Up and down the beachfront acreage of Acqualina, bright red umbrellas contrast beautifully against some of the softest and most beautiful beaches I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. A Pronger family vacation took us to Sunny Isles Beach, Florida’s Acqualina retreat. Here, we experienced some of the most accommodating service I’ve ever found in all my years of traveling.
Sharing fun under the sun and making memories as my family grows is important. It pains me to know that our years of traveling together in this way are numbered. Eventually there will be welcomed tagalongs, but for now I’m soaking in all the family-of-five togetherness I can get.
The children’s programming at Acqualina is a delightful combo of active and educational. It’s not every day that my Midwestern kids get to contemplate the importance of whale blubber or take a closer look at the important work of the Coast Guard.
Healthy Dining Delights at Acqualina
Fresh fish, vibrant veggies, and flame-kissed entrées were some of my most craved menu items at Costa Grill. Of course, ice-cold cocktails by the ocean never disappoint! AQ Chophouse marries Mediterranian flavor with sizzling prime cuts, sushi, handmade pastas, harmonious salads, plus freshly grilled and scrumptious seafood. The Kosher-To-Go mini market makes it super easy to stock up on fresh items to take to the beach or to snack on between family adventures. Here you’ll find an array of salads, sandwiches, fresh fruits, and even kosher gelato.
Chris and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary at the gorgeous and divinely decadent Il Mulino New York. Conveniently nestled on the Florida property, the flavors, energy, and authenticity feels right out of the New York original. (We’ve dined at the original Il Mulino NYC and I have to say this location gives it some heady competition.) Perhaps one of the most romantic restaurants I’ve ever been to, I 100% recommend it for special occasions, date nights, and spending quality time together.
Activities at Acqualina
Your close proximity to the sparkling Atlantic and the vibrance of Miami make every day a seaside adventure at Acqualina. Kayaking and cruising the ocean via yacht are on the menu in addition to cultural experiences like touring the best of the Miami art scene. Scuba diving and an assortment of sports where you can learn from the best are offered at Acqualina, too, and my growing family tried a bit of it all.
Pools and cabanas pepper the property and the staff is always more than ready to share the best of Acqualina hospitality with you. It’s easy for us to spend an afternoon swimming and snacking, so the cabana rental is an ideal spot for us to keep all our necessities like sunscreen, towels, and cameras to capture all the action.
Acqualina Spa by ESPA
The team at Acqualina are quick to connect you with wellness finds both on and off the property. Among my favorite on-site additions are the vast offerings of the Acqualina Spa by ESPA. After days of swimming, kayaking, and keeping my kids in line (moms, you know what I mean!) I always try to take a half day to myself to experience the spa.
I’d been reading about the special Sound Care Massage offered at Acqualina in a few luxury travel publishings. I was eager to try it as I’m always ready to experience something new that could benefit my wellbeing. During this French-inspired treatment you’re bathed in select sounds to enhance your mood and slip into a deep state of relaxation. After which, you’re invited to take the experience home with you virtually – what a bonus!
You’ll find many of the traditional treatments here too, like Healing Massage with Himalayan Salt Stones and their Contour and Firm Body Treatment. Each treatment is designed to target specific needs of your body – improving circulation, relieving muscle tension, or aiding in detoxification.
You’re invited to relax in complete privacy if you choose The Royal Spa Suite. A private treatment room overlooks the glistening waters and here you’re able to unwind in a private lounge, a treatment room with two beds, and a steam shower that’s all yours.
Dining at the Spa
Fuel for your soul and your body are on the menu at ESPA. I snacked on the fabulous ESPA Bento Box Lunch that included an exquisite Kale and Quinoa Salad, hummus, (an entrée of your choosing, and seasonal fruit). Delicious!
Our family will definitely be back to share in the attentive services of the amazing Acqualina staff. Truly focused on making each one of us feel relaxed and cared for, our Acqualina vacation left us feeling well inspired.
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