Repost from Dana Berry at The Four Seasons Orlando (images added)
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Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to head to the pool! With incredible pools including an adult infinity-edge pool, a tropical lazy river, a zero-entry family pool, interactive splash zone and two water slides, it’s easy to spend hours at the Explorer Island water park at Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Below, Resort retail experts share recommendations for what to pack in one’s bag for the ultimate day at the pool.
The Bag
The ideal pool bag is one that is water resistant, durable, and made of a material that won’t fade in the sun. Wardrobe carries some great options such as WKND WYFR tote bags and nylon bags from Stoney Clover Lane. The WKND WYFR bags are an Orlando-based company, and woven on handlooms, the bags come in colourful, bold prints, USD 120-350. The “Wave on Wave” pattern is a beautiful blue and white print, with a white leather tassel. In addition, the Stoney Clover Lane bags are water resistant, made from a durable nylon. The large tote bag, USD 158, comes in a variety of bright colours including bubblegum and avocado, and has an adjustable shoulder strap. The best part of these bags is that they can be completely customised with Stoney Clover Lane patches, including fan-favourite Disney patches exclusively available at Fable at Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
Sunscreen
With the strong Florida rays, sunscreen is a must, and Fable carries several premium brands. Michelle Perales, retail buying manager, recommends Larkly mineral powder sunscreen, USD 35, for the face. The brush-on oil-free mineral powder contains natural sunblock ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and antioxidants including resveratrol, green tea and licorice root extracts, which help protect the skin from environmental damage. Larkly is also paraben, oxybenzone and fragrance-free. “I love that it’s translucent, and does not leave skin with a chalky look or feel,” she says. “I have very sensitive skin and this is the first mineral powder that has not affected my skin. It’s easy to throw in your bag. Plus, above the sunscreen protection, the antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage. I am all about the extra protection.” For the body, Fable carries an array of sunscreen products from Sunbum.
Snack Pouch
To keep snacks from melting and water cool, Perales recommends a small bag by brand OTG 24/7. “The bag I recommend is called the #7 - my lucky number,” says Perales. “This bag can keep snacks and drinks cool, and I love that you can wear it as a tote or as a crossbody.” In the palm leaf pattern called Becky Banana Green, the bag, USD 88, is insulated, can be wiped clean, has exterior hooks for the removable 48-inch (120 centimetre) strap, and is completely waterproof. “It can even hold two bottles of wine,” notes Perales, perfect for using beyond the pool, such as when keeping the rosé cool when en route to a dinner party. It can also hold a Corkcicle, available in subtle Star Wars designs and also with Four Seasons Resort Orlando logo, at Fable. Retail manager Graeme King recommends the gold Star Wars Corkcicle canteen, USD 45, which can keep items cold for 25 hours or warm for up to 12 hours. “This canteen is perfect for our hot summer weather,” says King, noting the 750 millilitre (26 ounces) size can hold a full bottle of wine or liquor, perfect for sharing Sangria or Margs.
Sunglasses
A must for poolside lounging is a pair of stylish, effective sunnies. Wardrobe carries various designer sunglasses, including Tom Ford and Moncler. The pair recommended by retail associate Donna Bowman is the Moncler sunglasses, USD 400-600, which offer 100 percent UVA/UVB protection. “The Moncler sunglasses are the most comfortable glasses I have ever tried on, and are very stylish. A must-have,” notes Bowman.
Travel Speaker and Accessories
For poolside tunes, retail associate Megan Erickson-Ortiz recommends the Sunny Life Travel Speaker, USD 30. The portable speaker connects via Bluetooth technology and the “Dolce Classic” travel speaker weighs less than one pound, is small in size (3.6 x 1.8 x 3.6 inches or 9 x 4.5 x 9 centimetres), water resistant, and easily portable. “I love the Sunny Life speakers because of the cute design and the fact that they connect by Bluetooth so I can listen to my own music,” notes Oritz.
Retail associate Jenifer Ramirez recommends the Sunny Life Beach Kit, USD 28, which is an accessory kit ideal for a pool or beach day. The set includes a pocket fan, a pair of sunglasses, hair ties, a comb, and a small inflatable pillow, all in bright colours. “This kit is perfect; keep your hair in place while taking a power nap at the pool or beach, and use the pocket fan to refresh your face from time to time,” says Ramirez.
Wardrobe and Fable
The resort boutiques on the lobby level of Four Seasons Resort Orlando offer one-stop shopping for everyone, from infants to adults. In addition to the above highlighted items, the shops offer swimwear, coverups, hats, jewellery, head-to-toe outfits, pool toys, Disney gifts, logo apparel, and souvenirs. The shops are open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Resort guests can also participate in the boutiques’ Style Chat program, where stylists can customise an outfit for a guest based upon their style preferences, and will deliver an ensemble direct to the guest room. This offers on-the-go Resort guests a fun way to shop without having to set foot in the store. A USD 25 styling fee applies, and is credited with any purchase. Guests can Chat via the #FSApp, the in-room iPad, or message through Facebook Messenger to initiate a Style Chat virtual styling session.
