Luxury

For a taste of life among the smart set, head north of downtown to Winter Park. This chic enclave is wonderfully picturesque, a land of parks and lakes, tree-lined streets and 19th-century architecture. Start with a boat ride from Lake Osceola. Sailing along 12 miles of waterways lined with palm and cypress trees, you will have tantalising glimpses of the opulent villas that pepper the area.

Then head for Park Avenue and some indulgent shopping. Pop into Chocolate  onnoisseur for handmade truffles, Caswell-Massey for luxurious scents and Shouture for designer shoes. For lunch, it has to be Luma on Park. The area’s hottest restaurant serves wild, striped seabass and wagyu steak and has a wine list fit for connoisseurs.

After fine dining, a little art. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Fine Art has the best collection of Tiffany in the world, and its dazzling array of jewellery, pottery, glass and brilliantly coloured windows is a must-see. A short hop away, the Orlando Museum of Art has an equally fine American collection that spans the last three centuries, with works by John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams.

For evening entertainment, check out the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center on West Livington Street. Orlando’s premier concert hall runs off-Broadway plays, hit musicals, ballet and opera performances. Follow it up with a special dinner at Manuel’s on the 28th. The views from the top of the Bank of America building are fabulous and the modern world cuisine is served in a sparkling setting of crystal, fine china, art deco lamps and rare orchids.

The recently opened Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, in our Deluxe collection, is a suitably luxurious base for your stay. Located in the charming village of Celebration, near the Celebration Golf Club, this neoclassical hotel offers sleek, contemporary suites with high ceilings, patios and balconies and fully fitted kitchens. Or you could also opt for The Florida Hotel and Conference Center – with well appointed rooms and conference facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a stunning tropically heated pool, it holds widespread appeal for all guests. And should you decide to do Disney after all, both resorts are conveniently located for Orlando’s other premier attractions.