An expansive new resort, The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, has opened in Orlando near Walt Disney World Resort, manager Benchmark announced today.

Occupying 106 acres on Central Florida’s Lake Austin, The Grove is being constructed in multiple phases. Phase one includes 184 residential-style suites with full kitchens, full-size washers and dryers, multiple bathrooms, and screened-in balconies, not to mention three swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, a children’s game room, two bars, a grab-and-go market, and 6,000 square feet of meeting space.

Two restaurants — an indoor/outdoor restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and a poolside grill serving burgers, wings, and pizzas — will open later this spring, followed this fall by the addition of a water park with an «interactive water structure,» multiple water slides, a surf simulator, and a 725-foot lazy river; an additional poolside eatery; an indoor entertainment area; and additional guest suites — the total number of which ultimately will be 878.

«Benchmark is extremely proud and excited to play a pivotal role in the sustainable development of this dynamic area, just west of Walt Disney World,» said Benchmark CEO Alex Cabañas. «The Grove will be the first destination resort of its kind to open in what has historically been an underdeveloped area of Orlando.»

The Grove will be Benchmark’s second property in Orlando, joining the Villas of Grand Cypress. It will be part of the company’s Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio of properties.