Many families visiting Fort Lauderdale and Miami miss out on some of the great stretches of beach that lie between. On the small island known as Sunny Isles awaits Acqualina Resort, a luxurious high-rise complex with two towers dedicated to residential and visitor rooms and suites. Decorated in a modern décor with shades of grays and heavy use of chrome and glass, the property is quiet on the interior. You won’t find loud crowds spilling out of its restaurants or bars, nor will you hear the other families in neighboring suites. Where you will find families will be outdoors, during the day, enjoying the expansive stretch of beach, multiple swimming pools, and kids’ programming and club.

From the resort, it’s easy to travel between Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, and South Beach. Families can enjoy the full experience of South Florida’s attractions, or choose instead to be pampered at the resort. Its suites with full kitchens make it a great condo-style resort, where families can stock the pantry and fridge and choose to make meals themselves, or visit the onsite dining, or even have food delivered to the room, the beach or pool. Acqualina works hard to ensure families feel they have escaped and eliminates all the stress of traveling. Here, your family will just sit back and enjoy the Florida coastline in a beautiful setting.

Rooms for Acqualina are divided by standard rooms and suites, as well as views.

Standard Rooms
These rooms are 600 square feet and the smallest of the options, with room for four people. Intracoastal Views has city views, while Deluxe Intracoastal Rooms provide bay views and can be up to 740 square feet. The rooms feature terraces and either a king bed with sleeper sofa or two double beds. Oceanfront options are 615 square feet and feature ocean views.

Hotel Suites
Starting in size from 1,010 square feet for a classic suite that sleeps four, suites grow up to up to three bedrooms and 2,031 square feet and sleep nine. Suites feature ocean views and offer full kitchens, dining areas, living room space and separate bedrooms. As the bedroom size increases, so do bathrooms.

Children's Center
An "Acqua-Marine"-themed kids' center features arts and crafts, toys, video games, and computers for kids to enjoy. The supervised center and programming is available for children ages 5 to 12, although children need to be registered in advance. A Kids' Night Out program is also available, providing kids with dinner, games and a movie while mom and dad enjoy a dinner date.

Aquamarine Program
Children can learn more about the Florida environment and the sea life around the resort with various programs offered by the resort. Designed for kids ages 5 to 12, the marine biology-based program includes beach games, lifeguard experiences, and various educational, yet fun programs. Sharks & Rays, for example, is a group exploration where kids will play games and enjoy a scavenger hunt, and the Wonderful World of Whales program includes science experiments, scavenger hunts and more.

Water Fun
The resort offers three oceanfront swimming pools, although one is for adults only. The resort is situated on 400 feet of beach. Cabanas are available for half- or full-day rentals. Water sports can be arranged through concierge, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, Wave Runners and Hobie Cats.

Dinner and a Movie
Children can enjoy dinner and a movie with popcorn in the room with this special offering from the hotel. (Additional fee.)

Private Lessons
The resort provides private sports and swim lessons for kids through the Children's Center. Lessons are at additional costs.

AQ by Acqualina
This casually chic restaurant provides plush sofa seating in its dining room and outdoor veranda dining. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on weekends.

Il Mulino New York
The only restaurant to offer a children's menu, Il Mulino is an Italian-inspired restaurant spawned from its predecessor in New York City. The restaurant is open for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m., lunch from 12 to 2:30 p.m., and dinner from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Dinner requires reservations.

Costa Grill
Outdoor, poolside dining is available at Costa Grill. The beachfront bar and restaurant serves poolside or at its casual spot beneath red and beige umbrellas. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.

AQ Sushi by Yakko San
Sushi is available Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m., and weekends, 5:30 to 11 p.m. within the Piazzetta Restaurant.

Piazzetta Marketplace
This grab-and-go marketplace features pastries, coffees, teas, desserts and gelato. It is open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on weekends. At night, sushi is also featured here.

Room Service
Room service is available with breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and all-day dining from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. A late-night menu serves from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Kids' cuisine includes a grilled cheese sandwich, chicken fingers or a hot dog.

All About the Extras
Infant Amenities
Housekeeping has a variety of items for infants and young children, including bath amenities, infant bathtubs, socket guards, disposable diapers, bottle warmers, high chairs, bottles, booster chairs, cribs, swim diapers, bibs and blankets.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available in-room and in all public areas.

Complimentary Coffee
Complimentary coffee is provided near concierge daily, from 6 to 9 a.m.

Pets
The resort welcomes small pets less than 25 pounds, including dogs and cats. Pets must remain on a leash and a non-refundable fee will be charged.

Fitness Center
A fitness center is located on the Mezzanine level with cardio and weight-training equipment. Guests must be 16 and older to use the fitness center.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at noon.

The Art of Smart Timing
South Florida is a year-round vacation destination, with summer months often the hottest and bringing summer thunderstorms, which tend to pass quickly. Fall and spring months have better weather, with spring a popular time for families to visit. For less crowds and the best deals, visit during the fall, as holiday seasons also tend to be busy.

Getting There
The resort is located on Sunny Isles, which is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The airport will arrange transfers from both Miami International Airport and Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale International Airport for an additional fee.

Getting Around
A house car is available on a first-come, first-serve basis from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. within a 5-mile radius. For those renting a car for their visit, parking is available by valet for a daily fee.

For Mom and Dad
Visit the Acqualina Spa by ESPA, which is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closing at 7 p.m. on Sunday.