Curated inspiration for your next destination

Welcome to the aether edit, a carefully chosen collection of places to rest, replenish, roam and reconnect. We bring you well-known destinations through the aether lens, helping you discover a slower, more meaningful way to travel. This month we take you to Orlando, a city where moments of vibrancy sit alongside peaceful retreats. A city known for action-packed adventure, Orlando also has a rich cultural and artistic heritage and verdant outdoor spaces just waiting to be unearthed.

We start our exploration of Orlando with where to rest, and will follow with where to replenish, roam and reconnect in the coming weeks.

rest in Orlando

Orlando has something special for every traveller, whether you’re taking a family trip of a lifetime to one of the city’s many theme parks; looking for adventure on the water; mastering a new sport like pickle ball; or indulging in a poolside escape or spa treatment. Many of the city’s luxury hotels combine these activities, giving every member of your party exactly what they want from their holiday in one unique setting. And with fine dining and elegant suites, you’ll have somewhere exceptional to rest and recharge between adventures.

The hotel for family-friendly luxury

If you’re travelling to Disney World with family and want a perfectly curated mix of adventure and tranquillity, the Four Seasons offers something for everyone, from a large water park and complimentary kids club for the children, to a chic adults-only pool complete with private cabanas for the grown-ups. The resort is close enough to Disney World to deliver extraordinary views of the nightly fireworks from the patio of its Michelin-starred restaurant Capa, while also being removed enough to house a serene lazy river and an exclusive spa.

rest complemented by sports, spas and springs

The Rosen Shingle Creek is a peaceful refuge for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities, with a wraparound golf course, walking trails, tennis and fishing among other pursuits. The Ette Hotel, meanwhile, is the ultimate place to relax, with rejuvenating spa and wellness treatments, as well as “lifestyle resets”. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, set against the stunning backdrop of the Grande Lakes, provides a host of unforgettable experiences, including kayaking and falconry. The luxury Waldorf Astoria is a family-friendly haven, close to Disney World but with spas, golf and pools for all family members to savour.  

The art hotel

If Orlando’s many theme parks aren’t on your itinerary, The Alfond Inn offers something completely different. This award-winning boutique art hotel is in Winter Park, which combines a unique mix of elegant gardens, exclusive stores and art galleries. The hotel itself houses The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art and is a perfect base for exploring the area’s serene parks and vibrant arts scene. With a spa, two pools and a lush courtyard, the hotel is a tranquil retreat.

Stay in touch to discover our curated list of Orlando's best places to replenish

You can enjoy the full aether experience with checked baggage when you fly from Manchester Airport to Orlando International Airport with our participating airlines.