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Besides the typical fun of living in Tampa, I love living here because there are so many amazing destinations that are only 1-2 hours away from us. From beaches, to springs, the sponge docks, to the Space Coast, there’s something for everyone within easy driving access of the Bay.
For us in Tampa, Orlando may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to booking a romantic weekend away, but in fact, it has everything you need and more to make the perfect escape for two. If you haven’t spent much time in Orlando, it has way more than just theme parks and traffic.
Orlando boasts 7 Michelin starred restaurants to Tampa’s 3, a wealth of top-notch hotels & spas, a great live music and arts scene, plus plenty of other luxurious experiences perfect for couples.
Important note: This getaway was booked and hosted by Visit Orlando for their Magical Nights program.
Weekend Getaway to Orlando: Itinerary
Come with us as we explore the immaculate ette hotel and dine at its swanky Salt & the Cellar by Michelin-Starred chef, Akira Back. After that, grab an Uber downtown for an intimate performance at Judson’s Live.
The next day spend time relaxing at the ette’s gorgeous resort-style pool and check out the hotels’ many other unique offerings including afternoon tea, a Laundry Museum and a Book Room.
For a couples spa experience like no other, tag along with us to the Orlando Beer Spa – the first of its kind – and follow it up with a delectable and unique tasting experience at the Chocolate Museum just a few doors down.
If you prefer to stay put all weekend long (and who could blame you at a place like ette) we’ve got the skinny on the spa at the hotel as well, plus ideas for more Orlando experiences to check out while you’re at it.
ette Hotel
Tucked just off 192 where you’d least expect it is the ette hotel, which stands for “earthy. true. timeless. elegant.” With plants and greenery everywhere, it reminded me of Tampa’s own The Edition. An elegant and modern boutique hotel, ette offers a variety of unique features to accompany its lavish spaces.
A book room featuring the hotel’s own private collection of books is the perfect place to go if you need a quiet space; there are overnight shoe shines included for guests; buffet breakfasts feature lovely French pastries and there is afternoon tea offered on the weekends.
No need to pack any fragrances with you – there’s a perfume sampling bar with limited edition scents that you can spritz yourself while in the hotel lobby (also available for purchase, of course).
We especially loved the hotel’s signature scented toiletries in our room.
Its most unique offering though, is the Laundry Museum where guests can see the full extent of ette’s attention to tidiness and detail in pure stark (and freshly laundered) white.
As you enter your room, you’ll notice some beautiful touches right away: fresh flowers and fruit make a charming first impression. The valet station features a wide variety of essentials and non-essentials, from toothbrushing sets to mending kits, garment detailers to an umbrella thoughtfully included for those rainy Florida summers.
Automatic window shades and TV risers add a modern touch, and there’s even a sound machine next to the bed playing a gentle rain shower to ease you inside.
The pool at the ette hotel is stunning as well – a totally serene spot to spend an afternoon lounging with your partner while you pretend you’re somewhere across the globe.
After you settle in and get ready, make your way downstairs for your dinner reservation at Michelin-star chef Akira Back’s Salt & the Cellar. A floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed wall greets you as you step up to the host stand which introduces the modern space.
Salt & the Cellar by Akira Back
Salt & the Cellar reflects the ultra-modern + earthy vibe of ette, blending Asian inventiveness with innovative Mediterranean cuisine. Every dish was truly beautiful and matching in taste – to be expected from a Michelin Starred Chef – but never to be taken for granted.
From the amazing Akira Back Tuna Pizza with white truffle oil, to the perfectly cooked Filet Mignon and desserts that both amused and delighted the senses, the $60 Magical Dining menu (available for a limited time in August) at Salt & the Cellar left us wondering what the regular menu must be like. Portions were surprisingly large.
As with meal presentation, the bar service at Salt & the Cellar is worlds above. This is not your typical bar. The bartenders are pros and cocktails at Salt & the Cellar are real (and some even living) masterpieces, adorned with live fungi, moss, smoke, ice, plants, flowers and other earthly inspiration.
As such fanciness typically does, all that Wow-factor comes with a price tag and these cocktails do not come cheap. Perhaps you’re able to splurge since Magical Dining is such a great deal, just be prepared since the price tag also has Wow-factor. The cocktail I chose was delicious – and $40. Bottles of wine start at $80.
Judson’s Live at The Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
After your meal, snag a ~20 minute Uber ride to downtown Orlando to Judson’s Live for a surprisingly intimate performance within the grand halls of the Dr. Phillips Center.
I highly recommend booking a stage-side table to enjoy the show and get the full experience of the recording studio-inspired space – it felt like we were practically on stage with the performers which was a rush for this live music enthusiast!
With a beautiful cocktail from the bar and an extremely tasty charcuterie board sampler, listening to live music has never been better.
Orlando Beer Spa
The next morning, wake up slow and enjoy your True Queen bedroom before grabbing another Uber down to I-Drive and the Orlando Beer Spa for another truly unique experience. Spa enthusiast – or not; Beer enthusiast – or not, this is one couples-experience you won’t forget.
And don’t worry, they offer more than just beer on tap (wine and hard seltzers are available as an upgrade).
Within your private spa room are 2 huge, German-style soaking tubs filled to the brim with bubbling hops, plus a sauna, a bed of hay (more on this in a second), a private bathroom, and your very own tap system to help yourself to. You have 60 minutes in the room and the recommended procession is this:
First, enjoy a 30-minute soak in the tub; then transition to the sauna to let everything really set in. After that, lounge around and cool off on a relaxing bed of hay which is under a cooling vent (I promise, it really is relaxing).
A couple of good things to know: there is a countdown clock in the room to help you keep track of time, plus a tv in the room which was nice. I recommend choosing a dark-colored swimsuit since the hops can leave a greenish hue.
Chocolate Museum
My husband loved the idea of following up the Beer Spa with the Chocolate Museum, which is located within the same shopping center as My Beer Spa – talk about a winning combo!
The chocolate museum tours run daily, every hour from noon – 5 pm and last about 45 minutes. You’ll learn about the history of cacao, get to see some pretty amazing chocolate sculptures and lastly (and most importantly), get to sample a variety of different kinds of chocolates.
My husband and I did the “Fondue Tour for 2” which included yummy chocolate fondue at the café afterwards with museum admission, and we were able to purchase a glass of champagne to enjoy with it as well.
SPA at the ette
If you’re able to, add a spa treatment to your stay at ette for the ultimate in lavish pampering. Offering a perfectly compact gym as well as 2 private massage suites and a relaxation room to make you forget what day it is– the deep tissue massage was top-notch and the staff are all exceptional.
It was lovely getting to enjoy a fresh croissant and Orange Juice from the breakfast cart following my massage experience.
Final Thoughts: The ette Hotel Weekend Getaway
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel experience that’s off the beaten path and not too far away, the ette hotel could be your perfect weekend getaway. Its prime location just a few minutes away from some of the most popular theme parks and attractions in Orlando make it an easy option to explore – or not.
There’s plenty to enjoy right at the hotel to make it your perfect couples’ island oasis – from the beautiful pool, to the Spa to the book room or bar at Salt and the Cellar – there are many reasons to check out Orlando for your next romantic weekend getaway from Tampa.