Why it’s worth traveling for?
Old-style palatial resort glamour on the beach
Check in with…
– Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO & Partner of Acqualina Resort
Hotel Highlights: Between the oceanfront balcony views over Sunny Isles Beach (aka the South Beach of North Miami), the four swimming pools, famed restaurant and old-style resort nostalgia, a stay at Acqualina Resort is paradise personified. The 51-story condo set on 4.5 acres of pristine shoreline has a lavish Venetian palace vibe right down to the marble-and-gold-leaf columns and baroque fountains. That’s not to say the hotel doesn’t also ooze a little Miami groove. The chic neutral guest rooms and suites have hip modern touches and tech (some also have jacuzzi’s) while the outdoor living rooms are accented with the hotel’s signature red umbrella and lounge chairs in oceanic shades in celebration of its coveted beach location. The service is also second to none with a focus on personalized experiences.
Eat + Drink: Aqualina is home to an outpost of celebrated NY Italian restaurant Il Mulino New York and the Meditteranean-style menu is exceptional. Try the Salmone alla Griglia with wild mushrooms. Overlooking the beach and exclusive to hotel guests and beach club members, Costa Grill is casual Miami cool and does a great Acqua Wagyu Burger. For cocktails, dress up and head to AQ Bar, the hotel’s luxe old-worldly Parisian jazz bar.
Beauty + Wellness: Acqualina Spa by ESPA is large, luxe and has fused a European Day Spa philosophy with the ancient restorative, therapeutic powers of Ayurvedic products and treatments. In addition to the chic treatment rooms, you can book the Royal Spa Suite which has a large private outdoor terrace. To enhance the wellness experience – go for the Hydrating Body Wrap – guests also enjoy a curated lunch menu.
Curated Experience: Get a birds-eye view of Miami courtesy of Get Your Guide, which offers a 30-minute Scenic Flight so you can see the city’s luxurious mansions, downtown skyscrapers and gorgeous coastline from the air. If you prefer to travel on foot, book the South Beach Walking Food Tour to enjoy the best of Miami’s restaurant and bar scene like a local.
