Acqualina Spa | Is Miami's Forbes Five-Star Spa Worth It?

Visited during Miami Spa Months

For years, Acqualina Spa had been sitting at the top of my spa bucket list. Friends kept telling me, "You have to experience it," but somehow I never made it there. This year, I decided there was no better way to celebrate my birthday than with a spa day, so my husband and I booked Acqualina’s Summer Soothing Massage during Miami Spa Months.

After spending nearly six hours at the spa, I completely understand why Acqualina has earned its reputation as one of South Florida’s premier luxury spa destinations.

Located inside the beautiful Acqualina Resort and Residence in Sunny Isles Beach, this Forbes Five-Star spa offers more than just exceptional treatments, it’s a place to slow down, disconnect from everyday life, and truly reset.

First Impressions

Our massage was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., but we arrived at 9:30 a.m to complete our check-in process and enjoy a tour of the spa before our treatment. I highly recommend arriving early because the experience begins the moment you drive through the resort’s grand entrance.

The beautifully landscaped property, elegant fountains, marble floors, soaring ceilings, and stunning floral arrangements immediately create the feeling that you’re somewhere special. As you make your way toward the spa, calming water features and soft ambient sounds begin easing you into relaxation long before your treatment starts.

After checking in, we were welcomed with Acqualina’s Welcome Wellness Shot, a refreshing way to begin the day and a thoughtful detail that immediately set the tone for the experience.

The reception area also features a beautiful boutique filled with resort wear, swimwear, skincare, wellness products, and gifts that are worth browsing before or after your treatment.

The Massage: 10/10

My husband and I both booked the Summer Soothing Massage ($199 for 60 minutes), Acqualina’s Miami Spa Month offering. This relaxing Swedish massage is designed to ease tension and promote overall well-being.

Although we weren’t able to reserve the couples’ treatment room, we each had our own private room, and honestly, I didn’t mind. Having my own quiet space allowed me to fully relax without distraction.

Before beginning, our therapists took time to understand our individual preferences. My husband prefers light pressure, while I requested medium pressure with extra attention to my neck, shoulders, and upper back. We were also invited to choose from several aromatic oils, all of which were warmed before being applied, a small detail that made the experience feel even more luxurious.

Just before the massage began, my therapist gently sounded a chime, inviting me to take a deep breath and fully settle into the moment. It was such a simple yet calming ritual that immediately helped me relax.

What impressed me most, however, was the rhythm of the massage itself. Many massages can feel very methodical, one arm, then the other, one leg, then the next. This massage flowed beautifully from one movement to another, almost like gentle ocean waves. Every transition felt seamless, creating one of the most relaxing massages I’ve experienced.

To end the treatment, my therapist placed a cool crystal on my forehead before softly sounding the chime once again. It was a beautiful way to close the experience and slowly ease back into the present.

As an added surprise, each of our treatment rooms featured a personalized birthday sign, making the day feel even more special.

Without hesitation, both my husband and I rated our massages a 10 out of 10.

Relaxation Lounge

After our treatments, we spent time in the coed relaxation lounge overlooking the pool. This quickly became one of our favorite spaces.

The zero-gravity lounge chairs each include guided meditation headphones that guests can access through a QR code. My husband used the meditation twice during our visit and said it helped him completely disconnect.

The lounge also offered cozy blankets, herbal tea, refreshing boxed Acqualina water, light snacks, and one unforgettable surprise.... a lavender cookie.

I'm still thinking about that cookie!

If anyone from Acqualina happens to read this...please tell me where you get them.

Outdoor Spa Pool

One of my favorite parts of the day was spending time at the spa’s private outdoor pool.

Reserved exclusively for spa guests, this tranquil area includes a beautiful pool, a heated jet pool with a waterfall, comfortable lounge chairs, daybeds, and outdoor dining overlooking the ocean.

Although spa guests don’t receive access to the resort’s main pools or beach, I honestly never felt like I was missing anything. During our visit, the spa-only pool remained peaceful and uncrowded, making it feel like our own private retreat.

We enjoyed a fresh green juice along with the hummus and pita platter for lunch. It was light, refreshing, and exactly what we wanted after our massage before spending another couple of hours enjoying the sunshine.

Locker Room & Wellness Amenities

After spending a relaxing afternoon by the outdoor spa pool, we went our separate ways to continue our spa journey, as the locker room wellness amenities are designed to be enjoyed individually.

Unfortunately, the steam rooms were temporarily out of service during our visit, which was disappointing. However, we still enjoyed the sauna, spacious showers, and beautifully maintained locker rooms.

The eucalyptus aroma throughout the locker room immediately enhanced the relaxing atmosphere, and every detail was thoughtfully curated with premium amenities to ensure guests could comfortably refresh before heading home.

The spa attendants also deserve special recognition. Throughout the day they continuously refreshed towels, replenished amenities, cleaned every space, and regularly checked to see if guests needed anything, all while remaining warm, attentive, and unobtrusive.

A Thoughtful Ending

One detail I especially appreciated was the departure experience. Spa guests receive discounted valet parking ($16 during our visit), and before we checked out, the spa staff requested our vehicle so it was already waiting when we exited the resort. It was the perfect ending to an incredibly relaxing day, allowing us to leave without interrupting that wonderful post-spa feeling.

Final Thoughts

Overall Rating: 9/10

Acqualina Spa exceeded nearly all of my expectations.

While guests looking for an extensive hydrotherapy circuit with numerous thermal experiences may find fewer amenities than some destination spas, what Acqualina does exceptionally well is luxury hospitality.

From the Welcome Wellness Shot upon arrival to the opening and closing chime of the massage, every detail felt intentional. The outstanding therapists, personalized service, peaceful atmosphere, and genuinely caring staff are what truly set this spa apart.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a romantic couples’ getaway, enjoying a girls’ spa day, or simply looking for a peaceful place to recharge, Acqualina Spa offers an experience that feels every bit worthy of its Forbes Five-Star reputation.

After wanting to visit for years, I can confidently say this won’t be my last visit.