Before beginning to write this article, I must make a confession: I had never been to Sunny Isles Beach before. Judging by what you will read next, this will change from now on.
It seems that it was yesterday, when 11 years ago, Sunny Isles Beach, in Greater Miami, saw the birth of the Acqualina Resort & Spa. The impeccable structure of the hotel was a novelty for that region, until then dominated by residential buildings that sprouted between Small independent hotels - all trying to resist the rush of real estate that had already crossed the bridge from Haulover Park to the north coast.
I went to dinner once at the newly opened Acqualina, at the branch of one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Il Mulino New York. Something that struck me on that visit - besides the delicious dinner - was the grandeur and the luxury around.
Good taste already in the lobby
The materials used and the decor of extreme good taste attesting that we were in a resort of high standard.
More than a decade separates that dinner from my first experience as a guest at this venture of two visionary South African brothers, Eddie and Jules Trump (no relation to the current US president).
Starting with location. Anyone who thinks - as I thought - of Sunny Isles was "away" is foolish. This may even be true when you think of Coral Gables - but let's face it, nor are there so many options to justify a trip to Coral Gables. On the other hand, few resorts in the region can - if at all - achieve the tranquility, luxury and comfort of Acqualina, which is part of the LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD - LHW. It is able to make you forget that you are within a metropolitan area, just minutes from the Bal Harbor and Aventura Mall malls and the bustle of Miami Beach - our favorite destinations, Brazilians.
The rooms are huge; Some have undergone recent renovation
The 98 rooms and suites are huge (the suite where I stayed was 230 square meters, three bedrooms, living room, dining room and large kitchen). Some units have just undergone a joint renovation designed by architect Isabel Tragash, CEO Deborah Yager Fleming and Stephanie Trump (Jules's wife). The results were light tones, first-class materials and functional spaces that highlight the ocean view while keeping the focus on comfort.
The refuge has a strong vocation "family". Children and adolescents have a recreation service, with a program designed for each age group. Recently, a space was launched with Strider bikes, which have no pedals - a fever among the kids.
The Tranquility Pool is exclusively for adults
Not so teenagers also have their perks there. One of the resort's three pools, the tranquility pool, is exclusively for adults. The pool and beach areas of Acqualina, by the way, are an attraction apart. More than once, I struggled to remember that I was not on a Caribbean island, so the quality and tranquility of the spaces, added to the landscape of the beautiful blue of the sea of the region. I had never seen, for example, a lounge so luxurious, with comfortable sofas and armchairs on a beautiful lawn right on the beach!
ESPA Spa, the first unit of the British network in the United States, is another exclusive item, as is the Royal Suite, decorated by Fendi.
ESPA Spa with Fendi decoration
In terms of gastronomy, the range of restaurants is wide. The relaxed Costa Grill serves lunch and snacks by the beach. At nightfall, the AQ by Acqualina is the right choice, overlooking the sea and Italian-Mediterranean menu. Not to mention, of course, Il Mulino New York and its typical dishes from the Abruzzi region. On Sundays, the special brunch features Il Mulino's menu and live music.
Il Mulino, with dishes from the Abruzzi region
As you would expect in a five star hotel, the care of the well-trained staff helps to make our stay more enjoyable. In the concierge department it is possible to hire nannies, butlers and even dog-walkers.
A curiosity might explain better what I am saying: between the owners of the resort units and the residential tower The Mansions at Acqualina, next to no less than 58 keep a Rolls-Royce in the garage (not to mention the Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini ... ).
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