ORLANDO — When it opens in the summer of 2016, guests visiting the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando will walk into a colourful Caribbean hideaway built around a lush, tropical lagoon and towering waterfall.

The new hotel, announced this week by Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels & Resorts, will be located across Adventure Way from the new Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It will become the destination’s fifth resort hotel and its 1,000 rooms, including 77 suites, will bring the number of onsite hotel rooms at Universal Orlando to 5,200.

Inspired by the picturesque rivers and waterfalls of the Caribbean, Loews Sapphire Falls will immerse guests in a highly themed resort environment using traditional island styling with modern touches. A resort-style pool with a water slide, children’s play area, sand beach and fire pit will help form a central courtyard and will be surrounded by the hotel’s guest rooms. There will be water taxi and shuttle access to all of the entertainment and dining options throughout Universal Orlando Resort.

“We are excited to continue our growth plans at Loews Hotels by building another hotel with our long-standing partners at Universal Orlando,” says Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts. “Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will be every bit as distinctive as the other four onsite hotels and will offer a new option to families looking for a truly special Orlando vacation.”

The new hotel will be full service. Amenities will include Early Park Admission to Universal’s theme parks, a full-service restaurant with scenic views and outdoor dining, a themed lobby lounge, poolside bar and grill, quick-service marketplace, valet service and a fitness centre. Booking information and pricing will be announced at a later date.