A second babymoon sparked a serendipitous trip back to Sunny Isle, Florida, where we found ourselves once again at the luxurious Acqualina Resort and Spa. After staying at the picturesque property for our first babymoon in January 2020, it’s been at the top of our list to revisit ever since. Its Southern Italian villa vibes captured our hearts and is just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. It’s the perfect distance to feel like you’re in a quiet oasis while still being close enough for a swanky night out if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
Our last warm weather trip took us to Lake Como with Leading Hotels of The World back in August. To say that I was in need of some serious sun bathings and vitamin sea is an understatement. I’ve legitimately been bundled in layers of sweaters and leggings for what feels like an eternity, and the seasonal depression was beginning to set in. So with just nine short weeks from my due date (that crept up fast), I knew it was now or never! So, after the holidays, we booked the flights and took full advantage of our Leaders Club Membership with Leading Hotels as we did in Como at Villa d’Este.
During that trip, many of you shared that you’re also members, but if you’re not familiar, it’s a complementary tiered guest loyalty program for curious travelers. Members enjoy personalized services and exclusive travel benefits at over 400 hotels in over 80 countries – LHW has the largest collection of independent luxury hotels and the membership helps guests make the most of their stays. You can check out all of the benefits here, but what we love most is the access to early check-ins and free room upgrades almost every time we’re at an LHW property. So if you’re catching the early flight in, you don’t have to worry if your room will be ready. We were also upgraded to a One Bedroom Ocean front suite with a massive wrap-around balcony, full kitchen, living room, and recently remodeled bathroom. When it comes to free memberships to sign up for, this one is a must!
I can genuinely say, that for the first time in a long time, I was able to properly check out. I didn’t pressure myself to edit and post in real-time, and I took full advantage of the Spa with their 3-hour Royal Pre-natal treatment. A 90-minute scrub with massage and lunch on the balcony are included. Later on, I got a little crazy with an afternoon nap – needless to say, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
It’s very easy to get sucked into this property, and four days flew by too quickly. We spent most of the time between the beach acquabed, feeling the absolute bliss of floating weightlessly in the adult pool (one of the four pools on the property) and dinners at their Italian restaurant Il Mulino and their newest Japanese restaurant, Keuh. We also headed over to their sister property nearby, The Setai, to get dinner at Jaya as well. What I find most comforting about the property, though, is their attention to detail in the form of hospitality and catering to guests who are looking for different experiences. As a family-friendly hotel, they offer a kids club and activities like a soccer field, basketball court, and a life-size chess board. But you can also fully enjoy yourself on an adults-only trip and feel entirely removed from everything because the property sits on a total of 4.5 acres; there’s plenty of room for everyone! We can’t wait to bring the girls back one day and share photos and stories of when we were there with them in my belly!
