The hotel
"The Acqualina is elegance on the beach."
 
At least that's how Klaus Tenter, chairman of the Acqualina Executive Committee, describes the resort and spa on the beach. Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, the Acqualina is a classy place where you can kick back and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Florida's magnificent coastline.
 
The Acqualina, which opened in May 2006, is an interior design masterpiece. Exuding class and sophistication, guests can enjoy themselves at one of the three oceanfront swimming pools (or in one of the cabanas), the luxurious two-story ESPA (the resort's 20,000 square foot spa), the much-raved about Il Mulino New York restaurant or any of the other fabulous resort amenities.
 
However, what guests will likely enjoy most is the selection of 97 rooms and suites. Designed by Zeke Fernandez, a renowned Miami-based interior designer, the modern look with classic motifs will have hotel guests oohing and aahing.


 
The look
For the guest rooms in the Acqualina, space and functionality were a must. "It was important to us that all of the guest rooms and suites have a residential type feel, especially since our average length of stay is close to four nights," Klaus says. "Our guests want to be able to enjoy the same amenities as if they were at home, so top-of-the-line features were a must."
 
Then came designer Zeke to give the rooms a spacious and elegant feel.
 
"The Acqualina has a very classic look and edge," Zeke says. "We didn't want a traditional contemporary hotel look with the rooms. We wanted to have more class and personality, as the Acqualina has an audience with taste and style." From sleeping in comfortable Rivolta Carmigani sheets to taking in the oceanfront view from your balcony while sipping your drink of choice in your Oceanfront Suite, you are knee deep in class.
 
Why we love it
Though decorated in simple, classic colours, the Oceanfront Suite is busy with style. We love the contrast of deep, rich browns against crisp and clean beiges and whites. Textured materials also create a nice contrast.
 
The suite's walls are a big hit as well. "We did a lot of moldings that are big and over scaled," Zeke says. "The tall wood base is a classic, traditional look. We filled it in with clean-lined furniture. The walls create a beautiful background that set the tone. It's very different and impressive."

 

With four pools and a long expanse of beach, the Acqualina is the ultimate relaxation getaway. Whether you're looking to cool down in the water or lounge in the Florida sun, there is something for everyone and tons of space to do it.

What we love:

• Poolside cabanas feature flat-screen TVs, fruit bowls, water and sun care products.
• The concierge comes around often to offer guests smoothies, chilled towels and fruit (including frozen grapes!).
• The beach has plush loungers, generous umbrellas and a butler service.

 

The dining options at Acqualina are endless -- with three restaurants, in-room dining and private beach-side dining, guests are free to choose whichever they like.

What we love:

• The Costa Grill (shown above) allows you to watch the sun go down as you eat a delicious gourmet meal in a casual setting.
• New York's #1 Italian restaurant (as rated by Zagat) has a location at Acqualina, which means you can feast on NYC cuisine while in the sunny climate of Florida!

 

If the white sandy beaches and poolside lounging aren't relaxing enough for you, you can always head to Acqualina's on-site spa. With ESPA being established in Europe as one of the premier spas in the world, its arrival at the Acqualina fits in perfectly with the peaceful atmosphere and luxe interior design of the resort.

What we love:

• This award-winning spa features saunas, a pool, steam rooms and spa cuisine.
• Services include a variety of massages, facials, nail and beauty sessions, and treatments for men.

For more information on the Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach or to book a reservation, visit their website.