Girls Just Have to Getaway:
Pampering, Fun, Shopping, Relaxing, Dining
I-Drive Area in Orlando Provides Endless Choices for Girlfriend Getaways!

Sometimes you just have to getaway with your gal pals. Shopping. Lounging by the pool. Great dining. Entertainment. Shopping. Did anyone say spa? More shopping.

 

When it comes to putting together the perfect Girlfriends Getaway with your best girlfriends, the International Drive Resort Area has all of the components for a memorable long weekend or reunion celebration.

 

So, call your best friends. Say goodbye to everyone at work and at home. Pack a bag and head for some downtime and fun at Orlando’s vacation destination!

 

The options are endless. I-Drive has it all: suite hotels, world class resorts, well-known chains. Many accommodations have special packages for girlfriend getaways or will assist in creating just the perfect one for your stay. A list of accommodations is provided on this site.

 

Everyone can use a fitness tune up every now and then. You just need a day of pampering with your girlfriends to renourish and relax. If a fast-paced lifestyle has you craving some down time, imagine yourself in a soothing spa where the only decision that you have to make is what kind of massage you should select. Give yourself a break. Unplug. Escape with your girlfriends to one of the area’s full-service spas or have a massage at one of the many hotels in the area that will set up an appointment that fits into your schedule.

 

There are many spas in the I-Drive area. The luxurious new Rosen Shingle Creek Resort’s Spa at Shingle Creek is just one example of a perfect spa escape.

 

L’Espirit Day Spa at the Sheraton World Resort focuses on the client’s well-being and total relaxation with its full line of spa treatments including its popular seaweed and parafandango body wraps. There is also a way to indulge your senses without feeling guilty with a chocolate body scrub!

 

At the Innervision Salon at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld offers a European facial, detox body wrap and a mini pedicure. The salon has a full line of wraps, facials, scrubs and massages.

 

With a certified Nautilus Training Center, the Peabody Orlando Hotel offers skin care services massages and beauty treatments. In-room massages are available for Swedish, reflexology and deep tissue.

 

The Mandara Spa at the Portofino Bay Hotel, at Universal Orlando Resort, offers guests an exotic spa experience rooted in Balinese healing traditions passed from generation to generation. The Spa facility includes fourteen exotic treatment rooms, women's sauna and steam rooms with relaxation areas, fitness center and a full service hair and nail salon.

 

Body & Sol Spa at the Rosen Centre Hotel next to the Orange County Convention Center, offers a full service spa with a menu that includes pampering services with facials, massage therapy, body treatments and more. A health club is available and offers personal training and additional services.

 

Many hotels in the I-Drive area offer massages and are happy to make arrangements through the front desk or individual hotel health clubs for additional services. It is important to make reservations for treatments prior arrival.

 

Tips for having a great day (or treatment) with your girlfriends at a spa:

 

Talk to the therapist about the treatment. Let the therapist know where the aches and pains are so they can pay special attention.

 

Book treatments in advance. Make it fun! Let the spa know that you are with your girlfriends and ask for special amenities such as refreshments or a spa lunch. Plan ahead and select your services so that you will get the treatments that you want. Ask about the spa’s cancellation policy.

 

Arrive early and relax! Take advantage of amenities such as sauna or arrive early to make the most of your experience. Depending on the type of treatment or package you purchase, many spas allow you to use the sauna, steam room and showers, as well as their “relaxation” or “meditation” rooms, before your treatment.

 

What is getaway with girlfriends without shopping?

 

Grab your purse and head for one of the great shopping complexes in the International Drive Resort Area: Festival Bay Mall at International Drive, Prime Outlets International, Pointe Orlando, Orlando Premium Outlets.

 

From designer boutiques with deep discounts to outlet malls with quality shopping at bargain prices, Orlando’s popular International Drive Resort Area is a well-known destination for serious shoppers!

 

More than 485 shops and outlets make shopping in this popular destination an attraction that is not to be missed! All at great prices, the area is known for its “shop until you drop” experience. Many outlets and malls offer discount coupons and special promotions so be sure to ask.

 

Do something totally wild!

 

Swim with dolphin at Discovery Cove. It is an experience that you and your gal pals will never forget and you will have photos to keep forever.

 

Five of the world’s most famous attractions are just a hop from any hotel in the area: SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando, Discovery Cove, Wet’n Wild, Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Be a kid again!

 

The choices never stop. Rent go karts at Magical Midway (this is a getaway!). Go bowling at World Bowling Center. Play golf at Shingle Creek Golf Club or Marriott Grand Pines Golf Club. If putt putt golf is more your style, check out Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf or Putting Edge Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf. Go see a chick flick at Muvico 21 at Pointe Orlando or at Cinemark 20 at Festival Bay. Eat popcorn with extra butter.

 

You have to eat to keep up your strength to have all this fun!

 

Cuisine choices range from fast food options to American, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Cuban, Indian, Irish, English, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Kosher and much more. Dinner theaters entertain while you dine and attractions and hotels offer themed dining experiences. Did we mention the signing waiters? And don’t forget, room service! This is your getaway, so splurge!

 

For a fine dining experience, try Dux at the Peabody Orlando, Emeril’s at Universal Orlando, Everglades at Rosen Center Plaza, Jack’s Place at the Rosen Plaza Hotel or the incredible new The Capital Grille at Pointe Orlando.

 

On the north end across from Festival Bay Mall, Texas de Brazil serves Brazilian-inspired fare. Specializing in slow-roasted, meticulously seasoned cuts of beef, pork, chicken and lamb, the eatery prepares its meat in the traditional "churrascaria" style of Southern Brazilian guachos. Taken directly from the grill on sword-like skewers, the meat is taken to the tables and personally carved for each guest.

 

Café Tu Tu Tango transports diners to a funky Spanish artist’s loft, where flamenco dancers, a palm reader and local artists at work serve as complements to the tapas-style meals. Have a great meal and purchase some art! Fun!

 

For entertainment as you dine, Bergamo’s Italian Restaurant, features dishes delivered by serenading waiters with a repertoire of romantic songs. Popular Ming Court serves traditional Chinese cuisine and Japanese sushi. The Capriccio Grill Italian Steakhouse at The Peabody Orlando specializes in chops and prime steaks from Chicago’s renowned Ruprecht’s, fresh seafood and pastas.

 

The award-winning Atlantis, located in the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld Orlando offers ocean delicacies served amidst hand-painted murals. Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld Orlando serves upscale, 'Floribbean'-style food as guests are immersed in the underwater world at the Shark Encounter attraction.

 

To help plan your perfect girlfriend getaway from start to finish in the I-Drive area, this site provides information and listings for accommodations, attractions, spas, shopping and dining. Most are accessible by the fun and convenient I-Ride Trolley. Downloadable maps and specific locations for accommodations are also available on this site.

2/07