Never Want to Leave: Acqualina Resort, Miami

Have you stayed at a property that was so fabulous that you wish you could stay forever? This happened to me last month at Acqualina Resort. On my recent trip to Miami, I stayed at Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles Beach at the recommendation of Amy of Creatrice Mondial.  I wanted a hotel where I can relax but have all the amenities needed to still get work done.  This resort had that and so much more.  I literally did not want to leave! After two days I had grown emotionally attached to the staff! One disclaimer:  I accidentally formated the SD card in which the photos of my stay were stored so I could only salvage what I had on my phone and a little help from the hotel’s image library. For those DT regular readers… you know how much I love taking my own shots…

The Location:  Acqualina Resort is in the northern part of the Miami Metropolitan Area.  The vibe is very laid back as Collins Avenue is lined with luxury residential high-rises.  If you love to shop, there are plenty of options with Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall a short drive away.  If you want a change of scenery, it will take you 30 minutes to get to South Beach or Brickell.

The Rooms:  I stayed at a one-bedroom suite with an amazing ocean view.  Even if you’re not a morning person like me, you MUST set your alarm and take in the glorious sunrise view from the property.  The suites are spacious and come with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, office, bedroom, and one and a half bathroom.  The decor is modern and minimal with neutral tones which place you in vacation mode right away.

The Property:  Upon entering the property, you are engulfed in luxury.  I was welcomed with champagne upon arrival, and a staff member gave me a personal tour of the property and accompanied me to my suite.  The property has three pools for hotel guests, a private pool at  ESPA Spa.  I didn’t get the chance to swim at the pool but they all looked very enticing.  I did have the chance to go to the beach in the late afternoon and that was the one part I was a bit disappointed by.  Although the pool staff set us up with chairs and towels, the beach area was dirty with garbage lining the beautiful shoreline.  I did address it with the management and they explained that the city was responsible for the upkeep of the beach and they were going to bring it to their attention.

The Food:  The breakfast at the Acqualina Resort is a must.  I indulged in their vast selection of fruit, breads, and cheeses. There is also an extensive selection of hot choices and an omelet bar.  I also dined one evening at the AQ by Acqualina.  The menu is not as extensive as the flagship restaurant Il Mulino New York, but it holds its own with simple yet delicious dishes such as the kale salad and steamed salmon with purple potatoes.

The Spa:  I had a massage done at ESPA, the spa on property.  I had a tour of the facility by one of the friendly staff members who showed me the private pool and steam rooms which spa guests have exclusive access to when they purchase a treatment.  The massage was epic.  I really did not want it to end.  I was bummed that I had to go to my conference in the afternoon and miss out on staying at the spa after my treatment.

The Verdict:  What I think the Acqualina Resort does perfectly is service.  I almost felt as if the staff was reading my mind as my needs were always anticipated.  Everyone from the front desk to the valet to the housekeeping staff was friendly and looked like they loved working at the resort.  There’s a balance with feeling pampered and feeling overwhelmed by the attention that is difficult to strike.  The Acqualina does it perfectly.  So far,  the best service, amenities, and spa I’ve seen in the United States.

Info: Acqualina Resort & Spa, www.acqualinaresort.com

Disclaimer:  I was hosted by Acqualina Resort & Spa. As always, opinions are my own.