A FIVE-STAR ROMANCE
Embrace Luxury At Acqualina Resort
Driving up to Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, provides a hint of what guests can expect at this Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond property located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
It is home to the world’s most extensive collection of independently-owned Rolls Royce vehicles found at a single hotel, with some of these beauties lining the circular driveway. No matter what car you arrive in, you will receive extraordinary service the moment you open your car door. Service here for guests is more than a yes or a no and begins with a personal welcome tour of the public areas upon check-in. And with red as the 4.5 beachfront acre resort’s signature color, it is also an excellent choice for couples seeking an indulgent romantic getaway.
It is no ordinary day at the beach at Acqualina’s 400 feet of white sands along the Atlantic Ocean. Couples (and other guests) are set up with comfortable lounge chairs or “Acquabeds,” small tables, umbrellas, pitchers of water and sunscreen for their seaside day.
Service will also include being offered complimentary mini-shakes and fruit while lounging at various times. Another alternative is a poolside cabana or lounge chairs at one of the three oceanfront pools. Among the choices is the adults-only Tranquility Pool for serenity, which is ideal for couples.
HEAVENLY HAVEN
With only 98 guest rooms and suites and four to five rooms per floor, the resort offers a modern residential upscale feel envisioned by Miami designer Isabel Tragash and her team. The 51-story tower also includes residences beyond the resort floors (in case couples want to make this a more permanent stay.) Extras in guest rooms and suites include ESPA-branded bath products, sitting areas, large HD televisions, fully stocked bars with gourmet food snacks, private terraces, and iPod docking stations.
The one-bedroom classic suite—perfect for couples—features a living and dining area, a separate tub, and a shower for two with dual shower heads that exude romance. Couples can also truly celebrate in the even more extensive one-bedroom oceanfront suite with a full gourmet kitchen, living and dining rooms, and expansive terrace. Rose petal turndown service can be arranged. Don’t miss breakfast for two on the balcony with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
WINE & DINE
Dining choices are designed with couples in mind as well. At Il Mulino New York, not only is the service and food something to remember, but the setting is also beautiful. Couples can opt to dine on outdoor private Romeo and Juliet balconies. Ke-uH offers Japanese fusion tapas-style. Indoor and outdoor seating facing the ocean makes it a perfect romantic choice for two. The Costa Grill is the spot for favorite beachside lunch treats, either delivered to the sands, poolside, or at the restaurant itself. For something extraordinary, Acqualina’s intimate candlelit beachfront dinners set couples at a table for two on the green lawn steps from the sand and ocean.
SPA TIME
Indoors, the 20,000-square-foot two-story Acqualina Spa welcomes guests with relaxation lounges for men and women, including pampering amenities such as steam rooms and saunas. Couples can opt for individual treatments from Acqualina’s extensive list of options or go all out together in the Royal Spa Suite. The gold-encrusted private lounge features designer furniture from Fendi Casa. From there, duos head to the oceanfront treatment room, which features a private steam room made from mother-of-pearl, a rainforest shower for two, and a private wraparound balcony with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The wall adjacent to the two treatment beds includes gold-dusted mosaic tiles for true extravagance.
Whether having treatments together or apart, couples can spend time post-treatment at the oceanfront terrace with a co-ed pool (the fourth for the hotel), heated jet pool, and Roman waterfall spa. While relaxing, the staff offers complimentary cups of tea and small snacks. There is also a hair salon for couples who want to get primed and pampered for a big night out. In addition, an oceanfront fitness center is at the ready with the latest in strength and cardiovascular equipment.
STEPS AWAY
Acqualina’s concierge is always ready with suggestions and ideas for guests to explore nearby Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In addition, restaurants, convenience shops, and supermarkets are located within walking distance of the hotel, making it easy to explore.
The nightlife and dining of South Beach is a 35-minute drive, and it’s a five-minute drive to shopping at Aventura Mall and nearby Bal Harbour Shops. Fort Lauderdale International Airport is a 20-minute drive, while Miami International Airport is 30 minutes away.
For more information on Acqualina Resort, visit acqualinaresort.com
