If you have ever wanted to feel like royalty or experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous in Miami then you should look no further that The Acqualina Resort and Spa.
Acqualina is a 5 star Ocean front resort located between South Beach and Ft. Lauderdale on the white sandy beaches of Sunny Isles. Voted #1 Beach Front hotel on trip advisor, it is an elegant Mediterranean inspired building with 51 stories and 98 rooms and suites. Acqualina has 3 restaurants, 4 pools and an award winning Spa which I will be telling you all about. Their Spa is the epitome of luxury and I was lucky to win a 50 min Spa Treatment valued at $210. Read along and come see for yourself what The Acqualina Resort and Spa has to offer.
A Day at the Acqualina Resort and Spa
Booking process
Acqualina’s outstanding service began with the booking process. Since I had a gift certificate to redeem I called the Spa directly to book my treatment. They had a wide array of options to choose from and their staff was extremely helpful during the booking process. They were patient answering all my questions. Took the time to describe the monthly specials, and helped me select the perfect treatment for me. While you could simply book online I enjoyed speaking to knowledgeable staff.
Tip: Make sure to book a few weeks in advance to make sure they have availability in the time slot of your choosing. If you are booking during high season or during Spa month give yourself even more time.
Arrival
When I arrived at the property I had to valet my car. An attendant was there to greet me and make sure I was in the correct place. Security is high and only residents, hotel guests and spa visitors are allowed inside the property. Once parking was taken care of, a doorman let me into the lobby. The decor inside is lavish but traditionally tasteful with elegant and welcoming furnishings. Definitely a WOW first impression.
My Spa Experience
Acqualina is probably one of the top Spas I have ever visited. It is a Five-Star rated spa by Forbes Travel Guide. This rating is for an exclusive and select group, and Acqualina is one of only four Spas in Florida to have this honor. This is quite an accomplishment considering the array of luxury hotels and spas we have all over the State of Florida.
Acqualina provides more than just a treatment. Acqualina provides a full luxurious, relaxing and pampering experience.
My Spa experience started right at the counter. I was given a warm welcome and greeted with some hot tea and a cooling towel. After an easy check in I was given a tour of the facilities and provided me with a Spa Robe and slippers.
Locker Area
I stored my belongings in the combination locker provided and changed into the comfy robe and slippers. Let me tell you those locker rooms are perfectly appointed. The counter has every necessity you could dream of.
Did you forget to shave your legs? No problem. Acqualina provides you with individually packaged razors.
Do you feel like you need to freshen your breath? No problem. Aqualina provides you with tooth brushes, tooth paste and mouth wash.
And this does not even scratch the surface. I promise that should you need anything they will have it or find it for you and best of all they will deliver it with a genuine smile. Everyone I encountered was happy to work there and to help make my day special.
Relaxation Room
I started my personal journey in the relaxation room. This space has a large Himalayan salt wall which is supposed to purify the air and provide a sense of relaxation while increasing energy. It is also meant to detoxify and provide an overall feeling of well-being.
Not sure if all those claims are true. All I know is that I had amazing cookies, fresh fruit infused water and wonderful tea. All of which I could consume while lying in a comfy lounge chair reading my book.
This was heaven for me and I could have spent all day here. But a little while after my massage therapist DeKendra came to get me for my treatment.
Himalayan Hot Stone Treatment
DeKendra (my amazing massage therapist) took me to my private treatment room and made sure the temperature in the room was adequate for me. I had selected the Himalayan hot stone massage and since I had never had any type of hot stone massage before she took the time to show me the difference between a regular hot stone and the Himalayan salt stone. Then she selected two different oils for me and let me test them both and select the scent that most appealed to me. And then I enjoyed one of the best massages I have ever had. My 50 min session seemed to go by in a blink but in the end my muscles and my mind were as relaxed as they could ever be.
If you have never tried a Himalayan hot stone massage you should add it to your must do list aside from the great massage I loved the way the heat made my muscles melt and as a bonus I got some exfoliation out it.
Steam Room and Sauna
Since I had scheduled 5 hours to be away from family and other responsibilities I took advantage of the rest of the amenities the Spa has to offer. I spent some time in the Crystal Steam Room which has different colored lights that come on in intervals as the steam fills the room. I also spent some time in the Finnish Sauna. Both of these help eliminate toxins and leave you feeling with a sense of balance and peace.
Ice Fountain and Experience Shower
In between the Steam Room and the Sauna there is an Ice Fountain which is a great way to cool off in between these sessions. However I decided to use the Experience shower. The rain setting is a bit cooler and was perfect after the sauna, then the tropic setting was warmer water and they have side jet settings to complete the experience. This was a fabulous way to get rinsed off before heading outside for some pool time.
