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Venue Review: Sapphire Falls Resort

Sapphire Falls Resort Shines at Universal Orlando

Revised 4/2021

Do you ever arrive at a vacation destination and feel as if you’ve been misdirected?  This is somewhat what I felt at first sight of Sapphire Falls Resort.  We are supposed to be in Florida.  Right?  Well, what I am witnessing appears to be a piece of the Caribbean dropped directly adjacent to a deep-blue river leading to Universal’s Parks. 

Note: Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.

Inside the massive lobby of Sapphire Falls Resort Universal Orlando
The Hotel

Upon entering this Caribbean delight, I immediately felt tiny, as the lobby is impressively massive.  Tall ceilings, overly large light fixtures and a giant stone turret wall finished off this exquisite room.  The staff treated us like family, even to the point of the manager attending to us personally.  I had to ask myself if he mistook us for celebs.  Finding that our reserved room wasn’t quite ready, he upgraded us to a family suite, which meant that we now have two beautiful rooms instead of one.  We treated the extra room as our “dining room”.  Awesome!  

Amatista Cookhouse

We tend to eat smaller portions and wanted something simple for our first night’s dinner, so we visited the Amatista Cookhouse for an early dinner.  Typical Caribbean-style options dotted the menu, like black beans, rice, fried plantains, and jerked chicken. Yum!

We chose to share the Amatista Caribbean burger.   Double yum!  The burger was topped with roasted pork, which was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  Caramelized onion and sweet plantain butter on the Cuban roll were the crowning glory.  It came with a surplus of fries, making this a filling meal for two. 

Note: Check the website often since much changes daily due to Covid. In fact, as of today, all restaurants are temporarily closed.



Receiving a great package deal from Universal, we enjoyed a free buffet breakfast each morning.  This isn’t the typical oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, and cheap, uneatable pastries.  Nope.  This is over-the-top breakfast buffet options, including fine pastries (croissants are delish!), quiche, fresh fruit, various egg choices, yogurts, various meat choices, upscale pancakes, etc. 

Note: Pandemic rules change almost everything right now.  But remember.  This is only temporary.  Be kind and plan well.  Some deals, restaurants, and even activities may change or nonexistent for now.

The New Dutch Trading Co inside Sapphire Falls resort, Universal Orlando

New Dutch Trading Co

Most nights, we wanted to enjoy our grand room (s) before returning to the parks.  So, we chose to pick up our dinner at the New Dutch Trading Co, the “grab and go” dining option on the property.  They have fresh packaged cold and hot sandwiches, hot meal choices, ice cream, pastries, coffees, and various packaged food items. 

Our favorite dinner choice was the “hot pot” options with rice.  Every day there is a different meat option that is cut into chunks, sliced or shredded, rice, beans and fried plantains.  We chose the meat and rice, which is plenty for two ($10).   The full meal with all the options is $15.   

The staff at New Dutch Trading Co couldn’t be more pleasant.  Each person took the time to get to know us and even gave me a special dessert for my birthday.  

The Grounds

Lush greenery, a massive lagoon-style pool, and shimmering waterfalls surround a one-of-a-kind Caribbean-inspired resort.  Walking around the pool – a mixture of hardscape and sand – takes some time as this is one extra-large body of water.  At one end is a waterfall/slide, which I ignored due to what I found sitting next to it—a large stone turret labeled Drhum Club Kantine.  Not ready to eat yet, I ordered a tropical drink, sat for a while, and soaked it all in. 

lagoon-style pool, Sapphire Falls Resort Universal Orlando

Warmth...Excitement...Relaxation...Ahhhh.

Tip: Tropical/mixed drinks are a bit pricy.  Purchase your drink in a souvenir glass for over $20 (Yikes!) and your following drinks are substantially less expensive.  (also temporarily closed)

The Water Taxi

Since a video speaks clearer than words at times, check out this one.  


Notes:

Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is one hour before the theme park opens, is included with this property.  However, due to Covid, this perk has disappeared.  Ask.  It may return for your visit. 

Shuttle buses and water taxis are complimentary.

What are your experiences?

Please Read

Theme Park: Universal Orlando The Forbidden Journey

Restaurant Reviews: Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Diagon Alley

Favorites in Universal Studios Florida 

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