FLORIDA AND FAUNA

Think exotic. Think orchid gardens, waterfalls, Balinese carvings. Think Orlando? Yep. The new Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando aims to put the Far East on the East Coast. The 1,000-room tropical-themed inn, run by Loews Hotels, outposts 53 acres with bamboo forests, tranquil lagoons (one docking a floatplane, for effect), and lantern-lit paths, centered by a massive palm-fringed pool. Wicker and wood furnishings and batik prints lend Pacific appeal to the guest rooms. Among the compound’s many eateries, Tchoup Chop, which opens later this year, lures exuberant chef Emeril Lagasse to dabble in PacRim patois. Rooms from $160. (888) 354-6171, www.universalorlando.com —