A Sophisticated Florida Resort for the Whole Family

Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach
Sunny Isles, Florida
Refined Beachy Fun, $$$

We've had our eye on Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach, a family-friendly enclave of Mediterranean living punctuated by signature red umbrellas and accents in Sunny Isles, the beach neighborhood just north of Miami. Kids aged 4-12 in the AcquaMarine program can have all kinds of hands-on fun, tracking whales and creating edible coral polyp, among other don't-tell-them-they're-also-educational offerings. Adults can relax by the pool or challenge their skills at the outdoor oversized chess board, putting their new Queen's Gambit skills to use. The award-winning, 20,000-square-foot Acqualina Spa has healing offerings like holistic and Ayurvedic treatments and a striking crystal steam room. The dining program includes Ke-uH, a Japanese fusion restaurant; an outpost of Manhattan's beloved Il Mulino New York; Avra Miami, specializing in Greek cuisine and seafood; Costa Grill, serving a gourmet Mediterranean menu; and AQ Gelato and Coffee Bar for all those sugar and caffeine needs. Other hotel amenities include a gym, business center, meeting rooms, and a customer service app. If you find that you just can't tear yourself way at the end of the visit, you can see if any Acqualina Residences are available. See? There's a reason this resort has won five-star status from the Forbes Travel Guide and five-diamond status from AAA.

Book It

Click here for reservations, and don't forget to check for special offers the hotel may be running. Remember, it's always best to book directly with the hotel and not through a third party.

At a Glance

The Vibe: Upscale, though not intimidating, and very family-friendly.

Standout Detail: The thoroughness of care and attention to guest service.

This Place Is Perfect For: Well-heeled families who need a break (sometimes from each other!) in the sunshine.

Rooms: 98 rooms in various categories and configurations overlook the Intracoastal Waterway or the Atlantic Ocean and are decorated in a palette of warm neutral tones. Amenities include Illy Espresso machines, marble bathrooms, private terraces, and free WiFi. 

On Site: An impressive, two-story Acqualina Spa with treatment rooms, a hammam, an outdoor pool, and a Roman waterfall. 

Food + Drink: Avra Miami at The Estates at Acqualina, an outpost of Avra Estiatorio, serves Greek cuisine inspired by seaside trattorias: lots of fresh fish, family-style salads, olive oil made from hand-picked olives in Greece. Ke-uH serves a Japanese fusion menu overseen by a former Nobu chef. Il Mulino New York serves refined Italian cuisine — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and has an expansive outdoor seating area, to add to the dolce vita feeling. Costa Grill, which is only open to hotel guests and residents, is the only Miami restaurant that close to the beach. AQ Gelato and Coffee is located in the lobby. In-room dining is available 24 hours per day.

What to Do Nearby

Sunny Isles is close enough to Miami for a zip down to its top restaurants (Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Fiola Mare) and cultural attractions (PAMM, de la Cruz Collection), but removed enough that you can easily avoid the thumping South Beach scene. The ritzy boutiques in nearby Bal Harbour Shops will be more than happy to fulfill any overpriced shopping urges that should strike.

This article was originally written in February 2021 and was updated in November 2023.