By Michelle Payer
Sometimes a date night just isn’t enough to turn off all the noise – from one’s surroundings, neighbors, kids, cell phones, commitments – it can get overwhelming and overshadow even the best relationship. Disconnect from the distractions and reconnect at Acqualina within its masterfully designed Italian villa-style cocoon. The smell of the salt air and sand underfoot immediately raises the body’s happiness quotient, and that’s only the beginning. The oceanfront resort consistently rated top in the U.S. is all about personalized service and catering to its guests, so if it’s romance and reconnection you need, say no more.
A concierge can personalize the One-Bedroom or Deluxe One Bedroom Oceanfront Suites, or the Classic Suite, with its ocean-view bathroom window and two shower heads (handheld and rainwater) for complete relaxation. The Royal Spa Suite was made for couples who desire a completely private experience: couples can break from everyday stress, relax on Fendi Casa furniture under a dazzling crystal chandelier and choose from three custom treatments for two at the hands of dedicated therapists. A private mother-of-pearl steam room, rainforest shower for two and private wrap-around balcony with infinity Atlantic Ocean views further the cocoon-like atmosphere for two guests to feel they’re in their own private world. After treatments, couples can be further pampered by the Himalayan Salt Wall in the Relaxation Lounge or drift outdoors to the spa’s concealed, oceanfront pool terrace. There, a heated jet pool and Roman waterfall spa lead to an afternoon of further stress relief and Vitamin D therapy – or a private evening, as the Spa Suite can be booked after the Spa closes for uncompromised privacy within candlelit splendor. It’s here couples can apply their daily $40 Body or Facial Spa Treatment Credit. No resort fee means the outdoor pools (three!) are all included, as are daily pool and sporting activities.
For added romance, one of the exceptional Les Clefs D’or concierge can create a beautiful, personalized picnic on the resort’s lush outdoor grounds, or arrange one of the highly coveted beachfront dinners if staying over a weekend. For couples that want to take the next step, a Proposal Concierge can eliminate (some!) stress by orchestrating everything but the Big Question; romantic spaces abound throughout Acqualina to catch your partner in beautiful moonlight, whisper niceties they love to hear and recapture the spark upon which the outside world too often encroaches.
Romantic dining abounds at three restaurants that all feature outdoor dining to take advantage of sea views. The recently refreshed Il Mulino New York, known for its classic Italian cuisine, has the most romantic Romeo & Juliet balcony seating overlooking the ocean, while Ke-uH, one of Miami’s most notable restaurants, features an expansive terrace on which it serves its Japanese Fusion cuisine. Insider tip: The chef will create an Omikase-style experience at your request – just ask! The oceanfront Costa Grill, with its new Mediterranean/Floridian menu is a nearly private oceanfront restaurant experience, being accessible only to Acqualina guests, residents and Beach Club members. Don’t leave without trying the fresh coconut water (served with flourish from the freshly carved fruit) or the Grilled Octopus with Spanish smoked paprika and Costa aioli. The private oceanfront restaurant makes the ideal lunch respite, or have its menu delivered to your private poolside cabana.
Here, the luxurious oceanfront Adult Pool has long been a sublime sanctuary for guests 18 and over, where chill lounge music accompanies your meal. Now, with a refreshed poolside aesthetic and a Pool Butler presenting amenities every hour, it’s become an elevated experience with daybeds and only four opulent, custom-designed cabanas that are ideal for couples that want the most elevated relaxation experience. For the ultimate in privacy, couples can have Il Mulino or Ke-uH cater dinner to their rooms and enjoy a private repast on their balconies overlooking the ocean or city. If the ailment is reconnection, Acqualina has the couple’s cure.