Review: Acqualina Resort and Spa

Upon arrival to Acqualina Resort

, I was immediately welcomed by an attentive staff who wheeled my luggage inside as I checked in. We were given a tour of the beautiful property with an overview of how the resort worked in terms of having to obtain a wristband each day to ensure only guests staying used the facilities. Arriving a bit earlier than the standard check-in time, we changed into our bathing suits and stored our bags until our room was ready.

We opted to sit oceanfront as opposed to the pool because the waters were a gorgeous teal blue with a salty breeze flowing through our hair, keeping us cool from the Florida sun. Beach attendants set up two lounge chairs covered in towels and erected a signature Acqualina red umbrella overhead. We were brought a refreshing pitcher of ice water with freshly squeezed lemons and limes and a menu to order lunch from the oceanfront Costa Grill. I ordered a Greek salad and my boyfriend a classic Caesar salad. When our food arrived, they also brought us a freshly opened Thai coconut with natural coconut water inside and other fruit. It was a beautiful surprise. We relaxed on the beach until we received a phone call that our room was ready; our luggage was already placed in the room.

Stepping into the elevator, we made our way to the ninth floor, to 903B. This oceanfront room was stunning, with views from a large balcony. Our room was large with a den and day bed; a spacious bathroom with jetted tub, double sinks, a rain shower and separate room for the toilet; a bedroom with a cloud-like California king bed, dresser, couch and views of the ocean; a living room with plenty of seating and large television; a full-sized kitchen with a gas stove, double-door refrigerator and wet bar area; and a dining area. A brightly colored plate of tropical fruit was waiting for us.

We enjoyed a two-hour Italian meal at Il Mulino New York on the first night and Japanese cuisine at Ke-uH on the second night. Both restaurants were top-notch with delicious food and exceptional service. At Il Mulino New York, I ordered the veal shank special with Parmesan risotto. It was perfectly cooked, with the meat falling right off the bone, and the risotto was creamy with the perfect amount of cheese and herbs. For our dinner at Ke-uH, we enjoyed the chef’s selection of fish-only sushi as I am allergic to shellfish; sashimi; and my favorite, the pork belly and watermelon dish. The bartender concocted the Samurai cocktail with Bullet bourbon, Aperol, red wine, cranberry, lemon and Sprite. After dinner, we ventured back to our room with a bottle of wine and enjoyed the sound of ocean waves crashing along the vacant shore.

In the morning, we ordered room service for breakfast: eggs benedict, seasoned potatoes, asparagus and espresso. The service was quick and beautifully arranged. We put on our bathing suits and headed to the beach for the day. The day was relaxing and we sipped on tropical drinks until dinner.

The final morning, I made a trip to the spa for some body recovery as my boyfriend packed our bags before we headed to the airport. We did not want to leave, to say the least. Acqualina was nothing but great food, amazing hospitality and beautiful views. The resort took extra precautions to ensure guests had a safe trip, offering masks, hand sanitizer, socially distant tables and more. I highly recommend the resort to anyone looking for a luxury getaway. I look forward to returning to the property in the future.

Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach

17875 Collins Ave.
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
tel 877 312 9742