Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a Florida family vacation, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach will create your dream holiday. This Sunny Isles Beach hotel combines old-world charm and exquisite service for an experience that lingers long after the waves and sand are behind you.
Miami Beach means a lot of things – white-sand beaches, a shopper’s paradise, fine dining, world-class golf – but what if you could enjoy it all from a Mediterranean villa while watching the sunset from your private terrace? That and more is what you receive at the Acqualina Resort on beautiful Sunny Isle Beach, where the attentive staff pampers every guest and the accommodations are as luxurious as they come.
From the moment you walk in, you are greeted by the most welcoming staff accompanied by a lovely glass of champagne or juice for the kids. With the glasses in hand and our eyes on the glittering, arched ceiling, we knew it was going to be a great stay.
Accommodations
As a family of five, the Two-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite afforded us all the room that we needed and then some. The rooms here were among the largest and most upscale we have experienced in the South Florida area. Our two bedroom suite resembled an upscale apartment rather than a hotel room, with almost 2,500 square feet of space including a full kitchen, a living room, and even a den which converted into an additional bedroom at night.
Upon entering the suite, the first thing you notice is a comfy day bed and a desk. Beyond the desk was a large living room with a big, comfortable couch and two modern oversized chairs. The blankets found on several surfaces were more than welcome: these incredibly soft throws were very much appreciated when the family huddled beneath them to watch a movie.
When we first entered the suite, our attention went right to the bottle of chilled champagne, the tempting chocolate covered strawberries, and a personal note from the staff welcoming us.
There was a full kitchen on the righthand side, complete with granite countertops and new luxury appliances. There was an espresso machine, dining table, and a stocked fridge (instead of a minibar). The freezer was filled with a multitude of miniature pints of ice cream, all different flavors (available for purchase).
The Two Bedroom Oceanfront Suites offer a master bedroom and second bedroom both with king-size beds, The master bedroom gives way to spectacular oceanfront views from the balcony that can be accessed from either the bedroom or living room area, and the second bedroom offers Intracoastal views facing west looking out to Collins Avenue with its own living room area.
The bathroom was enormous. There were his and her sinks, an oversized jacuzzi complete with bath salts and a rubber duckie “since no one should ever bathe alone”, and a separate water closet with a bidet. There was a giant rain shower, which also came equipped with a separate nozzle.
Restaurants
Once you work up an appetite, as you’re sure to, refuel at one of Acqualina’s three oceanfront restaurants: AQ at Aqualina, Il Mulino, and Costa Grills.
AQ at Aqualina
AQ Restaurant features modern American cuisine in a luxurious setting.The restaurant itself is very beautiful with palatial ceilings and colorful chandeliers. Inside, you will also find seating at an eat-in bar (separate from the main bar for drinks) with oceanfront views due to its elevated location and a walk up counter for dessert and coffee. This counter can be accessed without ever stepping in to the actual restaurant. The picturesque outdoor terrace (perfect for cooler days) is right out of a magazine. Comfortable red cushions dominate the entire outdoor seating area. The whole area is anchored together by a large fountain in the center of the space, and overlooks the hotel pool and beach.
AQ offers one of the most extensive breakfast buffets I have ever had the pleasure to indulge in. A completely phenomenal assortment of fresh fruit, charcuterie, breads, and cheeses stretch from one side of the dining room to the other. There are hot foods, pastries, at least five different kinds of muffins, and spreads ranging from dulce de leche to the ever-popular hazelnut Nutella. And if by some odd stroke of luck something you desire is missing, you can ask for a made-to-order omelet. The selection was superb.
Il Mulino
Il Mulino’s classic Italian atmosphere was the perfect wind-down for the evening. We got to have the thrill of dressing up and going out without actually going through the effort of organizing transport and leaving our hotel. This restaurant can be found through a charming side entrance that leads to a wide room with romantic lighting. One of the aspects that set this dining experience apart was quite unexpected; upon being asked by our waiter if we would like some cheese on our pasta (sounds familiar, right?), an enormous block of parmesan larger than our heads was carried out balanced on a plate and was set in front of us before our server expertly shaved bits of it into our respective dishes. Once we had recovered from being presented with the largest piece of cheese we’d ever seen, we enjoyed our food, which was excellent. We even took what we couldn’t finish in to-go boxes to be devoured later.
Costa Grill
The oceanfront Costa Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy a beachside lunch or a light snack, or to relax and unwind with a tropical cocktail as the sun sets. This beachfront Miami restaurant serves an array of gourmet cuisine including sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads that you are welcome to enjoy in your comfiest slacks and flip-flops just a few feet from the ocean.
Pool/ Beach Area
There are three pools, one of which is adult only. Red and white cabanas line either side of the pools, providing relief from the sweltering sun as well as a comfy way to repose after being in the water.
The beach area is very well attended and lined with comfortable sun beds with mattresses, perfectly white clean fluffy towels, umbrellas, and even flags by each seat to attract the attention of waiters and not to forget jugs of ice cold water to keep us all hydrated.
Kids can experience marine biology-based activities through the resort’s on-site Acquamarine program for children ages 5 to 12 years old while those with more mature tastes can enjoy poolside reflexology treatments, nearby nightlife, or complimentary chauffeured transportation to the famous Bal Harbour Shops.
After a busy day of hitting the shops at Bal Harbour, it is not uncommon to unwind with a signature body treatment at the renowned European ESPA spa.
