Acqualina Spa By Espa

Loved my pampering session! It was wonderful experience! Very clean place and excellent view!

Ok this place was amazing… I am so picky with spas and the service that should be provided. They blew me away. From the amenities, to the services… I got a pedicure laying down and when you are 9 months pregnant… It’s amazing! Lol
Definitely will be back :) one of the best spa experiences I have ever had.

Best massage I ever had! I used the guy (I forgot his name) for a deep tissue sports massage– Amazing! So professional and customer service was amazing. Cookies and tea in the waiting room, the whole 9 yards. Pricey, but was a great birthday gift from my mom. They were staying in the hotel for a few months in a rental apartment so why not? :) 5 Stars

This is the kind of place that tells you they’ll give you a discount when you book your message, reconfirms they’ll give you the discount after your massage, but then at check out doesn’t give it to you and pretends they never brought it up in the first place. Serious scam. I would sue this place for false advertising…

Let me start out by saying the spa premises (changing room, steam room, hot tub, rain shower, etc) all are a definite 5 stars. If you don’t mind paying the high prices just to use those facilities then by all means I would definitely recommend. The big HOWEVER for me is the quality of the services I received.
Thankfully I came during spa month over the summer, so prices were a slightly more reasonable than usual. I don’t remember my technicians name, but she was heavier set and blonde. When she told me that she would be doing the massage and facial, I right away thought it was a little questionable, because learning good massage technique is something that takes a lot of time and effort. Knowing about skin for facials is something that also take a lot of knowledge completely different from massage. My suspicions were confirmed throughout the session. She told me that she «couldn’t» do any facial extraction for some crazy reason I don’t even remember, but i had never heard anything like that in my life. I believe she was just lazy and didn’t want to. During the massage I got, which was rough, and with out good technique I had the pleasure of hearing a some long drawn out story of how she popped a giant boil off another clients back and it started pussing everywhere. Disgusting! Yes I am serious! The only saving grace to the spa was the beautiful property and facilities. Don’t think that you can let the technician know about the services received by how much tip you leave either, because a 20% tip is automatically included.
Overall I would be very careful to only book services here with technicians that have been specifically recommended to you by family/​friends/​coworkers.

Went yesterday for a spa special. I was looking forward to a great relaxing day ending with an enzyme facial. The amenities and spa were great. However, the facial was not worth it! I was very disappointed with the facial. It was relaxing however I have never had a facial when they did not clean your pores. It was a lot of massaging and cream which is great however was looking forward to a nice clean complexion. Really would have been nice if they properly explained the services at the time of scheduling.

Absolutely amazing facility and service. Go early to enjoy the steam room and rain room showers. They recommend you alternate hot and cold to get circulation going before your massage. Then go relax in the waiting area with a cup of tea and biscuit. My massage was terrific. Afterwards I spent the day at the pool and took a nap in the lounge chairs. I have never felt so relaxed in my life! Only down side for me was that the men and women facilities are separate so my husband and I were only able to meet up after our services at the pool. Went to IL Miluno afterward for dinner… loved it… separate review for that to follow.

One of my favorite spas in Miami! Espa at Aqualina offers a beautiful steam room, a relaxation room which overlooks the spa’s pool and beach. My favorite masseuse is Mary, definitely request her if you’re getting any massage treatments!
What I love most about this place are the ambiance, cleanliness and overall environment!

The staff is VERY professional and kind
The spa is one of nicest in Miami and is HUGE
I came for Miami spa month
They offere you immediately a relaxation cold towel and black tea
Definitely come early because the process does take a while
I do wish ordering drinks and food didn’t take so long
There are two of everything, one male and one female:
–relaxation area has nice cookies, tea spa water and numerous chase lounges
Female and make steam room, sauna and changing area and ice application which is amazing !
There is a private pool area and jacuzzi which I enjoyed because it is quiet
I like the fact that they separate the spa from the hotel because it is quiet but it does take a while to receive food and drinks and unfortunately you are LIMITED. I think if you are receiving multiple Spa services you should be able to experience the hotel views and amenities. Also, you can only order spa food and wine, no cocktails or regular food.
I recommend

