South Florida vacations are a staple in our book. With a quick flight around three hours from New York, you can transport yourself with ease to palm trees and warm weather year-round. Although Miami Beach tends to draw the biggest crowd, we looked slightly North for our recent trip to Florida to discover a more relaxing and ultra-luxurious getaway at the Acqualina Resort & Spa.
Acqualina at Glance
Easy access from both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami International Airports makes Sunny Isles Beach an ideal location for Acqualina Resort & Spa. The unique landscape of this destination also allows for an expansive beachfront property right on the Atlantic Ocean. With accolades including Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award, AAA Five Diamond Award, Trip Advisor’s #1 Beachfront Resort in the continental U.S., and a member of Leading Hotels of The World – there is no denying Acqualina Resort & Spa is in a class of it’s own. From the extravagant Rolls Royce lined entrance, pristine grounds, and impeccable service, there are a multitude of ways the Acqualina Resort & Spa will leave you pleasantly surprised. From the moment upon arrival, the staff provide an ultimate hands-on assistance. Valet, welcome drinks, and a seamless check-in? You bet. Whether traveling from near or far, the arrival experience helps to quickly assimilate you into the lap of luxury.
Accommodations
The Acqualina property currently hosts three towers, two of which are exclusively private residential, while the third is a combination including guest rooms. In true luxury fashion, the rooms are designed to feel more like a comfortable home – cue the spacious design, high-end finishings, and classic decor. Internationally acclaimed interior designer Isabel Tragash dressed the rooms in calming tones to complement the beachfront setting. The high-rise towers allow guests to make the most of the Atlantic Ocean view with full walls of floor to ceiling windows and private terraces in each room. A modest 54 hotel rooms and 44 hotel suites are within the property, so you can be sure to receive personalized attention during your stay. A unique room offering at the Acqualina Resort is their Bedside Reading Program in partnership with Madison & Mulholland™. For any book worms out there, or if you simply want to enjoy a good read during vacation, this program allows guests to receive best sellers in their room to read and enjoy during their stay.
Amenities
The grounds of Acqualina Resort & Spa can best be described as a perfectly manicured paradise. No detail is overlooked when it comes to the Mediterranean inspired beachfront property. Step from the stone patio into one of the refreshing pools, onto the turf lounge area, or over to the white sand beach. The entire outdoor area is exclusive to residents and guests, ensuring privacy and considerable space. Designated pools for families and a separate adults only pool provide the desired setting for everyone. Families with children can also enjoy the play area with various outdoor games including a life-size chess board and a daily sand castle station for the little ones, along with attended care inside the pool center. For couples looking to relax, private cabanas are available alongside the outdoor jacuzzi. 400 feet of coastline provides ample space for enjoying the sun, sand, and ocean. Acqualina’s signature red color stands out amongst the beachfront setting along with their impressive service. When lounging on the beach, each set-up is equipped with a service flag that can simply be raised up to notify the team that you require assistance; fruit-infused water, cocktails, or menu items can then be delivered straight to your chair with ease.
Spa
If you are looking for an incredible spa experience – how does 20,000 square feet of spa facilities sound? Acqualina Spa by ESPA provides an exceptionally indulgent array of services in a state-of-the-art establishment. Enjoy healing heat and water rituals, relaxation lounges, private and special occasion suites, and the magnificent outdoor terrace retreat. Create a personalized schedule to pamper yourself and de-stress, escape, or replenish your body and mind. Unique offerings include the new Sound Care Ritual – a music-intensified therapeutic treatment which has been clinically proven to provide natural calm, aid with stress, anxiety, and more. Acqualina Spa is the first spa in the US to incorporate this therapy into a bespoke spa experience, highlighting their commitment exclusive and forward-thinking services. During the 80 minute treatment spa guests wear custom headphones that play music compositions and can choose between a variety of genres to best suit their preferences, mood, or goal for the treatment. By immersing oneself in the audio, this brings the focus more inward and provides an amplified state of relaxation. A combination of a foot massage and aromatherapy massage during the treatment further deepen the physical relaxation. Additional options on the Spa Menu include body wraps, facials, nail treatments, and wellness activities including yoga, fitness center, and wellness coaching.
Cuisine
Start your vacation days with sliced tropical fruit and a a refreshing coconut, visit the first-floor buffet, or order in-room dining to enjoy an omelette on your private balcony. Any food requests can easily be met by the professional cooking staff at Acqualina, who courteously attend to any dietary needs. Three separate dining restaurants are conveniently located on the ground level for guests and visitors alike. Costa Grill, the resort’s beachside dining spot, is perfect to enjoy a casual lunch or afternoon snack. Enjoy an array of fresh sandwiches, salads, and seafood specialities. Their coveted Catch of The Day fish tacos and superfood salad are two dishes you don’t want to miss! For a more formal dining experience, AQ Chophouse and Il Mulino both bring a sophisticated atmosphere and menu items.
Fresh Fruit Welcome Platter
Lobster Sushi Roll at AQ Chophouse by Il Mulino
Fish Tacos at Costa Grill
Dining at Il Mulino
Residences
If you are keen to join the community and make this slice of paradise your permanent residence, look no further than the new Estates at Acqualina. With two twin skyscrapers planned for development, both rising 50 stories, this new complex will offer 245 luxurious residences from three to seven bedrooms. Each Estate in the Sky will be delivered furniture ready, and equipped with the finest appliances, imported stone countertops, smart-home technology and 10-foot-6-inch ceilings.
17875 Collins Avenue,
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
