I was so excited to finally set eyes on the beautiful JW Marriott Bonnet Creek property when I had the chance to visit a few weeks ago. Last year Curtis and I were tracking the progress of the property and were thrilled to hear it had opened in July. Under normal circumstances, he travels weekly for work and early on chose to stay with Marriott Bonvoy. We miss him so much when he travels, but certainly enjoyed the perk of the accumulated hotel points and over the years have had too many fun adventures to count in Marriot Bonvoy hotels around the world. And as Florida residents and Disney Annual Passholders we know there are many memories to be made here for future park visits and weekend getaways, so we’re cheering them on as they continue to open up in phases in order to be responsive to the current health and safety needs
With each month from here on out there will be more features and perks of the property to anticipate, perhaps most notably the rooftop bar and restaurant, illume, that is opening in Spring of 2021. There will even be a party for guests on New Years Eve! My trip right before Thanksgiving was with my sweet friends, Sarah Hunt Hinson and Sarah Tucker and we were lucky enough to be hosted for a stay to check out the newly opened Spa by JW. We also got to steal our friend and professional photographer, Jessie Roffer, away from her sweet family to join us in our girl time.
The two-bedroom suite was well laid out and luxurious! It was beyond perfect for Sarah, Sarah Hunt and I to share. It would be great for families looking to have more space or for a fun girls weekend, especially because it has a bonus bathroom! The views are stunning and look out over the Bonnet Creek treeline and Disney Parks. When fireworks are back, it’ll be so fun to watch from the balcony!
The team members at this property were so friendly and genuinely warm, we felt sincerely welcomed and reading over other guest’s reviews it is easy to see this is a common experience. They take an immense amount of pride in their work and it made our stay that much more special. Before I detail more about our Spa by JW experience and the rest of our stay, I want to be sure to share the link to receive a discount for those looking to book their getaway.
At the brand new spa you’ll feel an immediate zen with the soothing design that is modern yet warm! I got to try the Hydra-Infusion Facial that is unique to this property and the only facial of its kind in the central Florida area. I’ve never had anything like it and my skin is still feeling the hydrating effects from it weeks later. My aesthetician, Jennifer, did a wonderful job and the whole process felt like a cool breeze. I noticed an immediate difference in my skin. I also enjoyed a 50 minute Be Mindful massage and my massage therapist, Susan, was incredible! I haven’t felt that relaxed in so long. To comply with recommended health and safety practices, face masks and physical distancing are required at all times, with the exception of during a facial. The spa is staggering guests to allow for time for additional cleaning and to further ensure the recommended physical distancing can occur. You can check out more of their treatment options here And coming soon, they’re opening an Express Spa on the first level for quicker services which to me, a mini-massage after a day at Disney sounds ideal! To enjoy a treatment of your own for anyone planning a trip to the property or locals looking to relax, use this link and my code Grace20 for 20% off your services.
Amenities
The hotel has two beautiful pools – one is a more quiet, adults only option and one is family friendly with a zero entry, which is always so helpful when we travel with Catherine! There is even a little splash pad that I know she will love. I can tell that when we are more frequently visiting the parks again, this will be a great place to stay because we can spend a little time enjoying rides and attractions and also have a nice pool area to come back to! Sometimes even with all that Disney has to offer, a fun day by the pool, or especially a night swim, is our girls’ favorite part! There are cabana options to rent as well as many other covered spots to grab some shade. Besides the pool, they have a putt putt course, the Kid’s Activity center, and a rock climbing wall. As with many places right now, amenities like these are operating with reservations and as available, so be sure to inquire ahead of time if you’re interested. I know both girls will love this hotel and look forward to bringing them!
Dining
While we were at the property we tried two restaurants, Unreserved and Sear + Sea. At Unreserved we enjoyed their carrot hummus appetizer and salads. Plus the meatball sub was calling my name! There is a full drink menu with creative cocktails but even their simple margarita was delicious. There is a ton of outdoor dining space and for beer enthusiasts, this is a great spot – I’m sure Curtis will be in heaven here when we return! He loves trying out local beers wherever we go and they have a bunch of options on tap. At the time they didn’t have room service available, though there was coffee and tea in the room, but the JW Market was easy and right in the lobby for breakfast! While we were visiting, one of y’all sweetly tipped me off that the cinnamon bun is the way to go, and it was huge! Such a breakfast treat and now I know what Margaret will be living off of when we return! For those who prefer room service it is expected to be added in early 2021, in the meantime food can be packed up to go!
Sear + Sea was a very special dinner and we loved sitting on the beautiful terrace to enjoy the sweater weather. They’re open every night except Sunday and Monday. A more casual way to enjoy this dining is the lobby bar option, but it was nice to get a little dressed up for a girls night! The menu is thoughtfully put together with unique combinations that will have you feeling like a daring gourmand, yet there are also plenty of elevated classics. Sear + Sea is a place where there is something for everyone. I’ll link it here to look over plus there are details on the additional health and safety measures being taken like staggered and limited reservations, physical spacing, masks and other protective attire, etc …
I started with the Key Lime Gimlet and it was delicious – the kind of cocktail I am still thinking about! They made it with jam made by a local company, Mrs. Ginger’s, for some added flavor! For food, we ordered a bit of a mix to try a variety including the lobster bisque, I tried the tuna crudo and we all loved the baby artichoke appetizer! Depending on your appetite, there are raw bar selections, fresh fish, as well as steak. We got to try one of their signature dishes, the Waygu, and it was a heavenly, melt-in-the-mouth experience. Chef Alex Pyser was kind enough to chat with us tableside and tell us more about the menu and his background and we enjoyed getting to know more about his influence and creativity! We finished the night off with some wood fire cookies and a little more girl chat before we turned in with some chamomile tea and face masks up in the room!
Park Information
The Friday we were checking out I saw families in the lobby who were coming and going to the parks. I love seeing the little ones in their ears and character gear and especially this time of year it is such great weather for Disney. The Bonnet Creek area is Disney adjacent, and less than a mile to park entrances. The JW Marriott Bonnet Creek has a daily scheduled shuttle to the Disney Parks which really adds to the convenience factor! They do currently require reservations to ensure physical distancing is possible on the shuttles. Through February 2021 they are running a special for any Disney Annual Passholders of a $179 starting rate.
Health & Safety Information
Like many hotels and local ordinances, mask wearing and physical distancing is required. The hotel has adopted additional more intensified cleaning measures and details can be reviewed here The hotel was clean and well taken care of and guests were respectful of the property’s expectations, which helps create a more relaxing experience for everyone.
I think the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek is a great place to stay for a variety of trips. From a girls getaway to a family Disney vacation, there are many ways to make it the perfect spot. And while the current health concerns have slowed the opening down a bit, with each new feature that opens there is more for everyone. Even this holiday season the hotel has many festive options to meet Santa and get in the spirit! Sarah Hunt, Sarah and I had such a fun girls getaway and I so appreciate the chance to take a break and get away. I am certain we’ll be back and I look forward to visiting with Curtis and the girls!
Photographer Credit: Jessie Roffer Photography
Thank you to the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek for hosting our room and spa treatments.