Did I die and gone go to heaven? this place is unbelievable, I wanted to stay forever… It really docent get any better then this :)

Granted, I did go during spa month (probably the busiest time of year) but I was underwhelmed by the spa at the Acqualina. Yes, they had all the usual suspects of a spa — the steam room, sauna, ‘rain’ showers but I was expecting more from this ‘world renowned’ spa, something different, that ‘wow’ factor.
My massage was relaxing and enjoyable. However, the music in the room stopped midway through the service and never came back on. It was hard to get into the complete relaxation zone. I was excited to try to treatment rooms as that is usually my favorite part of the whole ‘spa experience’. The steam room was the best part, it was set in dark lighting with sky lights that illuminated in different colors. I was not able to enjoy the Sauna because the water pale had gone empty and no one had bothered to refill it yet. The rain rooms were cool but nothing out of the ordinary. The pools outside were nice and offered a beautiful view of the beach. If you are looking to tan, Acqualina is not the place to do it as the sun is blocked by the building by the early afternoon. The relaxation room was a nice place to wind down — there were comfortable beds, current magazines, and fresh snacks.
We were limited in the parts of the Acqualina properties we had access to, which I completely understand but I would hope we would have access to the properties restaurants. The two options were Il Mulino or the spa ‘bento box’ which we ended up ordering. Unfortunately, that meant paying $ 30 for tiny portions of fruit, spring rolls, and extremely dry chicken. For a five star resort, this was not up to caliber. Other things to note was the fact that my locker, the only one available, did not lock. Also, when I went to take a shower it had not been cleaned from the previous user with the dirty towels still in the changing room. I think Acqualina would benefit by hiring a few more employees.
I did have a nice day, but ultimately I think I was just expecting more from Acqualina. Valet was complimentary, which was a treat and there is great people watching. However, I do think I will choose somewhere else next time I treat myself to a spa day.

It doesn’t get any better than this. I’ve been to the ESPA Spa at the Peninsula in Hong Kong and I have to say this is close, ocean view vs Harbor view, Latin vs Chinese masseuses, thank heavens for Spa month or I would have to sell my car to come here. Ahh so tempting, LOL!

I’ve been to quite a few spas in the miami brickell area and I must say that this spa, although farther from my house, is worth the drive. All the staff members are so nice and it’s so relaxing. No one bothers you or stares at you uncomfortably like at most Brickell spas. I love the sauna and steam room, and the changing rooms are so nice and dark so it makes you feel cozy.
Also, the private pool is awesome because it’s separate from all other guests in the hotel.

Great service, luxury facilities.
Don’t get lunch from Piazetta it’s VERY mediocre and overpriced. Paid $ 69 for two spinach salads, 1 panini and 2 drinks. This would be fine if the food was actually tasty but it could only be described as blah.
If you want hard pressure, spend the extra $ for deep-​tissue rather than swedish. When I asked my massage therapist for stronger pressure, she said «sorry, that’s more of a deep tissue massage» which was a bit annoying.
Overall a really nice place to spend the day though.

After reading a few reviews, and checking out website decided to go for it. I’m glad I did, it was definitely a great experience! Pretty much had the entire Spa area to myself. From the moment we drove up the courteous friendly valet started the wonderful experience! When we checked in we were greeted with a small tray of Hot tea & a warm towel that had a relaxing scent. Then went on a tour of the amenities. Loved the Steam Room it was more like a Light Show that was beautiful & relaxing! The amenities were nice had a nice relaxing room for b4 & after treatment which was nice, nice locker room as well, the pool/​Hot tub was really nice. We had great service by the pool as they brought us our lunch & catered to our needs! All around great trip!

The service by therapist was great.
Shower head in the men’s locker room is really old. I can see rust around it. Staff didn’t bother to explain everything in the room. For example how to change the temperature of the water. That is kind important I think. How to use the water machine.
Poolside is nice, only if engineers are not painting while you relax by the pool. Outdoor furnitures were outdated, I spotted stains, and dead bugs on the ground. No one came by to ask if I need anything else. Hmm is it a real 5 diamond resort?
Relax lounge, the décor looks really nice, but with really uncomfortable lounge chair. When I was there, suddenly a group of kids came in, they were loud, making all kind of noise. How can anyone relax in that environment ?
I don’t think I will come back again. Don’t think I will recommend anyone there either.

