The Diplomat Beach Resort’s Sweet Choices. Credit: The Diplomat Beach Resort
Every family’s idea of paradise is different. So, we scoured Miami for exceptional hotels to suit everyone, from the luxury leisure traveler to the outdoor adventure-seeker. Whether you are vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, parents or grandparents, these five well-appointed properties ensure that every member of the family will enjoy the trip.
The Diplomat Beach Resort
Sitting between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, this family-friendly Hollywood resort underwent a $100 million makeover last year, debuting 1,000 spacious guest rooms, 10 chic chef-led eateries and two sparkling pools.
This property excels in providing aquatic adventures. The Ocean Ambassador’s Kids’ Club facilitates seaside exploration and educational activities where little ones can learn about protecting the environment and caring for local baby sea turtles.
The Dip and Slide play area makes cooling off fun with two water slides, a dump bucket and water cannons.
Older kids (and the young at heart) can partake in a variety of waterborne recreational activities, such as jet skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Pop into sweets and housemade ice cream shop Candy & Cone for refreshing frozen treats after the action-packed day.
Ask the concierge to arrange for babysitting services for the evening so you can dine with celebrity chefs Michael Shulson (Monkitail) and Geoffrey Zakarian (Point Royal).
Loews Miami Beach Hotel’s Sobe Kids Club. Credit: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
For those looking for a central beach location and sensational service, this South Beach stunner is an ideal choice, and after a $50 million renovation, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property has even more to offer. The new Sobe Kids Club has half- and full-day programs where little ones can enjoy outdoor adventures, scavenger hunts and treasure dives, pizza-making classes and more.
Mothers and daughters can indulge in some side-by-side pampering at Exhale Spa’s nail salon while your tweens and teens will like hanging out in the new Rec Room and playing interactive video and arcade games.
Or, make it a family pool day and reserve an air-conditioned Soak Cabana, complete with air-conditioning, a rooftop deck and a private butler.
As for dining, all onsite restaurants have kids menus and evening entertainment in the form of iPads (with headphones, of course) fully loaded with age-appropriate games and movies.
And if you forgot something for your tiny traveler, don’t worry — the Leave it to Loews service team can supply you with anything from a night light or bath toys to a crib or Pack ‘n Play upon request.
The Biltmore Hotel. Credit: The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Hotel
When you need a tranquil tropical getaway, book an opulent stay at this historic Four-Star property, which sprawls across 150 well-manicured acres in Coral Gables, a residential, tree-lined enclave in Miami.
If you like lounging by the pool, you will enjoy the legendary 23,000-square-foot aquatic gem here. Spring for a poolside cabana suite and attentive staff will be on call to cater to your every whim.
While there’s no designated kid’s club, The Biltmore does provide a variety of pursuits for the young traveler. Sign your brood up for lessons at the world-class tennis center, cooking classes at the onsite culinary academy or a session at the Jim McLean Junior Golf Camp at the famed Donald Ross-designed course. By the way, adults can take advantage of all these fun activities, too.
We’d be remiss not to mention the Sunday champagne brunch here. It’s a rather extravagant culinary affair with an extravagant buffet and live entertainment set amid The Biltmore’s stunning courtyard.
1 Hotel South Beach. Credit: 1 Hotel South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach
This nature-inspired retreat brings together eco-conscious practices, chic design and lavish service to create a one-of-a-kind South Beach escape. Positioned on the north end of Collins Avenue, the property is far enough away from the fray but also walking distance from the area’s cultural hot spots. Ask the concierge to help you plan a day trip to nearby museums, shopping and dining.
In keeping with the sustainability theme, 1 Hotel hosts a Seedlings day camp during which kiddies can be a part of beachside shell hunting and tree planting, alongside arts and crafts, and movie time.
The Seedlings program, which just rolled out this summer, is one of the many benefits at the resort’s new members-only beach club. Other perks include priority seating on the hotel’s 600 feet of white sand along the Atlantic, access to the Spartan gym and Cabana Pool, as well as preferred pricing at Bamford Haybarn Spa and at meal time.
Trump International Beach Resort Miami. Credit: Trump International Beach Resort Miami
Trump International Beach Resort Miami
Located in upscale Sunny Isles Beach, this Four-Star oceanfront oasis is refined yet relaxed, with plenty of family-friendly amenities. For starters, the large, family-size rooms all have kitchenettes, and many suites also include washer/dryers.
Numerous kid-centric experiences are available for youngsters to delight in, especially if they like learning about nature. Planet Kids maintains a daily schedule of environment-related activities. And it’s included in the resort fee, so you don’t have to pay extra.
While the kids are taken care of, adults can head to the newly renovated Four-Star Aquanox Spa, a dreamy retreat for relaxation, rejuvenation and restoration.