Pool and Roman Tub
The outdoor area is co-ed and has a beautiful pool and roman tub with waterfall. It is a smaller area compared to the other hotel pools, but it was never crowded and I really enjoyed the intimate feel. Felt more as if I was in an Italian Villa than a hotel and this gave me a feeling of exclusivity.
It was great to spend some time in the roman tub with the pressure of the waterfall falling on my shoulders. A nice indulgence and therefore something you should make time for if you visit Acqualina.
The terrace also provides some space to enjoy a spa lunch (keep reading for my review on the food). It overlooks the ocean and the different pools that only residents and hotel guests have access to.
Tip: If you want to enjoy some sun by the pool I suggest you get there early as the sun rises from the east in the ocean and this will be your best chance for some rays. As the afternoon approaches the sun will be hidden by the towers and the pool will be shaded. So mornings will be your best best for sun.
The Food
I opted for the seared tuna bento box for my lunch. The portion you receive is big enough and the box is beautifully arranged. The tuna unfortunately was overcooked but it was seasoned beautifully and paired very well with the kale salad.
While the kale salad was full of flavor the tabbouleh was bland and a letdown. The finishing touch was some fruit which was seasonal and fresh and a perfect ending to the light meal. Overall a decent healthy lunch if a bit on the pricey side of about $43 (service fee and tax included).
Acqualina Resort
If you want to enjoy this lifestyle for a little longer than just a day at the Spa, then you can certainly book a night in one of Acqualina’s 98 beautifully appointed guestrooms. Of the 98 rooms, 44 of them are suites and many of them enjoy unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The resort if family friendly and has amazing amenities designed especially for children. They offer a daily program just for kids between the ages of 5 – 12. They also offer special areas geared for children like a sand pit filled with toys, a giant life size chess game, and a family pool.
If you desire time away from the little ones then you can spend time in the adult only pool which has beautiful cabanas for rent.
Acqualina has several restaurants available for the hotel guests and residents. The Costa Grill is outdoors and provides beautiful ocean views. It serves lunch daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and has a casual menu of Hamburgers, sandwiches and salads.
AQ by Acqualina is open daily for dinner only between 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm with a rotating seasonal menu. Il Mulino New York is a beautiful indoor restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with an Italian menu.
In addition to the restaurants above, Acqualina offers a Piazetta Marketplace and The Bar at AQ by Acqualina. Both open at 11:00 am with the Piazetta closing at 10:00 pm and the Bar closing at 11:00 pm.
In Conclusion Acqualina Resort and Spa is a one of a kind luxury spa with a perfect central location. So if you want 5 star service and experience then this is the place to be. Acqualina has earned the RovingJo stamp of approval. To book your stay or spa experience please visit Acqualinas website.
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43 comments
Just looking at the photos made me feel like I was royalty too. I like how your spa therapist adjusted the temperature to your liking. Sometimes spas are so cold. Also, the bento box with the kale salad looks amazing and rejuvenating after a massage treatment.
Gina- yes everyone there was so accommodating and really catered to my every need. It was a great experience.
That looks a gran hotel. You had one of the most luxurious spa treatments and that Roman tub looks so relaxing. The whole experience looks amazing.
Nisha- the place and treatment were like heaven.
This seems like a really relaxing vacation spot. I keep toying with going to Miami, just because flights are so cheap and I haven’t been since I was a child. But I can’t even be bothered to go to the sauna or the rooftop pool in my condo!
Cori – Funny how sometimes we need to go somewhere to enjoy these things even if we have some of them at home. Flight to Miami may be cheap but the city is not. Still hope you come visit the beautiful state of Florida.
I wish I was there right about now! My back has been killing me lately and a spa day mixed with a nice dip in that inviting hot tub would be perfect!
Laura – if you ever come to S Florida you should definitely visit. You would love it and all those aches and pains would melt away.
Luxury paradise. That jacuzzi with a waterfall has my name all over it. Love the location, the food, the pools, the little soccer court. I would probably spend every morning at the spa though!
Stephanie- so glad you liked it. And if I could I would spend every day at the spa as well.
That looks amazingly luxurious! I would love to relax in the Relaxation Room with some cookies and a book. The hot stone massage sounds heavenly too! I would love to come here if I am ever in Florida!
Stella – If you ever come to Florida look me up I will be happy to meet for some drink or a spa day. We can sit with books tea and cookies and have a great relaxing time.
This place is gorgeous! I could spend all day in the spa too, I would never want to leave. I love those bungalow things beside the pool too.
Sally – I wanted to spend the rest of my life there. But honestly who wouldn’t. Still glad I was able to enjoy a day of pampering.
Ooh I love spa days! I love the attention to detail here, from a toothbrush to razors (nothing worse than a massage with prickly legs!). The food lucks yummy too, I love tuna so I think I’d go for the same choice as you!