I was definitely looking forward for the Spa experience at ESPA. I had heard many good things about it, so this was definitely a treat for Miami Spa Month. Once you go up the entrance ramp there a display of expensive cars are at the lobby, valet will escort you to the spa and there you are — no pointing directions nor giving you directions how to get there. Nice service! The property itself is luxurious, lobby and all areas.
Once you get to the spa, there is a sense of calmness in the ambiance. Small chilled towel and tea served at check in. Someone will give you a tour of the spa to show you, the saunas, pool, relaxing room, etc. Masseuse will look for you in the «relaxing room» that has a waterfall running and huge individual loungy/​padded chairs, it’s a big room with some «divisions» in it (i.e. bamboo sticks to give a bit of privacy and space between one chair and the other). On to the private rooms for the treatment of your choice, heated bed (which was very nice), selection of 2 oils for the treatment — which I think is very nice since you are not only limited to one, and it gives that sense of you have more to choose from. The massage was really good, I would definitely recommend it. Times flies away when you are relaxing in a nice dimmed room, listening to soothing music and most important: relax. Have I said enough the word «relax»… lol.
After the treatment I was escorted to the relaxing room that overlooks the pool/​jacuzzi. Tea/​water, cookies, magazines at your convenience. Tried out the pool/​jacuzzi. Pool area is small, like for 20 – 25 people, I understand it’s the pool for the SPA only. Although the property has a bigger pool, but it’s probably for the hotel guest/​residents, which spa clients are not allowed to go… bummer there. Want to go to the beach? no direct beach access from the Spa, you have to leave the property, probably walk a bit on Collins Ave, and go through the public access… bummer #2.
The spa has nice amenities, bath robe/​slippers, water stations, food available to be ordered to be served in the terrace of the pool, 2 types of saunas, one rain shower, but… not much area to lounge around and guess what… to relax. The areas where you can lounge or relax is the the pool and in the relaxing room (hence the name). The dry and wet sauna are great.
There was a lot of people in the pool area — or better said on the Women’s, I guess it’s because of Spa Month. I would say, if you go, go on a weekday. Good job Acqualina, service was great and nice amenities.

I love Miami Spa month, but usually I get the massage. It just feels like a better deal, your whole body gets pampered, and it’s harder to DIY compare to facial. However, feeling my skin a bit abused, I decide to opt for a facial here instead.
I valeted my car, and when the concierge (?) learned that I was there to visit the spa, he walked me all the way to the spa. Nice service! There I sat down, and was brought a woven tray with tea, warm hand towel, and a registration form. Nice nice service!
The spa area is clean, with relaxing dimmed light. I’ve been to The Standard, Canyon Ranch, Fontainebleau and others; at Espa the amenities do not compare to them, but still a notch over your average spa. There is a steam room, and a sauna, though the temperature is on the low side. For a long while it feels about as hot and humid as sitting in my backyard. And the tropical shower. Seriously, they haven’t fixed it since Esther B.‘s visit in Dec 2012? I’ve tried a functional one at Canyon Ranch, it’s a theater of a shower with sound effect and all. Also, when I took my shower, the water temperature fluctuates. I thought that only happens at cheap motels?
Guests can also use the pool. It’s small but heated. The waterfall in the jacuzzi is my favorite, with the falling water pounding out my knots, which I need since I got a facial and not a massage.
There is also a nice relaxation lounge with tea and cookies, and plenty of reclining beds to lie in, before and after the treatment.
And oh the facial? It’s the best I’ve had in my life! Seriously. And while the mask is on, I get a scalp and shoulder massage, so there’s no down time at all. My face is so radiant and smooth. Let me tell you, my boyfriend saw me and decided to book a facial for himself! I gaze at myself in the mirror, and remember how mere weeks ago my dermatologist was telling me it’s never too young to get botox, it can take care of that irksome line on my brow. Line? What line?
Conclusion? 5 stars for service, 3 stars for amenities.

