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The Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond resort marks a landmark milestone with an exclusive evening of culinary excellence, live performance, and celebration by the sea

MIAMI, May 18, 2026 — Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach marked its 20th anniversary on the evening of Saturday, May 16, 2026, with a celebration befitting two decades of five-star excellence. Held across the resort’s iconic oceanfront grounds, the event brought together guests, residents, the travel community, Miami tastemakers, and the Acqualina family for an extraordinary evening that honored the resort’s past and declared its future. True to the spirit that has defined Acqualina since its founding, the evening was shaped by the same anticipatory, deeply personal service that has made guests feel not like visitors, but like family, recognized by name, welcomed with warmth, and deeply cared for.

Since opening on May 16, 2006 under the vision of the Trump family, Jules, Eddie and Stephanie Trump alongisde CEO and Partner Deborah Yager Fleming, Acqualina has become something no hotel group can manufacture: a tradition. A place where generations return, where milestones are marked, where families build rituals year after year on 400 feet of Atlantic coastline. With its expansive, residential-style accommodations designed for multi-generational comfort, its serene gardens and oceanfront lawns, and a service culture rooted in genuine human connection, Acqualina has earned its place not just as a resort, but as a cherished part of its guests’ lives.

The 20th anniversary evening opened with a warm welcome on Acqualina’s grand oceanfront Veranda, where guests were greeted with champagne and a step-and-repeat experience before spreading across two spectacular spaces for the night. In the Great Lawn Tent, a Fusion DJ set the musical tone: a dynamic live combo of DJ, bass, percussion, saxophone, and trumpet that brought a sonic identity embodying Acqualina’s spirit, sun-drenched indie pop, airy vocals, and vibey electronic beats elevated by the raw energy of live instrumentation to capture the joy, modern chic, and coastal energy of luxury Miami living. Towering 100 Foot LED screens set a visually stunning backdrop, displaying sweeping cinematic scenes of Acqualina. Adding to the spectacle, aerialists soared above the crowd, performing breathtaking sets and descending to pour champagne in a display of elegance and theatre.

At the oceanfront Center Pool, the energy was equally electric. Two thunderous sets by the Splash Drum Show drew the crowd to the water’s edge, while the Acqua Bubble Experience wove an ethereal, dreamlike dimension between performances with its performer floating gracefully in the pool. A second DJ kept the upbeat atmosphere flowing throughout the night, spinning from a lifeguard stand emblazoned with “DJ on Duty,” a charming, quintessentially Acqualina touch. Beautiful Acqualina branding was woven throughout both spaces, adding a celebratory elegance to every corner of the grounds.

Champagne flowed throughout the evening alongside an open bar, with three signature cocktails crafted exclusively for the occasion by Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery. The Acqua Citrus offered a bright, citrus-forward twist on a sotol daisy with a hint of Maraschino; the Acqua Kiss brought a smoky, floral depth with hibiscus water and a touch of heat, served with a bespoke Acqualina “A” logo ice cube; and the Acqua Spritz provided the perfect Aperol-based toast to twenty years of Acqualina.

Live culinary stations showcasing the resort’s celebrated dining destinations Avra Miami, Ke-uH, and Il Mulino New York offered guests an epicurean journey through Acqualina’s world-class restaurant portfolio, accompanied by passed canápés and desserts, with KOPU Water's naturally alkaline artesian spring water and served in their sleek, sustainable aluminum bottles, completing the offering.

As part of the evening, Rolls-Royce Miami presented an exclusive Rolls-Royce Lounge, where guests indulged in a curated caviar service by Sasanian Caviar paired with Champagne from Louis Roederer Collection 246.

Deborah Yager Fleming and Jules Trump took to the Great Lawn Tent stage to address guests with heartfelt remarks honoring the resort’s two decades of excellence and the community that has made it a tradition. The evening reached its emotional peak when light-up sticks were handed to every guest and the crowd came together to dance to Golden by K-pop sensation Jung Kook, a song whose bright, uplifting spirit and indie pop sensibility perfectly matched Acqualina’s music identity and the joy of the milestone moment. As the music swelled, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the LED screens in a dazzling visual finale, bringing the 20th anniversary celebration to an unforgettable close.

“As we celebrate twenty years, we remain deeply grateful to our loyal guests, the Miami community, the esteemed travel community and our talented team members who have shaped Acqualina into what it is today,” said Yager Fleming. “What moves us most is knowing that Acqualina has become part of families’ traditions: the place where special occasions are celebrated, where children grow up returning each summer, where memories are made across generations.”

This milestone marks not only a celebration of the past, but a declaration of the next chapter. For twenty years, Acqualina has built something that cannot be manufactured overnight: a genuine emotional connection with the guests and families who have chosen to return, year after year, and made this place part of their own story. That relationship, rooted in trust, familiarity, and a commitment to excellence that never settles, is the true legacy being celebrated.

Some places you visit. Some places become tradition. For more information, visit acqualinaresort.com.

ABOUT ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES

Acqualina Resort & Residences is where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach. The lush grounds feature red couches set on grass and are dotted with signature red umbrellas. A seaside luxury haven located on 4.5 beachfront acres in pristine Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort features 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class dining including Il Mulino New York, the alfresco Costa Grill, Ke-uH Japanese restaurant and Avra Miami, three oceanfront swimming pools, spacious meeting rooms, and AcquaMarine, an innovative marine biology-based children's program. A variety of lavish interior and exterior venues provide an ideal background for opulent weddings and memorable events. Acqualina Spa provides guests with an exquisite 20,000-square-foot, two-story tranquil sanctuary of excellence and relaxation. A family-owned and operated property, Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards for both the hotel and spa and the AAA Five Diamond Award and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Follow Acqualina on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD, LTD (Leading Hotels)

Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, The Leading Hotels of the World is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW's collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW's tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps - and beyond - explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments by visiting: www.lhw.com, Facebook @LeadingHotels, Twitter @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld

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