By Erica Corsano
From the gentle rhythm of the ocean to the quiet mystery of a moonlit walk, Jen Karetnick’s poems reflect the sensory richness of staying at Acqualina. Her original works—such as Evening Beach Walk and Dawning, in Red—are now part of the resort’s turndown service, offering guests a literary escape at day’s end.
A widely published poet and seasoned food and travel writer, Karetnick was invited to create the poetry series specifically for Acqualina. Each piece enhances the emotional tone of the stay—some reflective, others whimsical, all grounded in the natural elegance of the setting. As one guest shared, “It was like receiving a love letter from the sea.”
This initiative exemplifies Acqualina’s commitment to thoughtful, personalized luxury—nourishing not only the body but the spirit. We spoke with Karetnick about the project and her creative process.
Q: How did the poetry turndown program come about?
A: Acqualina knew me as a food-travel writer, but also followed my poetry through social media. They approached me to write seven poems tied to the beach, but after touring the property, I was inspired to expand the scope. The resort is so beautifully designed—it made the writing feel natural.
Q: Have you done anything like this before?
A: Yes. In the mid-90s, I co-founded Now Taste This!, pairing poets with luxury restaurants to write about their dishes. The poems were “served” with the meals during National Poetry Month. It fostered unexpected friendships between chefs and poets, and even influenced restaurant decor and menus. I also co-founded SWWIM (Supporting Women Writers in Miami), which runs a literary journal and poet residencies at The Betsy Hotel. I’ve worked in restaurants myself, so I’m very at ease in the hospitality world.
Q: How did Acqualina’s environment influence the poems?
A: I follow a neo-formal craft style, so I appreciated the symmetry and design—everything from the plantings to the marble accents offered inspiration. It’s a setting rich in details.
Q: What moods or themes did you aim to convey?
A: I wanted each poem to be distinct—so if someone stays for a week, each night brings a new feeling. One poem highlights the spa; another invites guests to linger at the fountain. The goal was to inspire exploration and intentionality.
Q: How does writing for a hospitality audience differ from your other work?
A: Whether it’s journalism or poetry, I’m trying to share an experience that others will want to recreate. In contrast, my literary work often covers more somber topics—illness, aging, grief. For Acqualina, I wanted to surprise and delight, to offer moments of joy and stillness that help people be present.
Q: Did any specific locations spark particular poems?
A: Absolutely. The rows of Royal Palms inspired A Sonnet for Palms. The statue in the foyer prompted At the Porte Cochère Fountain. And that signature deep red hue throughout the resort became Dawning, in Red.
Q: What do you hope guests take away from this poetic touch?
A: These are challenging times, globally. I wanted the poems to feel accessible and light—not “light verse,” but optimistic and universal. Vacation is about joy, and I wanted to reflect that. (Hence, no poems about traffic!)
Q: Why does poetry feel so powerful in a luxury setting?
A: People are turning to poetry more than ever to make sense of the human experience. Finding a poem on your pillow is unexpected—it invites you to step into another perspective, even just for the night.
Q: What response has meant the most to you?
A: While I haven’t received direct feedback yet, my website traffic has gone up noticeably. Hopefully it leads to book sales! Poets always appreciate support, and I’m so grateful Acqualina is spotlighting this art form.