Four Reasons Summer Is The Ideal Time To Visit Acqualina Resort

South Florida may not come top of mind when planning a summer getaway. In fact, when I lived elsewhere, I used to be one of those people who wouldn't even consider coming south during the summer months due to the heat. However, now that I live in the region, I have completely changed my mind. The fact is that summer is hot everywhere, but it isn't so bad when you have turquoise colored ocean and pools to dip into when you need to cool off.

Acqualina Resort

I recently went on a staycation at Acqualina Resort, one of my favorite resorts that is about twenty minutes north of Miami proper in Sunny Isles. During my stay, I was reminded that there are many reasons to plan a trip at this luxury resort during the summer season. Here are my top four.

Convenient Location

If you live on the east coast, I think one of the most compelling reasons to visit Acqualina is its proximity to most cities on this side of the country. A quick flight can get you to the tropics in just a few hours.

Acqualina Resort

"I think the first reason people should consider Acqualina this summer is the ease of getting to us. When they arrive to our resort our dedicated service team will ensure that they have a wonderfully relaxing time. We are conveniently located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and offer a true destination resort experience with an expansive beach," Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO & Partner of Acqualina Resort & Residences tells me. "Our outdoor setting is exceptional and makes one feel as though they have been transported to a Mediterranean Island. With world-class dining, an award-winning spa and a children's program that is curated to offer a fun "no electronics" day for kids and parents can be assured their loved ones are well looked after."

Activities For Everyone

Whether your trip is a romantic one or a family getaway, Acqualina Resort offers activities and experiences for everyone. "Acqualina is known for its family friendly atmosphere and there is plenty to do for young children, from soccer games, basketball, and swim lessons to our curated experiences such as AquaMermaid where guests ages 7 and older have a rare opportunity to learn how to swim like a mermaid. We also offer Scuba diving lessons for the whole family on property with certified PADI instructors. The Half-Day Yacht experience is a big hit with many guests," shares Yager Fleming.

Acqualina Resort

If you and your guests want to unwind, the resort has a 20,000 square-foot spa on property and has upgraded their extensive list of services with a focus on both recovery and results. "We are celebrating the summer by providing a special ESPA gift when booking the Balancing Massage with Volcanic Stones providing a head-to-toe experience, with a body exfoliation, an ESPA facial cleanse and a full body massage with our warm volcanic stones. Our guests can opt to tone and firm their skin with the Collagen Sculpting Facial, using Swissline's exclusive 92% Pure-Collagen face mask and receive a Swissline gift," explains Yager Fleming. "During August guests who book any of our Spa Packages may enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco and a poolside lunch overlooking the Atlantic. Guest may choose to hydrate their face by booking the Murad Vitamin C HydraFacial or the JLO Glow HydraFacial for 60 minutes and receive an ESPA gift."

Acqualina Resort

Guests of the spa can also enjoy the spa's sauna, steamroom, in addition to an outdoor terrace, pool with a Roman waterfall, and heated jet pool. You will leave feeling refreshed and revived for whatever comes your way afterwards.

Waterfront Dining Options

Eating al fresco is one of the true joys of summer and Acqualina Resort offers four dining options to do so including the latest, Avra, which opened this past fall. "Avra opened in November 2022 bringing its acclaimed Greek and seafood restaurant from New York and Beverly Hills to Miami. Avra at Acqualina features spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Avra's cuisine is inspired by the seaside tavernas dotted all over Greece's coast and more than 200 islands. The menu offers iterations of fresh fish as well as rarer Mediterranean gems like fagri and lithrini," Yager Fleming tells me.

Avra at Acqualina Resort

Avra at Acqualina Resort

She continues, "Designed by STA Architectural Group, Avra spans 12,000 square feet and has a 330-seat main dining room. The airy space is chic yet inviting with its floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, white color tones and brass finishes. Avra marks our fourth waterfront restaurant at Acqualina, joining Il Mulino New York for authentic Italian cuisine, Ke-uH for exquisite Japanese fare, and Costa Grill for Floridian beachside dining. We know our customers look for the best of the best restaurant experience and we want to offer just that without having to go off property."

Special Summer Offers

The resort also offers several special offers during the low season that be a great motivator. "We offer a fourth night free promotion that includes a $45 spa treatment credit for up to two adults daily and complimentary access to our children's program. All guests of Acqualina receive a welcome amenity and are able to enjoy our pool and beach lounge seating at no additional costs. We also do not charge a resort fee," shares Yager Fleming.

Acqualina Resort

Acqualina Resort

Resort guests can spend the day enjoying the lush grounds surrounded by palm trees and umbrellas in resort's signature red color with unobstructed views of the ocean. "Our gorgeous beachfront location has over 20 outdoor living room settings, many on Seashore Paspalum grass. As Florida's only hotel of its kind, built open to the sea with no structural or visual barriers, Acqualina evokes a Mediterranean lifestyle just steps off the pristine sand into the Atlantic. Locals may have access to our Staycation Rate offering 15% off our best available rates and includes complimentary valet parking."

It had been a few years since my last stay at the resort and both the lobby and the rooms had some visible upgrades. "We commissioned STA Architectural Group, to redesign our Lobby entrance spaces with a refreshed luxury and contemporary grandeur affect. Isabel Tragash, the head designer, selected the rarest, most refined materials sourced throughout the world. The fresh pearl color palette of our new lobby brings to life the architectural features that were enhanced and highlighted with varying shades of white and strong punctuations of lustrous black millwork," Yager Felming tells me.

Acqualina Resort

Guest rooms got the biggest visual upgrade that I noticed. "The bathrooms that were remodeled using ‘Vena Oro’ marble with a white base and touches of figuring in the veins creating a light and fresh look brightening up the entire space. In addition, all of the bathrooms now feature a light textured wall covering and modern sconces and a wall-to-wall edge-lit mirror with the intent of further lighting up the room. The master bathroom in our suites feature custom Molteni cabinets. We have replaced the sofas in every room and suite with a modern Italian design by Ideal Casa," shares Yager Fleming.

Anytime I am fortunate enough to visit Acqualina, I am always sad to leave. Luckily, it is just up the road for me now. Yet, it transports me to another world every time I visit.