Smack dab in between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, spread across 300 acres, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is an unexpected tropical oasis in a very residential part of Aventura. Built in 1967, it’s owned by the same family who owns and operates Fontainebleau Miami Beach, though these two properties couldn’t be any different.
Here you’ll find two championship golf courses redesigned by Raymond Floyd, the state-of-the-art âme Spa & Wellness Collective, celebrity chef Michael Mina’s award-winning Bourbon Steak restaurant, Corsair kitchen & bar, and Tidal Cove—a massive waterpark with a 60-foot tower featuring seven water slides, a 4,000-square-foot kids pool with an aquatic play structure, a FlowRide wave rider.
Why stay at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa?
As a Miami native, this hotel has become one of my favorites for staycations with friends and long, relaxing spa days when I’m in the mood to play hooky. In fact, it’s not uncommon for me to book a spa treatment, hang around all afternoon, and then mosey my way into Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak for a steak and martinis at the bar the moment they open. It’s truly my idea of a perfect day.
It’s off the beaten path when it comes to the glitz and glam that comes to mind if you’re planning a trip to Miami, but it’s a destination all on its own that’s perfect for the travelers who want to relax and not have to plan, but still want enough activities to keep them busy.
What are the rooms like at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa?
Thanks to a $265 million dollar renovation that was completed in December 2018, a brand new tower was built that basically doubled the capacity of the hotel. The 16-story Orchid Tower has 325 guest rooms, which brings the room count up to 685 rooms and suites, though you’d never feel like there are that many people with the way the property is laid out. On a recent visit, I stayed in one of the new rooms in the Art Deco-inspired Orchid Tower.
My one bedroom suite was spacious and welcoming with floor-to-ceiling windows that made the room wonderfully bright (something I always appreciate in a hotel room). The marble bathroom featured a large spa tub and a waterfall shower with spa-like intense water pressure, and the room’s simple aesthetic, with crisp white linens and pops of blue and beige throughout, plus a large furnished balcony with sweeping golf course views.
If you’re not in the new tower, then there are three other towers with rooms ranging from 500 square foot king or double rooms to junior suites and one- and two-bedroom suites. For those who really want to experience luxury, there’s a Presidential Suite, a Grand Presidential, and a two bedroom Penthouse Suite. These rooms feature kitchens and expansive living spaces.
What to eat and drink at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa?
Craving a steak? Head to chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak where you’ll find a variety of dry-aged cuts alongside a menu filled with seafood, salads, and other steakhouse classics. I enjoy starting my meal with the (complimentary!) French fry trio, a wedge salad, the spicy beef lettuce cups (which disappeared from the menu for a while, and I was thrilled to see them return) and the shrimp cocktail. I highly recommend the bone marrow served with short rib marmalade, crispy garlic, and grilled ciabatta. You really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu.
At lunch, head to Corsair Kitchen & bar where kids eat free—if you’re staying at the hotel—while adults are eating. Serving breakfast and an all-day lunch and dinner menu, you’ll find salads, sandwiches, and a ton of different entrees. Inside Tidal Cove, you’ll find Surf House serving poolside easy eats like pizza, quesadillas, and some of the best chicken tenders in Miami.
As far as beverages, Soff’s bar in the lobby area is a perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a night cap, often enjoyed with live music. There’s also a Starbucks on-site for those who need their morning jolt.
What is the service like at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa?
The service at this hotel is truly unbeatable. When checking in there was a bit of a line (it was peak check-in time) and while no one seemed frustrated by the wait, the property’s GM was quick to make sure everyone was okay. He went through the line and took care of anyone who was waiting for things other than checking in, which not only freed up some of the line, but made everyone feel valued.
That level of service is seamlessly implemented across the hotel—from bartenders and servers who make sure your glass is never empty, whether it’s water, wine, or tequila to housekeeping staff in the halls who always greet you and ask if there’s anything additional you need for your stay. There’s always someone who is ready to jump into action at a moment's notice to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.
What are the spa, gym, water park, and golf course like at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa?
This resort might feel remote, but all that means is that there’s no shortage of activities and amenities to enjoy on property. Set a tee time and golf on one of the two golf courses and enjoy 36 holes of some of Aventura’s best views. At Tidal Cove you can take the action packed route on the slides or wave rider or you can opt to hang in one of the pools, float through the lazy river, or hang in the kid’s splash zone.
For a quieter outdoor experience head into the hotel’s courtyard where you can lounge by the main pool. If you’re hoping to relax, then âme Spa & Wellness Collective is the answer. Here you can pamper yourself with treatments that range from massage and scrubs to more holistic options like lymphatic drainage and reiki sound healing or hang out in the Himalayan salt room. Within the 3-story spa, you’ll also find a massive fitness center filled with dozens of treadmills, bikes, weight machines, and more.
What’s the area like around JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa?
This is the largest (and really only) resort property in Aventura, which is otherwise a relatively residential neighborhood. Typically if you’re staying in this area, it’s for the waterpark, the golf course, or because you’re visiting family or friends nearby. It’s not where you want to stay if you want easy access to the beach—the nearest one is three miles away—but if you’re into shopping it’s right across the street from Aventura Mall, which can easily fill an entire day of your itinerary. You’ll find everything from high end luxury stores like Burberry, Cartier, and Cult Gaia to more affordable options like Abercrombie, H&M, and Free People. There’s also a massive food court, quite a few full service restaurants, and a brand new Eataly with all the Italian goods your heart might desire.
Why you should you book a stay at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for the kind of vacation that’s filled with activities, but leans more toward the relaxed, easy accessible, not a ton of movement kind of vibe, this is the perfect place to be. Send one parent golfing in the morning, while the other hangs out with the kids at the waterpark before meeting for lunch at Corsair Kitchen & Bar and swapping responsibilities and enjoying a magical afternoon at the spa. Enjoy it all while never having to leave the property.
During Miami’s slow season, in the summer months and sometimes beyond, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa often runs specials that include room upgrades, $50 daily credits, complimentary parking, and goodie bags for kids at Tidal Cove. What’s not to love, right?
DETAILS
Address: 19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
Price per night: Starting rates begin at $259 during low season and $403 during high season
Closest transport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive away, while Miami International Airport is about a 30-minute drive
Book now: Booking.com
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