It isn’t just the cherry red loungers and umbrellas that make this property stand out on the pristine beaches of Sunny Isles, Florida.
I visited the Five-Star, Five-Diamond Acqualina Resort & Residences in peak season. But you’d never know it from the way just about every employee that my husband, Eric, and I encountered — from the concierge who grew up in nearby Hallandale (where Eric’s grandmother lived) to the pool attendant from Venezuela – took the time to engage in conversation during our three-night stay. (An Italian front desk attendant even shared a recommendation for an outstanding pizza spot in South Beach, where we were heading after our stay in Sunny Isles.)
Given the personable exchanges, it’s no surprise that the property is celebrating 20 years of exceptional service and world-class amenity offerings this year. Located along a once sleepy strip 10 miles north of South Beach that now boasts more high-rises than Manhattan’s Billionaire’s Row, the resort is easy to identify, given the cherry red lounge chairs and umbrellas that make the property feel more Mediterranean than Miami.
From the moment we entered the grand lobby, we encountered the sweet fragrance of cream white hydrangeas wafting through the airy space. With its tile mosaic floors and tasteful chandeliers, the lobby felt opulent, yet understated.
That theme carried over to our exquisite, 1660-sq.-ft oceanfront suite. The tranquil mix of understated greys and beige throughout the one-bedroom suite underscored the breathtaking oceanfront views visible from the full kitchen, living room, and sleeping area. A wraparound balcony offers spectacular views of both sunsets and an occasional rainbow, while a generously proportioned marble bath has double sinks, a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub, and a glass-enclosed couples shower, along with a plentiful supply of ultra-soft cotton towels and something so practical (but often overlooked): a microfiber hair towel.
Like its oceanfront suites, the property’s spa takes understated luxury to new heights. The 20,000-sq.-ft. sanctuary boasts state-of-the-art treatment rooms, a private Royal Spa Suite, relaxation lounges, and an outdoor terrace with a heated jet pool and Roman waterfall, where guests can order a light post-treatment lunch or snack from the spa menu. Treatments run the gamut from massages and advanced facials to body scrubs, using ESPA, Swissline, and Seed to Skin products.
After a lazy morning tearing through a beach read at the adults-only pool (one of three pools on the property), I headed to the spa for a one-hour massage. After pre-gaming in the spa’s newly upgraded hydrotherapy circuit — a crystal steam room, sauna, experience showers, and a small-but-effective new cold plunge — my massage therapist, Ileana, found me in the relaxation lounge and led me to a private room. The white-blonde topknot on her head bounced expressively as she mentioned that she was a physician in Siberia before moving to the U.S. This explained her technique, which was equal parts magical and medical.
She discovered resilient knots in my neck, shoulders, and buttocks, releasing each with firm, rhythmic strokes while gently prodding me to drink more water. She explained how muscle fibers, like strands of spaghetti, stick together and need to be separated with help from strong utensils (in this case, her hands).
Afterward, it was all I could do to keep my eyes open. Eric and I opted for a light dinner at the oceanfront Japanese restaurant Ke-uH (one of four on property), and enjoyed the unexpected pairings, such as the salmon with truffle and pear appetizer and a signature dessert—Rice paper filled with strawberry and Oreo cookie bits, mascarpone, and thin slices of kiwi for a clever twist on a sushi roll.
Though I’d never been to Sunny Isles before this trip, it’s now on my short list for luxury getaways and provides a great alternative to South Beach for both families and those who prefer serenity to a scene.