Miami's Day Trip Gem

By Melissa Bartalos
Published: August 21, 2008
Last Updated On: March 10, 2011

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Spas

Resorts

Miami

South Beach

Sunny Isles Beach

Luxury

The Trump International Beach Resort delivers a satisfying dose of beach, pool and spa, all wrapped up in the royal treatment – and all in a day.

We're cruising up Collins Avenue on a Saturday morning, leaving the buzz of South Beach for the quiet enclave of Sunny Isles Beach. The pastel-hued Art Deco buildings eventually give way to a string of ultra-modern, skyscraper-style resorts, punctuated by parks, palms and bright blue ocean. It's around this part of Collins that I pull into the Mobil 5 Star-rated Trump International Beach Resort. Its sweeping entrance is crowned with a steel sculpture of the world, as if to say "this place has it all."

The Trump Miami seems to have accomplished the near impossible, carving out a quiet oasis in the middle of South Florida's major attractions and fashioning itself as supremely sophisticated while keeping the vibe kid-friendly.

The big-name resort's most interesting move lately is unveiling a special package where you can get Trump's VIP treatment without even staying the night. The package is called "Luxury on the Beach," and it's designed to shower you with all the finer things you can experience in a day. It's a short but sweet respite for the busy or budget-minded. (And should you wish to stay a while longer, rest assured you won't need special connections to make it happen.)


Luxury on the Beach

Access to the resort's private white-sand beach is just the beginning with Trump's "Luxury on the Beach" package. It also includes use of the resort's two pools (a peaceful lap pool and a family-friendly pool complete with cascading waterfall), lunch overlooking the ocean or right at your lounge chair and a spa treatment (Swedish massage or classic facial). Plus all the superior service and individualized attention that comes standard at any Trump property.

This isn't your grandma's cabana. The private, air-conditioned room has a couch, stereo and granite-topped mini-bar. It even has its own back porch for sunbathing.

My friend Jamie didn't need any coaxing to join me for a day in the sun, Trump-style. We set up at the main pool, an elevated area featuring a lagoon-style pool surrounded by crisp white lounge chairs and tropical palms. It's our lucky day – a cabana is free, and we're invited to settle in. (Cabanas aren't guaranteed as part of the package, but as we learned, the resort will upgrade you for free if one is available.)

This isn't your grandma's cabana. The private, air-conditioned room has a couch, stereo and granite-topped mini-bar. It even has its own back porch for sunbathing.

We lounge in front of our luxe cabana and order cool drinks: a Leblon Strawberry & Basil Caipirinha and a Trump Punch. We read a little, observe a little, swim a little. The pool is the main attraction for a diverse age range – from giggling toddlers to trendy teens to worldly seeming grandparents.

Later we venture from the cabana for lunch at Gili's Pool Bar, on a terrace overlooking the bright blue Atlantic. We soak up the sun, breeze and beautiful beach panorama while enjoying our grouper sandwiches. Deep navy umbrellas and loungers line the wavy shore, servers shuttle drinks back and forth and rental stands offer everything from wave runners to kayaks for the active-minded.


Pampering at the Spa

Around 2 p.m., we peel ourselves away from the pool and head up to the resort's award-winning Aquanox Spa. With frosted glass, soft colors and tropical accents, the spa facility sets the tone for rejuvenation and pampering. Within a few minutes, Jamie and I are sitting in our plush robes – cucumber-infused water in hand – awaiting our 60 minutes of massage bliss.

Katia, my massage therapist, melts away the tension in my upper back and neck within minutes. The massage table is one of the most comfortable I've experienced. That, combined with Katia's perfect touch (firm enough to work out the kinks but still soothing), leaves me feeling like a new person. Post-massage, Jamie and I hit the sauna, daydreaming of more "Luxury on the Beach."


Evening Escape

After the spa, you can continue relaxing beachside or poolside. Or, if you're sufficiently recharged, you can go exploring.

Close by, Bal Harbour Shops and Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard are prime spots for upscale shopping. About 30 minutes to the south, South Beach beckons with its famous dining and nightlife. Or, stay on resort property to enjoy a memorable dinner at the award-winning Neomi's restaurant.


Overnight Indulgence

While you're at it, you may as well stay the night. Wishful thinking? If not, it's worth exploring the option. Trump offers the first-class accommodations you expect and the affordable rates you may not (especially off-season).

If you do stay the night, take advantage of the Planet Kids program, a thoughtfully conceived program for kids, ages 5-12. The dedicated people in charge here will occupy, entertain and even educate your kids while you're savoring some luxurious you-time in a most luxurious setting.

Extending your stay at the Trump is the ultimate luxury, but if that's not your reality, trust me – a day can go a long way.

For more information on planning your own day (or longer) of "Luxury on the Beach," contact the Trump International Beach Resort 866-708-7867 or visit www.trumpmiami.com. Package rates start at $179 per person.