The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando opened its first phase on Friday, March 10, as an expansive, 106-acre destination hotel just minutes from Walt Disney World. Set on Lake Austin, amid a portion of Central Florida’s conservation grounds, The Grove launched with 184 of its 878 residential-style suites.

Spacious accommodations that span up to nearly 1,600 square feet are matched with an amenity package that will roll out in stages. Opening with three swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, two bars and lounges, a large-scale grab-and-go, a lakefront pier with watersports and a children’s game room, The Grove will grow to also include a variety of other dining options and an on-site water park.

Located three miles from Walt Disney World Resort’s Western Way entrance, The Grove is the first hotel of its kind to open on the growing west side of Disney. The Grove’s lakefront setting blends with a natural marsh and wooded landscape to offer an unexpected retreat from the fast pace of neighboring theme parks and area activities, including Magic Kingdom Park, Animal Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando.

“The opening of The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando helps launch the next phase for the neighborhood just west of Walt Disney World,” said Bill Lee, The Grove’s general manager. “This previously under-developed area is blossoming into what will be a new district of entertainment, accommodations, and recreation for the nearly 70 million people who visit Orlando annually. It’s an exciting moment for us.”

Association, incentive and corporate meetings, as well as social events, will find a home at The Grove Resort & Spa. With 6,000 square feet of flexible indoor space, and poolside, lawn and garden alfresco venues for intimate meetings or large groups, the resort accommodates up to 250 people at a time.

The resort’s 221-seat, indoor/outdoor restaurant, Valencia, will arrive in late spring. There, guests will dine on Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando is owned by a joint venture between certain affiliates of Westport Capital Partners and BTI Partners, and is part of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio.