Acqualina Raises the Bar on Luxury Stays

Luxury in Miami is known the world over, but this Mediterranean-inspired resort still managed to impress and influence the hotel world upon its opening in 2006. When you get a glimpse of the many amenities that the Acqualina has to offer, you'll have a taste of the grand plans for this stunning spot from its years of considerate construction in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Think Renaissance décor and a great view of Miami's beautiful skyline, an oceanside location, and a cascading waterfall out front to lull you into a vacationer's paradise! Let's put it this way: even if you've never been to Miami, you won't miss this luxury resort on Collins Avenue, one of Miami's leading roads for beach access, entertainment, dining, and more.

Before you even get to Acqualina, you can get acquainted with some of the very best features straight away. There's 24-hour room service, a signature restaurant, and a beautiful spa complete with plenty of amazing treatments to help you get the sweat out, work out kinked muscles from a heavy exercising session, and purify that skin after sweating and sunning by the water's edge. Espa, as it's called, ranks right up there in Conde Nast's list of Top Spas in the Americas and Caribbean, winning a 2008 award as well as another from the Mobil Travel Guide. Choose between restorative treatments and meditative options, and rest assured that the spa is open until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so you can squeeze in a visit even if you can't peel yourself from the pool during the day. Treatments include full-body botanical wraps, hot stone massages and treatment sessions, and special facials to beat the heat (and a sunburn or two).

When luxury hotel lovers have children, they may be presented with a unique challenge. How do you know if your uber-posh resort will welcome your entire family? Will you be the only ones with children there? You can end up with so many questions while you plan that trip for you and the kids, but if you'll be going to Acqualina, you can cast your worries aside. There's a special children's program at the resort that includes a marine-biology based fun camp complete with scavenger hunts and educational sessions, and both half-day and full-day passes are available to purchase for your particular needs. Other programs include dinner and a movie, a kid's night out, arts 'n' crafts specials, and holidays and special happenings for more unique fun. Your kids won't be alone, and they'll be having a ton of fun when you nip off for a little dinner and dancing.

With easy access to shopping spots like Bal Harbour and Aventura Mall, and lots of historical spots to explore, you've got Miami at your fingertips at Acqualina. The only question now is. . . where to start? You're going to have to figure that out on your own, but there's always a friendly travel agent to help you out.