Some places are so special they linger with you long after you’ve left—quietly tugging at your heart, waiting for the moment you’ll return. For us, that place has always been Acqualina Resort and Spa in Sunny Isles, Florida. We first discovered its charm during our very first babymoon in January 2020, and ever since then, it’s felt like a place woven into the fabric of our story. So when the opportunity arose for a second babymoon, it felt only natural—almost serendipitous—that we’d find ourselves back at this coastal sanctuary.
Perched just outside the glitz and energy of Miami Beach, Acqualina is a paradox in the best way. It has all the grandeur of a Southern Italian seaside villa, yet it’s only minutes from Miami’s electric nightlife. It manages to be serene and restorative while still keeping the option of a night out within easy reach. For two soon-to-be parents craving calm with a hint of indulgence, it was exactly where we needed to be.
In Need of Sun and Sea
Our last sun-soaked escape had taken us to Lake Como with Leading Hotels of the World back in August. Since then, winter had wrapped itself around me like a heavy cloak—sweaters layered on top of sweaters, days swallowed by gray skies. By the time the holidays passed, the weight of seasonal gloom was setting in. With just nine short weeks until my due date, I felt an urgency rise in me: if not now, when?
And so, with a little burst of spontaneity, we booked our flights. The promise of sunshine, warm air, and the gentle lull of ocean waves was all I could think about. This time, as with Como, our Leaders Club Membership with Leading Hotels of the World made the trip even sweeter.
The Leaders Club Advantage
If you’re not yet familiar with Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), it’s a collection of over 400 independent luxury hotels across more than 80 countries. What sets it apart, though, is the Leaders Club loyalty program. Free to join, it offers thoughtful perks like early check-in, priority dining reservations, and complimentary upgrades (something we’ve been lucky enough to experience almost every time).
At Acqualina, this meant a generous upgrade to a One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite, complete with a wrap-around balcony, a spacious living room, a full kitchen, and a beautifully remodeled bathroom. Waking up to the panoramic stretch of ocean each morning felt like stepping into a dream. Honestly, for anyone who loves traveling in style without the stress, this membership is a no-brainer.
Time to Truly Disconnect
One of the most unexpected gifts of this babymoon was giving myself permission to slow down. For once, I didn’t hover over my laptop editing photos or feel pressure to post in real-time. Instead, I allowed myself to be fully present.
The Acqualina Spa became my haven. Their Royal Pre-natal Treatment—a three-hour escape of gentle scrubs, massages, and a quiet balcony lunch—felt like medicine for both body and soul. I even indulged in something I haven’t done in years: a long afternoon nap. In those quiet moments, I realized how deeply I had needed this reset.
Four Days of Bliss
The days at Acqualina have a way of slipping through your fingers like warm sand. Ours were mostly spent moving between the four shimmering pools (my favorite being the adult-only one, where floating weightlessly felt almost symbolic) and the beachfront aqua beds, where the rhythm of the waves became the soundtrack to our days.
Evenings brought a feast for the senses. We dined at Il Mulino, where Italian flavors danced with the salt of the sea air, and tried Keuh, Acqualina’s Japanese restaurant that felt like a modern contrast to the villa-inspired surroundings. For variety, we ventured to The Setai, their sister property, to enjoy dinner at Jaya—a reminder of just how seamlessly Miami blends cultures, flavors, and atmospheres.
What impressed me most, though, was the resort’s ability to strike a balance between being family-friendly and adult-focused. For families, there are kids’ clubs, sports courts, and even life-size chess boards. But for couples like us, it still felt peaceful, private, and intimate—proof that luxury can be tailored to many types of travelers.
A Place We’ll Return To—Again and Again
As our second babymoon drew to a close, I felt that familiar bittersweet tug. Four days had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, but the imprint Acqualina leaves is lasting. More than just a resort, it’s a place tied to milestones, memories, and moments of pure joy.
I can already picture us returning one day—not just as a couple awaiting our first child, but as a family, with little ones splashing in the waves where they once quietly grew within me. That’s the magic of places like Acqualina: they’re not just beautiful backdrops for vacations, but sanctuaries where life chapters unfold.
Until next time, Acqualina—you’ll always hold a special place in our story.
