Playing Your Trump CardBy Madelyn MillerWhen 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.
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 TREATMENTSSonesta 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 CHOICEAs 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 FOIE GRAS ON TOAST CRISPY CHICKEN SPRING ROLLS DOMESTIC RACK OF LAMB
PAN SEARED YELLOWFIN TUNA ROASTED CHILEAN SEABASS In the end, I know you will have an ace Vacation TRUMP INTERNATIONAL SONESTA BEACH RESORT DON’T MISS WHILE IN THE AREA1. 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. 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. 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 GUIDEBOOKSODDBALL FLORIDA MIAMI FODOR’S MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH FROM THE AIRPORT FOGHORN OUTDOORS TASTE OF FLORIDA AT HOME TASTE OF FLORIDA Pool photo by Valerie Summers |
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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.
PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE 
GRILLED SALMON