ESPA SPA
There is a full service spa where you can relax and indulge in the treats offered, such as a sauna, steam room, and all their other amenities.
The Acqualina is a place where you can tastefully immerse yourself and those you love in sheer elegance and refinement. We left with pleased palates, relaxed shoulders, and sandy toes. This last week was nothing short of perfection. Stay tuned for a sneak peak inside The Mansions at Acqualina.
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, 17875 COLLINS AVENUE, SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL 33160 RESERVATIONS DOMESTIC US & CANADA: 877-312-9742
Disclaimer: We were guest of Acqualina, and enjoyed very minute of it. All the opinions here are my own.
Jeh-C
February 6, 2016 at 9:43 pmAcqualina looks very nice. I should check them out next time I’m in Miami
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 2:50 pmThe resort is great if you want to relax and lay by the pool or beach.
Lesley
February 6, 2016 at 10:17 pmWow! This place looks amazing. One of my favorite things is the kitchen. I love ESPA too.
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 2:52 pmThe kitchen was great, especially when you’re traveling with the family. My kids enjoyed making pop-corn at night and also treated themselves to some of the snacks.
Curious Claire
February 7, 2016 at 8:01 amThis place looks and sounds like heaven! Those pools look so inviting!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 2:53 pmIt was nice that they had a few pools to choice from. We mostly stayed in the adult one.
Holly
February 7, 2016 at 1:08 pmThat is a beautiful hotel. It really does look more like an apartment rather than a hotel room. I think that is great, makes you feel more at home. Beautiful grounds.
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 2:54 pmIt felt like an apartment instead of a hotel suite with all the bells and whistles.
Christopher
February 7, 2016 at 4:40 pmI love everything about this place. I’m an avid user of Airbnb but after viewing this post I can see what I’m missing…
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 2:56 pmI’ve heard that Airbnb’s are a great way to stay in a city without spending tons of money. I’ll have to try it out one day.
Kim-Ling
February 7, 2016 at 5:36 pmWow! You had me at the view! What an amazing place. Luxury is definitely the key word here! Love the size and opulence of the bathroom and the pizza from Acqualina looks delicious! I’ll have to bookmark this for when we go to Miami one day.
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 2:58 pmYes, we throughly enjoyed the size of our bathroom with the double vanities and rain shower. Our daughters especially loved the tub, and all the ESPA products.
Jenna
February 7, 2016 at 6:12 pmI’m not a huge fan of Miami, but this hotel looks gorgeous and the suites are huge! Love the ocean views from the room and the pool looks great, too. Looks like a great place to stay!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:00 pmWe have stayed at other hotels in Miami, but the Acqualina Hotel was by far the largest suite we have stayed in.
Jey Jetter
February 7, 2016 at 10:33 pmGreat review! Looks like a very nice place to stay, will have to check it out one day!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:01 pmThanks Jey! Yes, definitely worth it. We stayed for three nights and it wasn’t long enough.
Vicky and Buddy
February 8, 2016 at 9:07 amThis resort looks so amazing. I pass by it all the time, so it’s great to know more about it. The spa looks amazing!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:05 pmThe nice thing about the spa is the guest are able to use the sauna, steam baths, and all the other amenities even if they don’t book a spa treatment which is nice.
Carolann
February 9, 2016 at 12:28 amWow! This looks like an amazing place to stay in Miami! The view! The food! The pool! DEFINITELY will be looking to stay here when we go back to Florida this year!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:07 pmMake sure to ask for the ocean front rooms. They have the best views. Otherwise, you’re facing Collins Avenue.
Suze - Luxury Columnist
February 9, 2016 at 7:21 amI’m impressed by the size of your suite and what a great view from the balcony. Did you get to try any ESPA treatments?
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:12 pmHi Suze, The suite was big enough in size to accommodate the five of us comfortability. I did try some of the ESPA products, but didn’t have any treatments in the spa. I really wanted to get a massage.
brianmayroam
February 9, 2016 at 10:16 amNot a beach person but the food pics looks great!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:17 pmThey had a nice selection of food choices at the hotel. AQ had one of the largest buffet spreads I’ve seen at any hotel. In the evening they offered many choices including sushi, which my kids enjoyed.
Jenn Peters
February 9, 2016 at 10:57 amWhoa! Beautiful accommodations and that view is great too!
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:19 pmI could easily get used to staying in suites like this one. The higher the room the better the views got of the ocean and Miami.
Brianna
February 9, 2016 at 11:32 amWow, this certainly looks like a luxurious vacation spot! Were there other things to do in the area too, or did you stick to using the hotel’s amenities?b
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:20 pmWe ventured off the property one night to watch the Star Wars movie with the kids. If you like shopping we offer a shuttle service to the Bar Harbour Shops where you can walk around and dine. We mostly stayed at the hotel and enjoyed the property.
Vedante | The Lavish Nomad
February 9, 2016 at 1:09 pmThe view from the balcony looks amazing! This hotel is calling me 😛
Carmen
February 9, 2016 at 3:13 pmIt’s calling me back too. 🙂 I could of easily stayed out in the balcony and worked a few hours each day.
Cynthia
February 10, 2016 at 7:47 amThis hotel looks lovely! This seem to have it all haha.
Carmen
February 10, 2016 at 2:17 pmIt had it all and then some. If they don’t have it, I’m sure that would go out of their way to get it for you too.