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Playing Your Trump Card

By Madelyn Miller

When you already have two luxury properties in South Florida what more can you do?

Sonesta figured it out.

And they opened the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort.

What a pair! Two well-known hotelier names for quality and luxury. The prestige of Trump, combined with Sonesta’s management and expertise is obviously a winning combination.

THE TRUMP CONNECTION

Donald Trump is a partner with the developers of this property. This is the first Donald Trump development in Miami and the first Trump-Sonesta hotel.

The site is right on the ocean in Sunny Isles Beach, on of Florida’s most spectacular stretches of beachfront, midway between 2 international airports. Fort Lauderdale and Miami International airports are each 17 miles from the resort. And there is a shuttle service to the world-class shopping in Aventura as well as nearby attractions.

FUN FOR THE FAMILY AND THE LITTLE JOKERS

Right on the beach, this property offers a great deal of on-site activities for all members of the family, including Sonesta’s renowned “Just Us Kids” program, a schedule of daily complimentary activities, for ages 5-12.

In addition, the grotto-style oceanfront pool offers a complete water environment, with waterfalls, fountains and rock formations to delight all ages. I was traveling with a youngster whose behavior measured up to the status of the property, and joy and enthusiasm for the beach and pool knew no bounds.

QUEEN FOR A DAY

The Aquinox Spa has six spacious treatment rooms in an environment of relaxation and rejuvenation. The atmosphere is geared to create an oceanfront haven of serenity and pampering.

SIGNATURE TREATMENTS

Sonesta Surrender – 80 minutes, $165

 Enjoy a combination of Aquanox Spa's most popular treatments custom designed to be all-in-one. Trump Sonesta's massage experts have created the perfect spa experience that is exclusive to this resort.  Your journey will begin with an Apricot Chamomile hand and arm exfoliation followed by a eucalyptus and lemongrass Tired Tootsie treatment.  A full body Swedish massage I  enhanced with a scalp massage, all while your senses are soothed with a flaxseed eye pillow.

AromaOceanTherapy Massage– 50 min., $110

Personalized aromatherapy fragrances, combined with a traditional European Swedish Massage are a complete anecdote for stress. Essential oils are used to eliminate toxins, create balance, and boost your immune system.

Sea-Champagne Oxygen Facial – 50 min., $125

Enjoy a warm bubbling sea foam mud masque as it imparts a concentrated dose of minerals and trace elements to ease congestion within the epidermis and oxygenate the skin. This deep cleansing facial is designed to purify and detoxify oily or clogged skin.

Firming Marine Body Wrap – 50 min., $160

Relax as your body is enveloped in a cool gel concentrated with marine nutrients and spring-water micro-capsules. These combined active agents promote a firmer appearance and improve elasticity. This refreshing treatment leaves the skin moisturized, toned and helps promote the formation of elastin and collagen for firmer, healthier skin. This treatment is highly recommended after pregnancy, substantial weight loss, and for sun-damaged skin.

Tattered Tootsie Footsie – 25 min., $65

The perfect end to any day. This mini treatment is designed for instant stress relief in half the time. Feet and hands are wrapped in hot towels, massaged, exfoliated, and hydrated paying extra attention to the feet using a callous control gel, and repair crème.

DEALERS CHOICE

As a former restaurant reviewer, the final test for me is always the food.

Neomi’s Grill serves "Contemporary American Cuisine" under the skillful direction of executive chef, Philippe Boutinet. Here are a few highlights from the menu:

PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE    
Lump Crabmeat nested on warm Leeks and Pancetta

PAN SEARED FOIE GRAS ON TOAST    
Toasted Brioche, Mango, Cilantro and Port Wine Reduction

CRISPY CHICKEN SPRING ROLLS    
Tangy Sweet and Spicy Ginger Sauce

DOMESTIC RACK OF LAMB  
Leafy Cream Spinach with Rosti Potato
And fresh Mint Demi Glaze

GRILLED SALMON   
Fresh Wilted Spinach, Lemony Herb
Butter Sprinkled with Sweet Tomato Sals 

PAN SEARED YELLOWFIN TUNA  
Brushed With Wasabi Over Crispy Snow Peas, Roasted Sesame Seed Vinaigrette

ROASTED CHILEAN SEABASS    
Roasted Garlic Mash Potatoes
Young Asparagus, Oven Dried Pancetta Beurre Blanc and Merlot Reduction

In the end, I know you will have an ace Vacation

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL SONESTA BEACH RESORT
18001 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160
800-sonesta   (800-766-3782)
305-692-5600
FAX 305-692-5601
www.trumpsonesta.com

DON’T MISS WHILE IN THE AREA

1. MIAMI SEAQUARIUM

Three tons of Killer Power. Brings out the kid in every visitor. Look for the wide variety of tropical plants, including a unique palm collection.
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149
305-361-5705
fax 305-365-0075
www.miamiseaquarium.com

2. Vizcaya

The winter home of International Harvester vice president James Deering provides a unique glimpse of a vanished lifestyle in America. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent.
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Fl 33129
305-250-9133
www.vixcayamuseum.com

3. The Everglades

Covering 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is the third largest in the U.S. National Parks system.   Made up of sawgrass prairies, mangrove swamps, subtropical jungle and the warm waters of Florida Bay, a rare community of plants and endangered animals inhabit the seemingly endless grassy waters.

Visitors to the park can enjoy self-guided and ranger-led tours and activities from the Main Visitor Center at the Park's entrance, or journey deeper into the Everglades for a more extensive experience in the Florida wilderness. 

4. Fairchild Tropical Gardens

One of South Florida’s natural treasures, Fairchild Tropical garden is 83 acres of unparalleled beauty, just south of Miami. Fairchild is one of the world’s premier botanical gardens.

5. South Beach Food and Wine event (last weekend in February)

For Festival information, call (305) FIU-WINE (348-9463) or visit the event web site www.sobewineandfoodfest.com

GREAT GUIDEBOOKS

ODDBALL FLORIDA
800-888-4741
www.ipgbook.com 

MIAMI
KNOPF CITY GUIDES
www.aaknopf.com

FODOR’S MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH
www.Fodor’s.com 

FROM THE AIRPORT
The taxicab flat fare from Miami International Airport; to Sunny Isles/Golden Beach is $41; to Key Biscayne is $31; to Coral Gables is $11.00, 13.00 and $16.00, depending on the area.   Taxicab fares for trips to other destinations are determined by the taxi's meter, which displays the charge for the cab ride, not a "per person" fee.

FOGHORN OUTDOORS
FLORIDA BEACH
The best places to swim, play, eat and Stay
By Parke Puterbaugh and Alan Bisbort
Avalon Travel Publishing

TASTE OF FLORIDA AT HOME
MMMMIAMI Tempting Tropical Tastes for Home Cooks Everywhere by Carole Kotkin and Kathy Martin
ISBN: 0-8050-5673-4/$27.50  

TASTE OF FLORIDA
Savoring Sandestin: Recipes and Memories from Sunrise to Sunset Fest.  It features recipes from Sandestin restaurants, eateries and homeowners.  All proceeds go to our local Sacred Heart Hospital. The cost is $29.95 plus shipping  850.267.8135

Pool photo by Valerie Summers

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