The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club

Florida
United States

The Experience

Located in gilded, suburban Aventura—not hectic Miami proper—this elegant golf resort underwent a $100 million renovation in 2006. It's on the exclusive Turnberry Isle Country Club, so you enter through secure gates into the Mediterranean-style compound. You're greeted by three guest-room towers, two 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed fairways (used for several PGA events) and a three-story Willow Stream Spa complex with a cafe and fitness center. Not actually an island, but bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway, the lush grounds include several miles of winding walking paths, some of which accommodate your four-legged best friends—part of Fairmont’s pet-friendly policy.

The Rooms

Spacious and solid, more than design-oriented, the rooms here reflect old Florida money: overstuffed chairs, floral prints, periodless furnishings, with a mad dash of monkey prints and throw pillows that are more Palm Beach establishment than Miami cool. Enormous baths—even in standard rooms—emphasize sprawl as the ultimate luxury, with marble countertops, double basins and plenty of drawers, shelves and nooks so you can really move in. A bit of romance comes into play with French doors that open to terraces or balconies, many with water views.

The Service

Not at all stuffy or pretentious, the Fairmont brand of luxury includes a refreshing natural friendliness. Celebrities should not expect to be treated better than regular guests, though minor ones are often in residence. There is always a housekeeper with a cart of goods trolling the halls in case you need extra conditioner or towels; and be warned that the hardworking valets will sprint for your vehicle in the tropic heat, inspiring unexpectedly generous tips.

The Rest

Big weddings and conferences are in constant rotation, but five restaurants and 300 acres mean you won’t ever feel like part of a crowd. Beach access is available via free shuttle to the Ocean Club on a stretch of white sand in the Sunny Isles lined with beach loungers, cabanas and waiter service. Also, there are two tennis centers with a total of 11 courts, and moorings for more than 100 boats, shared with Country Club members. A shuttle is also available to nearby Aventura Mall, nice for lunch, a movie or an air-conditioned afternoon stroll when the August temps top 100 degrees.

 

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