Acqualina Resort & Spa, you can have all the beach and beauty with none of the crowds!

ACQUALINA RESORT & SPA, SUNNY ISLES, FLORIDA
At Acqualina, you’ll have all the beach and beauty with none of the crowds.

Acqualina is the most decorated resort in South Florida, earning a Forbes Five-Star Award for the hotel and spa for 11 consecutive years, the title of TripAdvisor’s #1 Luxury Beachfront Resort in the U.S., and no fewer than three top awards from USA Today (including being named the #1 Waterfront Hotel in the U.S.) and from U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Hotel in the U.S.

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2017, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

I had the extraordinary opportunity to spend a few days at this unpretentious but luxurious beautiful resort in celebration of my boyfriend’s birthday. I have been to many resorts around the worldwide and I must say, Acqualina stands out as one of the very best. My overall experience was amazing.

Located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale this lovely elegant 51-story Mediterranean-inspired tower and deserves its 5-star rating (with just 98 accommodations!), this resort offers both a feeling of seclusion and tranquility, two of the hotel’s most hard-to-ignore amenities and worth every penny!

Everything about the resort is stunning, especially the beautiful and spacious rooms at over 700+ square feet (plus a roomy balcony) that evoke a chic Mediterranean style, with a mini-bar that is not so mini. The rooms have a European feel with a Mediterranean villa decor and terraces where guests can soak in the ocean or Intracoastal or city views. All accommodations boast a full sitting room with sofa, and when complemented by a spacious bathroom with an oversized bathtub and a separate walk-in shower, where you will have all the space you could ever need.  The resort has three beautiful oceanfront swimming pools (one for adults only) and a small lovely pool (adult only but a nice spot to relax and also have lunch) just outside the ESPA Spa, to three world-class dining options plus a venue for light fare.

Cleanliness is a virtue and from the lobby, to the restaurants, the spa, pools, as well as, the grounds, everywhere it was spotless.

The pools offer just the right temperatures and the sun lounges are so very comfortable, it’s just so easy to relax and take a nap while luxuriating  poolside.

We had a day of pampering by having a cabana for the day (additional cost but a wonderful experience!) as it is a very special treat! You will feel like Royalty, as the staff showers you with fresh fruit cheese board and you can choose a rosé or bubbly wine to chase it all down. At the cabana, little snacks of frozen grapes and veggie sticks with a delicious dressing were served to us, as our ice water pitcher was continually refreshed.  We were also brought sunscreen and great looking hats with the ACQUALINA logo. Need something? Just raise up your flag on your lounger, either at any of the pools or at the beach and it guarantees you won’t have to wait too long for anything. The beach is wide and clean so you can choose to  layout just on the sun loungers at the beach or with a cabana too.

The staff provided top-tier service, from the time we checked-in and were given a delicious glass of bubbly Prosecco, to interacting with all staff members who were always smiling and asking if we were enjoying our stay or asking if there was anything they can do for us. Baroque fountains, marble-and–gold-leaf columns, and grand chandeliers in the public areas evoked an opulent Venetian palace.

On the premises we experienced excellent dining venues that “wet” our appetites.  Offering a choice of Italian fare at Il Mulino, Greek food at Avra or Ke Uh, your taste buds will be dancing.  The atmosphere in each restaurant is just lovely with some offering exquisite and beautiful high ceilings and outstanding décor, as well as, offering the option to dine outside on the patio.

The 20,000 square foot ESPA spa is a standout and was truly top-notch. The spa offers beautiful facilities; crystal steam rooms, Finnish saunas, ice falls, LED lights, cold showers and with all amenities. Massage and facials are of course available.

There is a relaxed family-focused atmosphere as two-thirds (in addition to the rooms) of the accommodations are residences. Roll-away beds and cribs are available plus there is an AcquaMarine program for children 4-12 years of age (when available). Adjoining rooms are available (not on standard rooms) and classic suites can be connected to oceanfront rooms and one-bedrooms can connect to Intracoastal rooms.

Our experience for this birthday celebration exceeded our expectations! From the moment that we arrived, until we regrettably had to depart, the staff was dedicated to ensuring our stay was extraordinary.  We were able to relax and indulge, as they took care of every detail. In addition, we were treated by the resort to a fabulous bottle of champagne, a wonderful fruit and cheese platter and to top it off, an amazing chocolate birthday cake and balloons!

If you’re looking for a getaway for a few days, I am confident that you will enjoy this extraordinary unpretentious beachfront resort, as it is very special and I think, a bit of a well-kept secret!