Acqualina Resort & Spa
17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
VIP treatment: As if Acqualina wasn’t already paradise found, the five-star resort has added to its luxury reputation with the debut of a grand deluxe three-bedroom oceanfront suite on its 32nd floor. The 2,375-square-foot unit, priced at $6,500 per night, is filled with chic, contemporary design details and custom lighting; state-of-the-art appliances; and cutting-edge home tech. Through Dec. 30, guests who book a minimum three-night stay receive an added over-the-top bonus—one day’s use of a Rolls-Royce Ghost to explore South Florida.
Isn’t that special: Acqualina’s Family Escape Package (good through Dec. 19 and starting at $630 per night) features daily access to the resort’s Children’s Center, home to its AcquaMarine program with marine-themed activities for kids ages 5 to 12; a $40 credit at award-winning Acqualina Spa by ESPA for up to two adults; daily buffet breakfast at Il Mulino New York (which also stages a renowned Sunday brunch)—and much more.
Contact: 305.918.8000; acqualinaresort.com
The Diplomat Beach Resort
3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood
VIP treatment: With its more than 1,000 rooms and suites, its eight culinary concepts, beachside lagoon and infinity pools, a Dip & Slide water play area for kids, and countless amenities, The Diplomat is a self-contained luxury escape in more ways than one. See for yourself by taking advantage of the Vacation Like a VIP package (good through Sept. 30), which includes a room upgrade, complimentary valet parking, amenity-rich access to The Colonnades Outlets at Sawgrass Mills, a summer savings card courtesy of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, a free gift upon check-in—and much more.
Isn’t that special: The Diplomat’s Locals & Loyalists package includes complimentary two-hour daily access to the resort’s Kids Club, 20-percent off spa services, no daily resort fee, and free meals for up to two children (ages 12 and under) off the kids’ menu at Playa and Point Royal.
Contact: 954.602.6000; diplomatresort.com
Margaritaville Beach Resort
1111 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood
VIP treatment: Few resorts invite guests to wear different hats quite like sprawling Margaritaville. Its island-inspired pool areas and FlowRider waterslide are built for fun; its 11th-floor rooftop pool and License to Chill Bar are designated for adults; its LandShark Bar & Grill, Lone Palm Beach Bar and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar are places to party. And the 2,834-square-foot Jimmy Buffett Suite is designed for a high-end escape. The space includes a gourmet kitchen and dining room for eight; a bar with a Margaritaville frozen cocktail machine; an exercise room; and a 1,500-square-foot private balcony, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.
Isn’t that special: Margaritaville’s Vacation Like a VIP package (good through Sept. 30) includes a complimentary room category upgrade, $100 of resort credit, two welcome margaritas, a two-for-one summer savings card and a surprise gift courtesy of the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB.
Contact: 844.562.5625; margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
VIP treatment: The Conrad invites you to live a little this summer by making the most of its 3,900-square-foot penthouse suite—and its 1,649-square-foot wraparound terrace overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach. The chic, contemporary four-bedroom unit features a gourmet kitchen and separate dining room area, an open living space with three couches and a 65-inch TV, four full bathrooms (and one half bath)—and options galore to enhance your experience, including in-suite cooking demonstrations that start at $250 per person. Summer penthouse pricing starts at $2,300.
Isn’t that special: The Staycation package at The Conrad (two-night minimum) includes a $100 resort credit, 2 p.m. late check out and discounted valet services. For those just looking to take advantage of the resort’s wildly popular pool deck, check out The Conrad’s day passes. The Summer Bliss deal ($300 for two passes) features a day bed, bottle of Champagne, appetizers, ice cream and 15-percent off drinks at the Spinnaker Pool Grill.
Contact: 954.414.5100; conradfortlauderdale.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
VIP treatment: As luxury resorts go, The Ritz-Carlton brand speaks for itself. Its oceanfront oasis on Fort Lauderdale Beach features exquisitely appointed standard rooms, suites and residential suites (including a three-bedroom, 2,181-square-foot unit overlooking the Atlantic) that give couples and families an array of high-end accommodation options. Add to that experience by sampling themed treatments at the only full-service beachfront spa in town. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is rolling out its summer Happy Hour treatments, based on tropical cocktails at the resort’s Burlock Coast restaurant. The Rum Punch Body Polish includes a butter rum scrub comprised of brown sugar, premium rum and rice bran oils; the Strawberry Basil Martini body polish incorporates organic vodka, basil, strawberry seeds and sugar as part of its exfoliation. Afterward, enjoy the complimentary cocktail that inspired the treatment at Burlock Coast (happy hour is Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m).
Isn’t that special: The summer package at The Ritz (good through Sept. 30) includes a $100 resort credit and a free gift from the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. Coming this fall: The resort will unveil its renovated guest rooms, with design influences that celebrate Lauderdale in the 1940s and ’50s.
Contact: 954.465.2300; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/fort-lauderdale
