By Angela Caraway-Carlton
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach is a special place where luxury and pampering for adults easily coexists with non-stop activities for kids and families. With so many family-focused activities available on premises, kids will never utter the words, “I’m bored.” Parents can send children off to the complimentary Kids Club, AcquaMarine, for an elevated version of “summer camp,” while they head to the serene adults-only pool or enjoy much-needed self-care at the award-winning Acqualina Spa. Below, you’ll find an array of on-property activities meant for soaking up summer to the fullest.
Acqua-Adventures Under & Above The Sea
With a prime location fronting a private white-sand beach and the sparkling aqua-blue waters of the Atlantic, Acqualina makes it easy for guests to enjoy it all with aquatic adventures available throughout the resort. If you’d like to peep Miami’s vibrant coral reefs up close and personal, learn to scuba dive while on vacation. Acqualina offers scuba certification courses conveniently located at the resort through Squalo Divers. If you want to snorkel or explore the water on kayaks or paddle boards, rentable water toys are available at Sunny Isles Beach Water Sports, a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the resort.
If your child watches Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” movie on repeat, bring their animated dreams to life with an AquaMermaid experience. During this experience, kids ages 2-7 can play games and take photos with a mermaid. Those ages 7 or older can slip on a mermaid tail and learn how to swim like a graceful mermaid. (We won’t judge if parents want to join in on the fun!) And if you’re looking to come back from vacation with child swimming like a fish, swim instructor, Oscar, is available for private lessons.
Acqua-Arts For Your Inner Artist
One look at Acqualina’s drop-dead gorgeous surroundings, and you’ll understand why world-renowned artists have chosen Miami as their muse. Guests can channel their inner artist with experiences like the Art Imitates Life: Paint The Perfect Picture course. With the Atlantic Ocean serving as the inspirational backdrop, a Miami-based artist instructor will guide guests through techniques ranging from sketching, to mixing paint colors, to adding depth to your masterpiece. No pressure or skill needed: you get to be as creative as you’d like in this free-flowing class.
Stay Active At Acqualina
Acqualina Resort is a playground for both kids and adults, boasting a beachfront soccer field, dual basketball nets, beach volleyball and more for endless activities to enjoy during your stay. Maybe you’re inspired by Messi and have a budding soccer star in the family? Sign them up for the exclusive soccer clinic for kids featuring Marcelo Weigandt, a rising Argentinian soccer star who was recruited by Messi to join Inter Miami CF. Another top favorite of young guests is the Olympic Games Program plus private sports lessons.
You don’t have to give up your fitness routine while on vacation. Work up a sweat during complimentary fitness classes like Body Sculpt on Saturdays and Zumba on Sundays. Prefer something private? Book any private fitness classes of your choosing from kickboxing to tai chi. When you’re done, reward yourself with a blissful steam or sweat session in the sauna at Acqualina Spa.
Parent’s Night Out
Mom and dad deserve a romantic date night too, and you can dine around the world at Acqualina Resort. Be transported to Greece at AVRA, where you’ll be romanced by pink bougainvillea- draped archways and visions of the sea, while dining on Mediterranean cuisine. Savor a taste of Japan at dimly lit Ke-uH; or bask in Italian “dolce vita” at Il Mulino New York, where we suggest reserving one of the “Romeo and Juliet” tables which peruse the ocean and are bordered by columns for extra privacy.
If you’re in search of ultimate romance, book a beachfront dinner at sunset. This exclusive option for hotel guests and residents truly sets the resort apart from others, presenting the opportunity to dine at a white-clothed table located steps from the water. With an ambiance of flickering candles and the sounds of the surf, you and your loved one will enjoy a prix-fixe 4-course meal and stellar service.
No sitter? No worries! The complimentary AcquaMarine Kids Club runs until 4PM and acts as an elevated day camp experience under the supervision of our carefully vetted, long standing childcare experts. Guests can also opt for the education based Itavi “It takes a village” option for private childcare available during the day and in the evening.
Capture It All
Don’t miss a moment of your family vacation at Acqualina, let resident photographer Pipe Yanguas, graduate of Milan’s Istituto Europeo di Design, capture this special moment in time. Pipe considers himself a “photobiographer,” who excels at bringing your unique family story to life. He’ll snap professional family photos at Insta-worthy spots around the resort, from the life-sized chess board to the natural beauty of the beach at sunset or at the resort’s signature oceanfront living room dripping in red. It’s a perfect memento of your summer getaway that can be relived in photo books or on your holiday greeting cards.
