
Magical Travels with Barb 