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The
Beachside Pool |
To
say that life at Doubletree Ocean Point Beach Resort and
Spa revolves around casual oceanfront living would be
an understatement. The pool area feels like an extension
of the private beach, which stretches from the hotel down
to the Atlantic. And if guests aren't splashing in the
waves, they are most likely taking in the water views
from the enormous terraces that embrace the guest rooms.
In
keeping with the style of Miami's South Beach, which is
only 25 minutes away, the tower architecture at this Sunny
Isles' resort is influenced by the Art Deco movement.
Of note is the curved porte-cochere and the retro-feeling
pool terrace. The bedrooms are a bit more contemporary,
fusing Danish modern accents with subtle tropical notes.
Still, they are the kind of rooms the Rat Pack might have
fled to with its families on the occasional weekend away.
Frank and his crew would have been in good company, since
parents and their kids flock to this place, especially
during the holidays. Particularly popular with toddler-toting
folks is the zero entry swimming pool and infant massage
at The Spa.
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Your
own private world of
in-suite comfort |
While
the ocean views are a highlight, the accommodations run
a close second. The smallest studios measure in at 400-square-feet,
and the one- to three-bedroom suites range up to an impressive
1,898-square-feet. All of the suites feel like full-service
apartments, with airy living rooms and bright kitchens.
An abundance of extras includes VCRs and CD stereos, Jacuzzi
tubs, queen sofa beds and stackable washer/dryers. And,
of course, there's the ocean, which can be seen from the
floor-to-ceiling bay windows in the dining nooks, the
vast windows in the bedrooms and the porches that wrap
around the suites like living works of art.
Unlike
at most hotels that tout their views, higher does not
necessarily mean better at Doubletree
Ocean Point Beach Resort and Spa. Down near sea level,
View restaurant opens onto vistas as good as those found
on the top floors. And The Market brings the beach indoors,
with its fun courtyard setting dappled with umbrella tables.
The Spa offers poolside services, such as Tiki torch massages,
and even closer to the waves are two private cabanas right
on the sand. Complete with cable, telephones and internet
access, they mean you don't have to sacrifice fresh sea
breezes just because you need to keep up with your work
emails.
With
its hot tubs tucked into rock waterfall grottos and an
offering of complimentary catamarans, kayaks and paddle
boats, the resort strives to make the most of its surroundings.
Yet its seemingly single-minded focus on the beach doesn't
mean it has neglected traditional resort niceties. There
are Aveda bath amenities, valet parking, a concierge and
a spacious fitness room that feels like a small health
club. Add to this a just-off-the-beaten path location
and it makes a pleasant retreat for casual gatherings
of family and close friends. |
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