Claire- They pay attention to every little detail you could imagine. And yes the food is pretty good as well.
Looks really nice, especially the spa! I’ve not spent any time in Miami, but this looks like quite the luxurious experience. That waterfall would be a must for me!
Hi Paige – The waterfall was amazing I just wanted to sit under it and forget the rest of the world around me for a few minutes. Hopefully one day you can visit and indulge in it.
The resort looks really luxurious. A great place to indulge oneself in. The Spa experience sounds really relaxing and rejuvenating. The Himalayan stone Spa experience is really exotic. A lovely place to get pampered in luxury.
Hi Sandy – yes the treatment was pretty exotic I had never had a Himalayan stone massage. Was greatful they explained everything. Hope you get to indulge yourself as well.
I have been in the luxury spa industry for some time, working as a therapist and spa lead at five star properties. The Acqualina looks like it is a fabulous facility. They utilize their beachfront location to the fullest and work in many industry leading touches to their total spa experience. The fifty minutes you spend on the table are only one part of a complete spa day.
Hi Jenn- Acqualina is truly a 5-star property and resort. The spa is incredible. I am sure you would appreciate all the incredible touches they provide which makes it a world class spa.
Oh fab, this place looks lovely. Is there anything better than a spa day? It’s just a shame you don’t get the sun on that pretty pool!
You get sun but in the morning the afternoon is more shaded which normally in s Florida is actually a treat. Just thought people would like to know so they can plan.
A Miami spa? Oh hello! I adore decent spas but am often left disappointed by spas in hotels. This looks incredible – I love love love the idea of the experience shower after a stint in the sauna, and the roman pool looks ace – everything is finished off to perfection. The lunch looks healthy, but that isn’t exactly cheap – so one to budget for.
Hi Samantha – Yes definitely something to budget for or you can come during Spa month when great discounted rates are available. But even at full price it is worth a day of pampering and relaxation with incredible amenities.
Wow! This all looks so fancy, oppullent, relaxing and indulgent. The perfect place to rest and recharge! The spa treatments and facilities seem perfect. You’re so lucky to have been able to spend those 5 hours of freedom from other commitments, in such style.
Hi Ali – yes I was lucky indeed and felt spoiled beyond measure. If you ever want to try it out come during low season or book a spa day during the Miami spa month when you can get great deals.
This truly seems to be luxurious Spa at its best…
I really like the pool with its private tent, this looks fabulous! The Ocean front suite also just looks great – exactly the kind of view that i would love to wake up with.
Hendrix – Their suites are incredible it truly is a place like no other. And staying there comes with many benefits and yes the views are one of them.
This hotel is awesome, it has almost everything, I never tried a luxury Hotel but it can be a good experience. Thank you for sharing
If you are going to indulge in luxury this is the place to be.
I’d love to be teleported there right now to escape the cold 🙁 The Himalayan Hot Stone and Ice Fountain are something I’d like to try at Acqualina. I need to get away from the office for some R&R! I think the best part is the food. This is actually the first time I’ve seen a spa serve decent food. Usually it’s a tiny flavorless salad or sad looking sandwich but that tuna bento box looks both healthy and filling!
Hi Ivy – Surprisingly all the food choices looked amazing. I think next time I will go with the jumbo shrimp. You should definitely take some R&R time to yourself is so important.
Wow that place looks amazing, I would love to stay there. Unfortunately when I was in Miami I was in a hostel in an 8 bed dorm room. I would love though to stay in a place like this, the pools and spa area look amazing.
Clare this is about the total opposite of a hostel. I am sure you still had a great time but the experiences are totally difference. Then again with the money you saved in accommodation you could have splurged in the spa here.
This resort does look extremely luxurious! I love getting massages, but I’ve never had a hot stone massage. I may have to request one next time. And that pool makes me long for summer time and warm weather.
Melissa- The Himalayan salt hot stone is a bit different than a regular hot stone massage but they are both relaxing and wonderful. Hopefully good weather and summer come to you soon. If you need it sooner you can always come visit Miami.
Hey, Jo.
I cannot believe there is a whole Himalayan salt wall! That sounds divine! Not as divine as the view from the balcony and the pools, though!
Pinned to read again and maybe visit one day 🙂
Hey Svet – come down and visit and we can have a grand ole time here.
Oh my goodness, the whole experience sounds like heaven Jo! Never seen a Himalayan salt wall before but sounds so cool 🙂 I’m so happy you were able to spend the day pampering yourself!! x
Priti- I had never seen a wall that large but my daughter has a small Himalayan salt lamp so I was familiar with this. I know they help purify the air and was excited to be in that room. The massage was incredible and the salt stones provided a bit of exfoliation which was great. I highly recommend the treatment if you ever get a chance.