Fin-tastic Florida

Author: Wendy Vukosa
Publisher: Metro
Date: August 13, 2004
Rights: Associated Newspapers Limited

NESTLED IN THE heart of central Florida, Orlando is synonymous with Disney and theme parks. But there are plenty of other ways to get your thrills, says Wendy Vukosa.

How do you introduce yourself to a dolphin?

I run my hand over Natalie's back, finding it smooth and rubbery.

Wearing a wetsuit, I'm standing waist-high in water at a man-made beach with six others and a trainer who is giving us a hands-on introduction to the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

We take turns giving various commands (such as pointing to the sky or saying a phrase) which prompt Natalie, trained to be people-friendly, to perform a variety of tricks for us.

Then it's time for a swim...

We wade deeper into the water and moments later, I'm clutching her fins at arm's length as she pulls me through the waves.

I don't even need to kick as her powerful, 500lb body surges through the water. I'm grinning so hard my face hurts.

It's not the kind of ride that usually springs to mind when you think Orlando but it's just as exhilarating.

There's more to Florida's second city than Mickey Mouse, theme parks and retired golden oldies.

After meeting the dolphins at Discovery Cove - a tropical 'island' with colourful reefs and sandy beaches - we indulged in some much-needed pampering at the Ritz Carlton Spa (pictured, above and right).

The 40,000sq ft haven, resembling a Mediterranean villa, has 40 treatment rooms, a 4,000sq ft outdoor heated pool and a choice of exotic scrubs, wraps and massages from around the world.

I settled for the Intense Hydrating Facial in a bid to pep up after our nine-hour flight from Gatwick. I drifted in and out of sleep as the therapist slathered various lotions on my face.

Afterwards my friends and I, wrapped in fluffy white robes and dizzy with bliss, compared notes in one of the spa's luxurious parlours.

Then we padded downstairs to Café Vitale for smoothies and a fittingly low-calorie dinner.

It was our last such meal. It's no secret that portions of food are huge in the US - and Orlando is no exception.

From the Melting Pot fondue restaurant to the lively tapas bar, Café Tu Tu Tango, and the Flying Fish Café at Disney's Board Walk, our experience was the same.

It's impossible to leave an empty plate.

The next day, we took advantage of the phenomenal exchange rate and maxed our credit cards. With 30 malls, Orlando is shopping heaven.

We started at the upscale Mall at Millenia, with designer boutiques such as Cartier, Hugo Boss, Burberry and Tiffany & Co among New York favourites Macy's, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus.

Read more articles on what to do and see in Florida.