When it comes to naming 10 so-called "hot alternative beaches," Sunny Isles Beach immediately comes to mind, thanks in good part to the opening of the Acqualina Resort in 2006. There's also a new Le Meridian and the Trump International Beach Resort. Located on a barrier island just 13 miles north of Miami Beach, it's also just three miles away from Bal Harbour's renowned shopping. Stacy Small, president of Elite Travel International, a boutique luxury travel agency in Brentwood, Calif., calls the Sunny Isles accommodations "more sophisticated" than those of its more celebrated neighbor.