When the folks at Rosewood opened their first stateside beach resort in mid-2006, they were determined to make it distinctive. Located in upscale Sunny Isles Beach midway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Acqualina’s ornate 51-story, peach-and-melon Mediterranean tower makes an undeniable architectural statement. The resort also raised eyebrows by securing an outpost of the beloved Manhattan restaurant Il Mulino. Three beachfront swimming pools, one with a zero-edge entry and lovely cabanas, provide a degree of luxury almost unprecedented in South Florida. But those with loftier concerns took note when Acqualina landed the first ESPA in the U.S. The new 20,000-square-foot ESPA operates under the spa-as-journey philosophy where guests are encouraged to book private suites for two-, three- or four-hour blocks of time . Your Holistic Journey begins with a pampering foot massage, during which a specially trained therapist will guide you to one of nine transporting experiences. An exfoliation might lead to a Chakra Balancing with Hot Stones; the Purva Karma Four-Hand Massage will remind you why touch is so important to well-being. Remember to leave time to linger in ESPA’s public spaces; both the men’s and women’s areas feature bejeweled Crystal Steam Rooms, outdoor wading pools, and unique showers with three tropical settings. The spa menu, of course, includes non-journey, single-treatment options for those with limited time. The ESPA Nourishing Facial, for example, only takes an hour. But why not indulge yourself and enjoy ESPA the way it was meant to be experienced? You can always save the ƒ¡ la carte for the ravioli at Il Mulino. For more information call (305) 918-8000 or visit www.acqualinaresort.com
Drew Limksy
May/June 2007
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