Shopping Trip! Enjoy This Luxe Vacation Experience

My mom instilled in me the art of bargain hunting. Clearances, BOGOs, and sales have always been my norm, extending even to my meticulous vacation planning—where I relentlessly seek out hotel deals that strike the balance between affordability and quality. After all, hotels are primarily a place to rest one’s head, or so I thought. As it turns out, some hotels themselves can become the destination.

Every so often, the life of a writer unveils its perks, and I recently had the privilege of being invited by the PR teams at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets for an experience that awakened my inner “Pretty Woman.” This journey commenced on a balmy Wednesday afternoon, passing by the iconic Walt Disney World sign—an emblem that, even at the age of 29, manages to elicit a sense of childlike excitement within me.

Following the meandering path of Bonnet Creek, I arrived at the JW Marriott, appreciating the refuge offered by its parking garage from the sweltering Florida heat. Laden with bags (courtesy of my newfound penchant for over-packing, a trait I owe to my mother), I stepped into the hotel and was immediately struck by its opulence. “Woah, this is fancy,” I mused in my inner monologue. The architecture featured intricate textured ceilings, dandelion-like lights that adorned the ceiling and inviting seating arrangements throughout.

The lobby level was a treasure trove, housing a gift shop and the JW Market, a place that evoked the feel of an upscale Starbucks, complete with a captivating gelato carousel—a carousel of gelato, mind you. The check-in process was effortless, and a thoughtful gift bag from the Vineland Outlets team awaited me, containing a gift card valid at the hotel’s seven dining establishments (one of which had earned a coveted spot in the 2023 Michelin Guide) and the spa. Ascending to the 9th floor via the elevator, I stepped into my executive suite, which essentially felt like a mini apartment, albeit without the kitchen and laundry facilities.

THE ACCOMODATIONS

The living room boasted a smart TV, floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views, and a desk, creating the illusion that I might actually be productive during this trip. The bedroom, separate and lavish, featured a sumptuous bed, another TV, a small couch, and a second bathroom equipped with both a shower and a bathtub. The presence of a well-lit walk-in closet even led me to momentarily contemplate the idea of moving in—a notion that humorously recurred throughout my stay. After recording a quick “MTV Cribs”-style video tour of my accommodations, I left my luggage behind and made my way to the Spa by JW for a 3 p.m. stress-relief massage.

THE SPA

The Spa by JW, which could be accessed without the need for an overnight reservation, offered a comprehensive array of amenities, including an in-house salon, fitness studio, and space for workout classes. However, my objective for this visit was simple: relaxation. After a warm welcome at the boutique, a guided tour of the spa unveiled standard facilities such as restrooms and showers, alongside the indulgent offerings of a sauna, steam room, refreshing mist showers, lockers, and a relaxation room replete with snacks and plush lounge chairs. Donning a luxurious robe and comfortable sandals, I scarcely had to wait before my masseuse ushered me into a realm of stress-melting bliss.

As a savvy traveler, here’s a tip for those looking to save some money: take advantage of the spa’s Weekday Wellness Hours, available from Monday through Thursday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., which grant a 20-percent discount on all services.

Following the therapeutic massage, I took some time to explore the spa’s facilities, briefly contemplating a visit to the sauna before realizing that it replicated Florida’s summer heat—a venture I swiftly decided to forgo. Cooling off with an invigorating ice bath towel, I made my way to the pool, where my appetite had been eagerly waiting. I ordered the zucchini fritters, along with a frozen Aloha Bonnet Creek cocktail at Palm Cove Poolside Grill.

DINING AT ITS BEST 

I opted to dine at Illume, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. What I had: I savored a crispy garden roll—a visually Instagram-worthy dish with a satisfying crunch and a touch of spicy vegan mayo. Needless to say, my appetite was satiated. However, I couldn’t resist the allure of UnReserved Food Bazaar’s dinner-only offerings. While the house-made vegan meatballs were good, it was the portabella ravioli that truly stole the show, with a touch of bitterness from by the rapini garnish. Now pleasantly full, yet unable to indulge in more than one serving, I decided to take the remaining food to-go before returning to my room—correction, my suite, because that sounds decidedly more upscale—where I quite literally leaped into bed.

Photography of Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

ABOUT OUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

The morning heralded my departure from the executive suite, accompanied by the reluctant disposal of the leftover ravioli, as no refrigerator downstairs was available for storage during the remainder of my journey. For breakfast, I reconvened with the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets team at UnReserved. I opted for the eggs Benedict, with a twist—an inspired substitution of Canadian bacon for tomato and avocado. Surprisingly, the standout dish turned out to be the crispy potatoes. A subsequent tour of the restaurant unveiled an outdoor garden where fresh herbs were cultivated and incorporated into the culinary creations.

Over the course of the meal, I delved deeper into the partnership between the Outlets and the JW Marriott. The media event’s primary aim was to promote the Outlets’ Luxe Hotel Program which rewards guests of luxury hotels with Simon American Express gift cards when they spend $1,000 or more per day at select outlet retailers.

Following what had seamlessly transitioned into a brunch, we summoned an Uber to convey us to the outlets, conveniently situated in proximity to the hotel. It had been years since my last visit, and the expansion of the area was immediately apparent. Originally built in 2000, the property has undergone three expansions and now boasts 40 brands exclusive to the area, including one of the top-performing Nikes in the nation, as well as esteemed luxury brands such as GUCCI, Burberry, and Versace. While luxury labels typically diverge from my budget-conscious approach to shopping, outlets presented a different proposition altogether, with discounts that were practically embedded into the shopping experience.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED (AND WANT)

Our first stop was MCM, where we were treated to complimentary champagne before continuing to Longchamp, a family-owned brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1948.

There, we indulged in delicate macarons and ensured we stayed hydrated, readying ourselves for a shopping spree of epic proportions.

Among the multitude of stores, one particular gem immediately caught my eye—Radley London, a UK-based brand characterized by its charming Scottish terrier logo, affectionately named Radley. I learned that this particular store often hosted events benefiting the Scottish Terrier Rescue of Florida, tugging at my heartstrings in the process. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with a cute pink purse adorned with a London scenery backdrop and a little black Scottie—what’s more, it was on sale. The decision between this delightful find and a Union Jack-emblazoned Scottie-shaped novelty purse, which had also managed to capture my attention, was a tough one. Nevertheless, the pink purse won by a slim margin, becoming my prized acquisition of the day.

As I continued to explore various stores, I discreetly skirted the long lines at Nike Factory Store and GUCCI, realizing that I might not be the type to meet the spending threshold required for the designed rewards program, even if someone else were footing half of the bill. Nevertheless, the outlets offered an astonishing variety of merchandise at prices that were nothing short of impressive. I even managed to snag a Guess wallet for a mere $13. Florida residents could further enhance their savings with a coupon book provided at Guest Services, underscoring the value of a shopping spree at this retail haven.

For those with a passion for shopping and a penchant for indulging in luxury accommodations, the Luxe Hotel Program presented an enticing opportunity. The hotel’s close proximity to the outlets made it an ideal choice for a staycation and shopping escapade, catering to solo travelers, those seeking a girls’ getaway, or couples in search of a retreat that seamlessly combines opulence with retail therapy. The experience, as a whole, epitomized the union of luxurious indulgence and the thrill of discovering hidden treasures in the realm of fashion and lifestyle, making it an unforgettable journey.

WANT TO BOOK YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE?

This program is exclusive to guests staying at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. To take advantage of this offer, see the concierge upon check-in.