Location & Setting

Positioned at 17875 Collins Avenue, Acqualina sits on 4.5 acres of pristine beachfront property. The resort’s location puts guests 25 minutes from Miami International Airport and 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The property faces the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views from nearly every vantage point.

The surrounding area features high-end shopping at Bal Harbour Shops (10 minutes away) and the Aventura Mall (15 minutes away). For guests interested in Miami’s famous arts and culture scene, the Design District and Wynwood neighborhoods are just a short drive south.

Transportation & Access

The resort provides luxury car service within a certain radius, while rental cars and private chauffeurs are available for longer trips. Many guests choose to arrive via the resort’s private helicopter transfer service from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports. For those who prefer to drive, valet parking is included in the resort fee.

The beachfront location means guests step directly from the property onto 400 feet of white sand beach, while still maintaining easy access to Miami’s main attractions and nightlife.

Walking through the grand entrance of Acqualina Resort and Spa, guests are welcomed by soaring marble columns and crystal chandeliers that set the tone for an exceptional stay. The Mediterranean architecture creates an immediate sense of being transported to a European seaside villa, complete with carefully curated artwork and hand-painted frescoes.

The lobby’s double-height ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, offering glimpses of the ocean beyond. Fresh flower arrangements perfume the air, while the subtle sound of flowing water from ornate fountains creates a peaceful ambiance.

Acqualina Resort Layout and Design Excellence

The resort’s thoughtful design places the four oceanfront swimming pools at different levels, each with its own distinct character. The adults-only pool provides a serene retreat, while the family pool buzzes with gentle activity. Between them, private cabanas offer shaded luxury for those seeking extra privacy.

Manicured gardens with hidden seating areas and reflection pools connect the different areas of the property, creating natural paths between the spa, restaurants, and beach access points.

Acqualina Resort Suite Collection

The resort features 98 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, ranging from the Classic Room to the grand Three-Bedroom Oceanfront Suite. Each space showcases:

• Custom-designed furniture featuring imported marble and rich fabrics
• Spacious floor plans starting at 600 square feet
• King-sized beds with Frette linens and down duvets
• Smart home technology controlling lighting, temperature, and entertainment
• Private terraces with glass railings for unobstructed views

Acqualina Signature Room Features

The bathrooms rival luxury spas, featuring:

• Double vanities with backlit mirrors
• ESPA bath products
• Jacuzzi soaking tubs
• Separate rainfall showers
• Italian marble flooring and walls

Personal touches include welcome amenities such as fresh fruit platters, handwritten notes, and evening turndown service with artisanal chocolates. Each room’s mini-bar is stocked with premium spirits and locally sourced snacks, while Nespresso machines provide barista-quality coffee.

The 20,000-square-foot ESPA-branded spa at Acqualina Resort and Spa represents the pinnacle of luxury wellness. With 11 private treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites with private steam showers and terraces, the spa offers an intimate setting for rejuvenation.

Each treatment room features heated beds, soft lighting, and sound isolation, creating a cocoon of tranquility. The spa maintains pristine conditions through twice-daily sanitization protocols and hourly checks of all common areas. Private changing areas include personal lockers with plush robes and reflexology sandals.

Extensive Wellness Facilities

Beyond the treatment rooms, Acqualina Resort and Spa offers:

• A crystal steam room infused with aromatherapy
• Finnish dry heat sauna with Himalayan salt walls
• Arctic ice fountain for circulation therapy
• Experience shower with chromotherapy
• Heated thermal pools with mineral-enriched water
• State-of-the-art fitness center with ocean views
• Dedicated yoga pavilion for private sessions

Signature Treatment Experience

The booking process begins with a personal wellness consultation to customize treatments. The spa menu features over 40 treatments, including:

• Ancient healing rituals from global traditions
• Advanced skincare treatments using ESPA products
• Therapeutic massage techniques
• Body wraps and scrubs using marine ingredients
• Medical-grade facial treatments

The crown jewel, the Royal Spa Suite Experience, spans three hours and includes:

• Private spa suite access
• Customized full-body massage
• Advanced facial treatment
• Champagne and light spa cuisine
• Extended relaxation time in the private terrace

Therapists at Acqualina Resort and Spa undergo rigorous training in ESPA protocols and must maintain international certification standards. Each treatment concludes with personalized home care recommendations and a take-home wellness guide.

The culinary offerings at Acqualina Resort and Spa reflect the property’s commitment to excellence. The resort’s signature restaurant, Il Mulino New York, brings authentic Italian fine dining to Florida’s coast. The menu features hand-made pasta, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list curated by expert sommeliers.

Costa Grill, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a casual setting. Guests can enjoy fresh salads, grilled fish, and creative cocktails while taking in ocean views. The kitchen staff accommodates dietary restrictions with grace, offering gluten-free, vegan, and kosher options upon request.

Service & Staff Excellence

The staff at Acqualina Resort and Spa exemplifies the highest standards of luxury service. From the moment guests arrive, personal attendants ensure every need is met. Beach attendants arrange loungers and umbrellas, while pool concierges offer cooling facial mists and fresh fruit.

The multilingual team includes certified sommeliers, wellness experts, and childcare professionals. Staff members remember guest preferences, from morning coffee orders to preferred room temperatures, creating a personalized experience that sets Acqualina apart.

Value Assessment

While room rates at Acqualina Resort and Spa reflect its luxury status, the included amenities justify the investment. The resort fee covers valet parking, beach service, fitness classes, and children’s programs. Seasonal packages combine accommodation with spa treatments or dining credits, offering enhanced value.

Unique Features & Special Offerings

Acqualina’s distinctive programs include private yacht charters, helicopter tours, and exclusive access to local golf clubs. The resort’s partnership with luxury brands brings pop-up boutiques and trunk shows to guests. Seasonal offerings feature harvest dinners in the oceanfront garden and full-moon meditation sessions.

What We Loved

• Impeccable beach service with private cabanas
• World-class spa treatments using ESPA products
• Children’s marine biology program

What Could Be Improved

• Weekend restaurant reservations can be challenging to secure
• Limited nightlife options within walking distance

Final Verdict

Acqualina Resort and Spa stands out as a premier luxury destination on Florida’s coast. The property excels in delivering personalized service, exceptional dining, and memorable experiences. It’s ideal for couples seeking romance, families wanting refined kid-friendly activities, and travelers who appreciate Mediterranean luxury with modern amenities.