Last month, I decided it was time for a little solo reset — no agenda, no rushing, just me, sunshine, and doing things at my pace. I chose Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando and it ended up being one of the best “me-time” getaways I’ve had in a while. Here’s a little recap of what made it so special, especially if you’re looking for a solo vacation that hits the sweet spot between relaxation and fun.
Arrival & First Impressions
Nestled at 9500 Turkey Lake Rd in Orlando, the resort is lake-front and full of tropical vibes. When I pulled up, the view of the water with palm trees made me exhale — this was my moment. The check-in was smooth and the staff friendly, which always sets the tone.
As a solo traveler, I loved that the resort is large enough to feel like a proper vacation but compact enough so I didn’t feel lost. It’s in the midst of all the Orlando action, without being chaotic.
Gorgeous Room & Balcony Time
One of my favourite parts of the trip was the room. I booked a comfortable suite with a balcony overlooking the lake — so waking up with my journal on the balcony became a daily little ritual.
The view, the fresh air, the quiet chirping of birds… it was the perfect backdrop to catch up on a book (what else, with my self-care mindset), drink in the moment and feel very much “away.”
Inside, the room was spacious, well-appointed, and gave me enough comfort to unwind fully. According to their site, the resort offers everything from studio suites to 3- or 4-bedroom villas, but for one person it felt just right.
What made it extra: I could open the balcony door, feel the breeze, watch the light dance on the lake. It felt luxurious without feeling ostentatious — just elevated relaxation.
Pools, Water Fun & Chill Time
If you’ve seen the photos, you’ll know the pools here get a lot of love. There are seven outdoor pools and hot tubs at the resort.
I spent mornings by one of the calmer pools — reading with sunglasses on, occasionally dipping in, letting my muscles relax (hello rest day). The midday heat called for some water time; evenings I walked by the lake and pools, watching the sunset reflect on the water — pure reset.
What I appreciated for a solo trip: there were options for feeling lively (children’s pool, splash zones) and options for quiet – you can choose a side of the resort that suits your pace. The variety of pools made it ideal for mixing active moments with full mellow-out mode.
Dining On-Site (and Treating Myself)
When you’re solo, one of the joys is eating exactly what you want, when you want. The resort had a few on-site dining options which made things super easy (no needing to drive anywhere or over-plan). From casual bites to more relaxed dinners, I found myself indulging in evenings where I watched the lake from the restaurant terrace and ordered something nourishing yet delicious.
I’m big on fueling my body right (you know this, given my routines) so having good food on site was a big check-mark. The convenience of dining at the resort complemented the rest of the experience beautifully.
Fitness Center & Wellness
As much as I wanted to relax, I still made time to move my body — and the fitness center at Westgate Lakes Resort was perfect for that. It’s spacious, clean, and fully equipped with everything from cardio machines to free weights and resistance equipment. I loved starting my morning with a light workout before heading to the pool — it helped me keep my routine while still feeling like I was on vacation. There’s even a small stretching area where I could do some Pilates-inspired moves and core work, which made me feel balanced and energized for the day ahead.
Serenity Spa Experience
One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was visiting the Serenity Spa. I booked a full-body massage, and it was exactly what my body needed. The atmosphere was calm and inviting, with soft lighting, aromatherapy scents, and soothing music that instantly melted my stress away. My massage therapist was incredible — she worked out all the tension from travel and training, leaving me feeling completely renewed. Afterward, I relaxed in the quiet lounge with a cup of tea, reflecting on how grateful I was to take this solo time for myself. It truly made the stay feel luxurious and restorative.
Why it Worked for Me as a Solo Getaway
- Freedom & flexibility: No rushing to keep up with someone else’s itinerary. I could wake up whenever I wanted, lounge, move, or sleep in.
- Balance of activity + rest: Between the lakeside walks, pool dips, reading on the balcony, and simply being still, I felt recharged without trying too hard.
- Self-care & indulgence: The setting, the views, the amenities all nudged me into treating myself properly — something I very much believe in.
- Location: Close enough to Orlando’s major attractions if I’d wanted to dip into action, but removed enough to remain serene. The resort notes its proximity to theme parks and the convenience thereof.
A Few Tips If You’re Thinking of Booking
- Request a lake-view room with a balcony if you can — you’ll want that view and outdoor space.
- Take advantage of the early morning or evening pool time for more tranquility (or if you like photography for that golden light!).
- Bring your own little rituals — for me it was my journal, a good book, my morning coffee on the balcony. It made the space feel mine.
- Check the on-site dining menus ahead of time so you’re ready to indulge (or also have healthy options ready if you’re on a wellness-kick).
- If you’re into wellness, bring your swimsuit, maybe some light activewear for a lakeside walk or gym session, because there is space to move your body even while relaxing.
Final Thoughts
My solo stay at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa wasn’t about ticking boxes or filling every hour. It was about slowing down and enjoying the luxury of choosing me-time. The room with a balcony was my sanctuary. The pools were my playground and unwinding zone. The on-site dining was my treat.
If you’re craving a solo escape where you can feel indulged, relaxed, and still connected to great surroundings — this might be your place. I walked away feeling refreshed, grounded, and ready to dive back into my active, wellness-focused lifestyle with a little extra clarity and calm.
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