The great Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, FL., has earned the 2026 VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge from Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on hospitality excellence, for the third consecutive year. Responsible Hospitality is the official sustainability verification for Forbes Travel Guide’s community of Star-Rated hotels in more than 80 countries, and this latest honor places Acqualina among a distinguished group of properties worldwide recognized for their leadership in responsible luxury.
The comprehensive assessment verifies hotels on best practices to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests and the community – creating a global standard for the world’s finest hotels and a trusted third-party verification for guests.
Designed in partnership with highly respected hotelier Hervé Houdré, a leader in the field, Responsible Hospitality allows discerning guests to make purposeful choices based on consistent, expertly designed global standards.
At Acqualina, that commitment is woven seamlessly into the guest experience, from the elimination of single-use plastics and a reduction in paper usage to locally sourced, seasonal menus across the resort’s restaurants and a long-standing tradition of charitable outreach throughout South Florida.
“Earning this distinction for the third consecutive year is a true reflection of our team’s dedication to caring for our guests, our residents, our community and the beautiful coastline we call home,” said Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO/Partner of Acqualina Resort. “Responsible hospitality is part of everything we do, and we are honored that Forbes Travel Guide continues to recognize that commitment.”
Responsible Hospitality covers topics such as food and water waste, sustainable amenities, recycling programs, energy usage, health security, integration with the local community and culture, and other touchpoints.
Acqualina engages in meaningful partnerships such as with the Miami-Dade County Sea Turtle Program, to support sea turtle conservation programs. The hotel team members participate in regular beach clean-ups to preserve the natural beauty of the Miami coastline. The resort also spearheads annual Food Drives for the Broward Outreach Center and Toy Drives benefiting the children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Since 1995, Acqualina has been deeply involved in uplifting the community by founding the Miami Chapter of the I Have a Dream Foundation, dedicated to empowering children from underprivileged backgrounds by equipping them with the essential skills, knowledge and mindset required to pursue higher education.
https://www.acqualinaresort.com/sustainability.
Located on north end of Miami Beach, Acqualina is where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets elegance on the beach. The grounds feature the resort’s signature red couches set on grass and are dotted with signature red umbrellas. Acqualina sits on 4.5 beachfront acres and in pristine Sunny features 98 impeccably guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class dining including Il Mulino New York, the alfresco Costa Grill, Ke-uH Japanese restaurant and Avra Miami, three oceanfront swimming pools, spacious meeting rooms, and AcquaMarine, an innovative marine biology-based children’s program.
Acqualina Spa provides guests with a 20,000-square-foot, two-story tranquil sanctuary of excellence and relaxation.
A family-owned and operated property, Acqualina is a recipient of the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards for both the hotel and spa and the AAA Five Diamond Award and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Photo Courtesy of Acqualina Resort & Residences