The first thing that comes to mine upon simply entering the hotel, before even reaching the spa is WOW! The hotel is an architectural marvel, and quite the treat for your eyes. There is detail, detail, detail everywhere! Whispy fabrics draped along the edge of a Mediterranean-​style domed entrance with a statue and fountain. Someone immediately comes to welcome you and open your door, and everywhere you turn, you are greeted by people working diligently to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Inside the immaculate, luxuriously-​appointed building, there is beautiful ornate furniture, marble and wood, high ornate ceilings, and just elegant details as far as the eye can see. You feel like royalty upon simply entering the hotel doors.
Once inside the spa, you suddenly feel a wave of relaxation take over you. That clean, fresh, herb-​y spa smell fills your nose and you are kindly greeted with a welcome tray of fruit tea and cooling citrus herb moistened towels, perhaps tea-​soaked, and you look around and know immediately that you are in the right place. Everyone is kind, professional, and sincere. You could not ask for a better setting for your day of relaxation. The kind receptionist gives you a tour of the facilities, and the splendor of it all is almost overwhelming. Your heart will be saying «yippiiiie!» the whole time. Welcome to your relaxation oasis!
From the time you set foot on the premises to the time you leave, you see that every single detail has been taken into account here. Every single special touch that could possibly be added is there. First things first, the massage table is heated, yes, heated! This is a small detail that makes a world of difference. Kristen H. says yes to heated massage tables, indeed! Secondly, this isn’t some screaming bright white spa, it is made for relaxation and this goal was clearly in mind at each step of the way when creating Aqualina spa. The colors are cool and soothing, the lighting is dim and relaxing, and the ceilings are tall and luxurious, the marble, mosaic, glass, and dark woods are perfect for relaxing in what feels like a special retreat just for you and you alone.
My masseuse was Lorraine and I highly recommend her. I had the Swedish massage, and I have never had a better massage in my life! She was gentle when necessary, but amazing at finding and eliminating tension in the muscles. It felt like angel hands that gently melted away my stress and tension. It was like getting a massage on a cloud. I almost fell asleep, that is how relaxed I was. Mission unravel accomplished! I cannot wait for another trip to Aqualina. I don’t know how I will ever be able to go to spas in Virginia again. They can never match what you get at Aqualina.
As far as the amenities go, there is a separate male and female area for just about everything. There is an awesome glass and mosaic steam room with color-​changing ceiling lights. It’s like getting a steam in outer space! Awesome! There is also a sauna and an ice fountain for cooling off. Simply place the ice in the wash cloths and rub it over your body to cool down. There is also another special treat, an experience shower – a rain shower with side jets that pulse at different rhythms and temperatures, and also has changing lighting. Relaxation at its best. In addition, there is a co-​ed heated pool. Heated pool? Uh yes, I’ll take a heated pool. I can’t stand ice cold water anyway. Thanks for the special touch, Aqualina angels!
Everything you can possibly imagine is awaiting at Aqualina. Take advantage! Don’t forget that August is spa month too. Double yippie!
Just as a tip, the spa attendant is much more helpful if you speak Spanish. She will help here and there in English, but she is super helpful if you speak Spanish. It makes a huge difference in your comfort level if this is your first time at a day spa, as opposed to more of a salon and spa, as it was for me.

This spa experience was very average. The spa is lovely however the treatment was nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary.
I participated in Miami spa month, so maybe they gave me a newbie masseuse. He went through all right steps, asked me questions, spoke softly and gave me a massage, but it didn’t leave me feeling refreshed and relaxed as I usually do. It was basically a back rub.
The most disappointing part however was the quality of the products in the changing room. Typically I see top of the line hair products, or at least a hotel bottle with a label, «hair gel» or something that at least makes it a mystery. but this million dollar spa in a multi million dollar building offered tresemme products. I mean, the cheapest of the drug store brands. what a turn off. I would have been better off bringing my own stuff, but that would defeat the purpose of going to a luxury spa! Then they have the audacity to recommend you buy their oils and scrubs for $ 60 a bottle without even sampling the products.
Overall it was a very average experience. There are much better spas in Miami that may not be as new or on the beach but offer much more in terms of relaxation and quality. I won’t be returning or recommending this spa anytime soon.