By Kayla Becker
Summer has already kicked off in a big way in South Florida, from sunset music nights at Fairchild Botanic Garden to limited exhibits at Pérez Art Museum Miami — to Acqualina’s very own private pool cabana scene that lingers on long summer days. A perfect base for any area goings-on, our luxurious oceanfront resort is both blissfully tucked away from the hustle and bustle and within striking distance of all the action (not to mention two major airports). But with so many exciting things to experience on property this season, you may never want to leave.
Start summer off right by splashing into one of the property’s three serene oceanfront pools. Acqualina guests, residents, and beach club members have exclusive access to each, including the Recreational Pool, which is where fun pool games, aqua fitness classes, and all the fun unfolds. If you’re looking to lounge, you’ll find a tranquil oasis at the new Adults-only Pool reserved for guests and residents 18 and up. More of a family affair? At the Beach Club Pool, guests of all ages can float to their heart’s content. All enjoy food and drink service, chaise lounges, and rentable private cabanas.
The pools are just the beginning. Later sunsets mean more time to enjoy complimentary Oceanfront Lounge seating, where you can enjoy beach views from the lawn, minus the sand. For those who want to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean in all its summer glory, Acqualina provides cushioned beach loungers and signature red umbrellas to keep you cool.
To beat the heat, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at Acqualina’s 20,000 square-foot, two-story facility with 11 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, and an ocean view outdoor terrace with a spa pool, heated jet pool, and Roman waterfall. With Swedish massages, facials, and customized treatments on offer, there’s surely something to ease you into vacation here.
Families will also appreciate the thoughtful kids’ activities at Acqualina. The one-of-a-kind marine biology-themed AcquaMarine children’s program features a captivating array of arts and crafts, reading, playtime that ignites a passion for marine life. For ages 4 to 12, the program is complimentary and features age-appropriate activities like puppet shows and beach yoga to keep them entertained.
The fun doesn’t stop there for families this summer. From 1 to 1:30 pm each day, enthralling activities including football, basketball, foosball table, cornhole, soccer, sandcastle building, kite flying, and water relay games beckon the whole gang to join in.
With so much going on, you could bask in the warm summer glow of Acqualina your whole trip. But venture off the property and you’re a stone’s throw from local activities like water sports at Sunny Isles Beach Water Sports, a rental company just a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the resort. Stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and surfing lessons can be booked right there on the beach.
Miami’s world-renowned attractions are also just a short ride away. South Beach’s historic Art Deco District and the Pérez Art Museum Miami are both merely about a 40-minute ride. Pérez is a museum like you’ve never seen, and the contemporary international art is shown up only by the stunning water views and verdant canopied architecture. Through July 28, you can catch “The South American Dream,” a thought-provoking exhibit from contemporary Brazilian artist Marcela Cantuária.
Home to 83 acres of rare tropical plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is also under an hour away from Acqualina, and well worth a visit. Summer is an excellent time to enjoy, since you can catch a Sunset Summer Jams musical performance (the next is on June 13) and limited-time exhibits. For example, Jurassic Garden, with its life-size dinosaur features, runs through September, proving there’s no shortage of captivating things to do in Miami this summer.