JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

While 2014 renovations spruced up the cream-colored facade and clay-tile roof of this sprawling property, the 300-acre grounds still command the most attention: stone pathways wind through bright-green lawns dotted with banyan trees, while clusters of palm trees fringe the building and bright pink bougainvillea grows over trellised walkways. There are luxe touches throughout, like travertine pool decks and walkways that offer glimpses of lush tropical gardens. In the lobby, marble floors shimmer below stunning crystal chandeliers, while inlaid ceilings, oversized potted plants, large paneled windows, and a glass container of infused water demonstrate the property's close attention to detail. A separate lobby lounge area with warm wooden floors and white chairs has a more classic feel. Restaurants are nicely done, with stylishly worn wood or beehive tile floors, leather chairs in warm cognac shades, and open floor-plans that suit the South Florida setting. Guests include a mix of families, golfers drawn to the the two championship courses, and lots of business travelers who come for the sprawling and sophisticated event spaces. 

Situated in Aventura, the Turnberry Isle Miami's name is a bit misleading. This hotel is far from the vibrant ethnic neighborhoods in downtown Miami, and equally far from the South Beach fray. The immediate area is suburban South Florida, complete with the glitzy Aventura Mall just across the street. The mall is filled with luxury boutiques, restaurants, and a supermarket, but there are almost no other attractions within walking distance. South Beach can take up to 50 minutes to reach depending on traffic, as can Jungle Island zoological park and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens -- a Renaissance-style waterfront villa. The Museum of Contemporary Art is about 20 minutes away by car. Everglades National Park is about one hour and 20 minutes away by road and Miami International Airport is a 40-minute car trip from the hotel.

Rooms are done up in serene neutral tones with pleasant pops of color such as pale aquamarine that's paired beautifully with warm wood furniture, metal-base lamps, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and glass-topped coffee tables. These are spacious digs, with handsome geometric-pattern brown carpets, and even the entry level Turnberry Rooms offer 500 square feet of space (46 square meters). All rooms have contemporary artwork featuring South Florida scenery on the walls. Beds have 300-thread-count sheets and bedside benches, along with sharp padded and patterned headboards. Standard features also include air-conditioning, 47-inch flat-screen TVs, iHome clock radios, Keurig coffeemakers, ironing facilities, tea kettles, minibars, robes and slippers, and iPod docks. The marble bathrooms are spacious and bright, with wood vanities, mosaic-tile touches, separate showers and tubs, hairdryers, and Molton Brown products. All rooms have furnished balconies overlooking the golf courses or the verdant resort grounds. 

This luxury resort leaves little to complain about other than, perhaps, the additional fees levied for Wi-Fi and parking. Otherwise, guests have access to an incredible array of features. There's a tennis center on-site with four courts and lessons available for guests (for a fee). The fitness center is large and bright, with an array of modern cardio and weight machines in a room with contemporary artwork on the white walls. The resort even has two 18-hole championship golf courses, along with a putting green, a driving range, and a pro-shop. The two pools are large and lined with lounge chairs, and one has a lazy river and a waterslide for kids. The three-level spa offers a slew of treatments, including massages and body scrubs, couples' treatments, and beauty services. The hotel is especially suited toward business travelers, with massive event space that includes 22 event rooms and 15 breakout rooms, plus a business center with fax, copying, and printing services. A shop on-site sells clothing and various upscale sundries and a kids' club is also available. Guests can dine in the three restaurants, two of which are helmed by celebrity chefs. These include Corsair by Scott Conant, which serves Mediterranean farmhouse cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina offers steaks and seafood from a wood-burning grill for dinner and has 1000 wines on offer. There's also Laguna Grill, a casual lunch spot serving American favorites. The hotel has a lounge in the lobby which offer afternoon social hours and hosts live music on the weekends.