Nearly three-quarters of Americans say a relaxing beach getaway tops their vacation wish list. But when 60% live more than 100 miles from the nearest coastline, a traditional beach vacation isn’t always practical.
Resorts in areas far from the ocean respond to the demand by building man-made lagoons that offer the look and feel of a beach, without the traditional coastline. From Texas to Tennessee and now Central Florida, these destinations bring sand, sun and water to places better known for landlocked skylines or inland attractions.
In Orlando, a city synonymous with theme parks, two new high-end resorts redefine what it means to take a beach vacation in the middle of the state. “At the heart of our expansive property is Evermore Bay, the first and only beach paradise in Orlando with crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and endless opportunities to unwind and have fun,” Fred Sawyers says, managing director of Evermore Orlando Resort.
It’s a bold promise in a city known more for thrill rides than tropical escapes, but Evermore delivers. The resort’s showpiece lagoon offers all the hallmarks of a coastal retreat, minus the saltwater and spring breakers.
A shore thing without the shore
Man-made lagoons are turning inland resorts into destinations worth the trip. These expansive, turquoise-blue waters look and feel like a tropical coast, with soft sand beaches, lounge chairs, water sports and palm-studded landscaping that completes the coastal feel.
The star attraction at Evermore Orlando Resort is an 8-acre crystalline lagoon surrounded by 20 acres of soft sand beach. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, swing into the water from a rope or stretch out in a private cabana. With added touches like fire pits, hammocks and a family-sized waterslide, the experience appeals equally to families and couples looking to relax without leaving the property.
The Abbott family of four from Atlanta, Ga., recently stayed at Evermore, saying, “We love the idea of staying at a resort that has everything we need all in one place.” They found the amenities and overall experience to be well worth the drive and said they plan to return next year with their parents in tow.
They’re not alone in their desire to bring more of the family along. Multigenerational travel continues to gain momentum, especially at resorts that make it easy for everyone to stay and play under the same roof.
A shift in how we vacation
This year, 66% of Americans overall say they plan to take a summer vacation. However, instead of the usual crowded coastlines and packed itineraries, more people opt for laid-back, all-in-one resorts where everything they need is right on site. Trends like JOMO travel (the joy of missing out) and destination dupes are gaining traction, with travelers opting for less hectic, more affordable alternatives to traditional hotspots.
This shift is especially noticeable among families traveling together. In 2025, multigenerational travel is gaining ground, with more parents planning trips that include both their children and their own parents. Fifty-eight percent of millennial and Gen Z parents say they plan to travel with extended family this year, along with 31% of Gen X and boomer parents.
How resorts are meeting new family travel needs
This trend is showing up in how people choose where to stay. Resorts offering larger villas, group-friendly layouts and built-in amenities make it easier for families to spend time together without giving up space or convenience.
At Evermore Orlando Resort, accommodations range from two-bedroom villas to 11-bedroom vacation homes, with full kitchens, spacious living areas and, in many cases, private pools. Unlike traditional vacation rentals, these homes come with hotel-style perks such as daily housekeeping, towel service and on-site support staff.
“We’ve intentionally designed Evermore to be a vacation destination for large groups, especially multigenerational families,” Sawyers says. “Our houses are particularly attractive for extra-large groups, as they have up to 11 bedrooms and accommodate up to 32 guests.” He adds that each house includes an individual private pool, game rooms, in-suite bathrooms and some even have private in-home theaters; truly ideal for families vacationing with people of all ages.
The result is a blend of comfort and convenience that makes it easier for families and groups to spend more time together and less time managing the details of their stay. Sean McCarron, general manager of Conrad Orlando at Evermore, says guests appreciate the elevated experience, from luxury accommodations and personalized service to bespoke amenities. He notes that repeat visitors especially favor the direct view of Evermore Bay at sunset.
Wellness that feels like a getaway
Inland beach resorts are also evolving to meet rising expectations around wellness. Located within the Evermore Orlando Resort, Conrad Orlando offers a luxury hotel experience with wellness-focused rooms, a full-service spa and instructor-led fitness classes beside a serene garden setting. With access to the lagoon just steps away, the experience blends relaxation and renewal in one seamless stay.
“Conrad Spa Orlando, our tranquil spa oasis inspired by Florida’s natural springs, provides comprehensive wellness treatments and offerings,” McCarron says. “Our private outdoor Water Garden with immersive hydrotherapy treatments is an example of the personalized, restorative experiences guests can enjoy,” he adds further.
Dining that goes beyond the expected
Dining at Conrad reflects the same attention to detail, with a lineup that includes Sophia’s Trattoria for Southern Italian fare, the Papaya Club for Polynesian-inspired cocktails and small plates, and Apéro, a Mediterranean-style spritz bar. Guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences on par with coastal resort towns without ever leaving the property.
“Our contemporary rooftop Mexican restaurant, Ceiba, offers nightly views of Disney’s fireworks,” McCarron says, noting it’s one of five distinct dining experiences available at Conrad. Ceiba was also named the second-best new restaurant in Orlando by local readers.
The rise of all-in-one destinations continues to resonate with travelers who value dining convenience without compromise. At Evermore, guests can order groceries through Evermore To Your Door, grab casual meals at the food hall inside The Landing or arrange for a private chef to prepare dinner right in their vacation home. Over at Conrad, Little Spoon offers European-style cafe fare with pastries, gelato and specialty coffee served in a casual setting.
No salt, no crowds, no compromises
Beyond convenience and luxury, landlocked beach resorts offer something traditional coastal destinations can’t: predictability. There are no rip currents, jellyfish or tide schedules to worry about. Shallow wading zones, shaded lounging areas and zero-entry pools make the water more accessible for both young children and older guests.
Unlike coastal resorts that depend on the weather, these lagoons are open year-round, making them an appealing alternative during shoulder seasons or unpredictable storm months.
“Evermore Bay is powered by Crystal Lagoons technology, which excels in water conservation,” Sawyers says. He explains that the turquoise lagoon, located at the heart of Evermore Orlando Resort, uses just 2% of the energy needed by traditional pool filtration systems, and 100 times fewer chemicals.
Proximity also helps. These resorts sit just miles from major airports and tourist corridors, including Orlando’s theme parks. However, travelers increasingly opt to skip the rides and stay poolside instead.
Looking ahead
The trend isn’t likely to fade. With more inland resorts across the country adding lagoon-style amenities, the idea of a beach vacation is evolving beyond just the coastline. For families, couples and groups searching for a beach escape without the usual hassle, these inland paradises offer a welcoming option.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The post Orlando’s new luxury resorts offer sand, sun and something unexpected appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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