Set amid thick stands of bamboo, gardens of brightly-colored orchids, and swaying palm trees, the 1,000-room Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando whisks you halfway around the globe to the sights, sounds, and aromas of the South Pacific. Approaching the resort, you pass through a bamboo forest and under an authentic Kul-Kul tower, a Balinese structure used to celebrate special occasions, then across a bamboo bridge to a lobby with views out over the extravagant open-air Orchid Court.

The island theme carries through to the rooms, with bamboo accents, hand-carved reliefs from indigenous Pacific islands timber, colorful linens, and furniture inspired by the tropics. On the grounds, the massive lagoon pool has its own island and interactive play area for kids, and there is a croquet lawn, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and sand volleyball court.

Beyond this South Seas fantasy getaway, you're just a stroll or short water-taxi ride away from Universal Studios

Set amid thick stands of bamboo, gardens of brightly-colored orchids, and swaying palm trees, the 1,000-room Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando whisks you halfway around the globe to the sights, sounds, and aromas of the South Pacific. Approaching the resort, you pass through a bamboo forest and under an authentic Kul-Kul tower, a Balinese structure used to celebrate special occasions, then across a bamboo bridge to a lobby with views out over the extravagant open-air Orchid Court.

The island theme carries through to the rooms, with bamboo accents, hand-carved reliefs from indigenous Pacific islands timber, colorful linens, and furniture inspired by the tropics. On the grounds, the massive lagoon pool has its own island and interactive play area for kids, and there is a croquet lawn, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and sand volleyball court.

Beyond this South Seas fantasy getaway, you're just a stroll or short water-taxi ride away from Universal Studios theme park, Islands of Adventure theme park, and Universal's CityWalk shopping and dining area. Among the benefits of staying at the Royal Pacific is free Universal Express access: just show a valid hotel room key and you get to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions in both theme parks. (This perk has a value of $80 per day per guest, but on-site hotel guests receive it for free.)

Top dining experience at the Royal Pacific goes to the award-winning Emeril's Tchoup Chop, with a South Pacific-inspired menu from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Other on-site dining options include a sushi bar, casual buffet-style dining room, and special evening luaus (Saturdays year-round, plus Tuesdays seasonally).