Acqualina Resort & Spa sits on four and a half beachfront acres at Sunny Isles Beach, north of Miami, in the style of a Mediterranean villa with lawns running down to the sand. It has 54 rooms and 44 suites, all with Intracoastal or ocean views and private terraces, many of the suites with full gourmet kitchens and separate living rooms. Dining centres on the Italian Il Mulino New York by the ocean, the Greek Avra Miami, the Japanese-fusion Ke-uH and the casual Costa Grill. The 20,000-square-foot Acqualina Spa by ESPA has a royal spa suite and an oceanfront pool terrace, and there are three oceanfront pools, a beach and the complimentary AcquaMarine marine-biology programme for children. It suits couples and families who want a polished, oceanfront base with strong dining and a serious spa, north of the Miami bustle.