ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher and I were in Miami seeing clients, and Trump International Beach Resort Sunny Isles was in a great location for our trip. Although it bears the Trump name, this resort is no longer owned by the president. Rather, it’s owned by Gil Dezer, a luxury high-rise residential and hotel property developer.

I arrived by car, driving in from our offices in Sarasota, and was instantly greeted by the valet. When I walked into the lobby area, I was informed the boss had just arrived a few minutes before I did, and the team was “expecting me.” My check-in was easy and swift, and I received my room keys for the 29th floor.

© Carrie Cox

GUEST QUARTERS: As I entered my room, I noticed it felt more like a small apartment than a hotel suite. A generous living room area, separate dining area, large kitchenette and washer/dryer combination were located in the first room, with the second room housing a king-sized bed, business work station, five-piece bathroom and balcony. Speaking of the balcony, it’s a wonder anyone gets anything done with such an extraordinary view. The Atlantic Ocean was vast and the winds were calm — I could’ve sat outside all afternoon admiring the environment in front of me.

Shades of blue taken from the ocean view filled the interior of the suite. The pops of color appeared on curtains and in the artwork, balancing the more neutral tones of ivory and sand. Floor-to-ceiling windows brought in the light and offered even more moments of awe from the Atlantic … a spectacular sight that likely never grows old.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: The resort offers five dining options, two pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, meeting space and tennis/pickleball courts. During our stay we dined and entertained clients at Gili’s Beach Club. Our hostess was especially attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed for the evening, including a beachside table away from other guests.

© Carrie Cox

Although the resort proves a little tricky to navigate, helpful staff ensure you never get lost. And if you do make a misstep (as I did in the beginning), the team will quickly escort you to your destination. I even received a short-cut tour through the “bones” of the property one night, helping me better understand the different ways I could escape to the beach and enjoy my oceanfront dining.

With numerous amenities available, Trump International Beach Resort delivers on the full resort experience. It’s ideal for those looking for a relaxing, ocean-front escape between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Sunny Isles Beach, with its high-rise condos and scenic views, is known as Billionaire’s Row.
• Located 11 miles north of Miami Beach, Sunny Isles boasts some of the best sand in the area.
• Large suites with washers and dryers allow travelers to extend their stay beyond a quick weekend getaway.

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL BEACH RESORT
18001 Collins Ave.
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
tel 305 692 5600