Review: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Though you’re just 12 miles north of Miami and a less than 10-minute walk from the popular Aventura Mall, pulling into this resort feels like you’ve landed on a tropical island (albeit one without a beach). Spread out over 300 lush acres, with a century-old banyan tree at its center, the resort basically is an island oasis unto itself, complete with golf courses, a water park, extensive gardens, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. The main thing that reminds you that you’re still in an urban hub, though, are the crowds; given that the facilities are also open to non-hotel guests, sometimes there can even be a traffic jam at the resort’s entrance.

What's the backstory? As the story goes, the resort’s roots go back to 1967, when real estate developer Donald Soffer drew his vision for an upscale residential enclave on the back of a cocktail napkin. Starting first with a country club and then adding more planned developments, Soffer and his partners then transformed nearly 800 acres of swampland into what’s now Aventura. These days, the resort is also an integral part of the development, which Donald’s son now helps manage.

Tell us about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The 685 accommodations are spread out over four towers, and range from standard rooms to 2,400-square-foot suites. All have furnished balconies or terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, that have views of the ocean, the pools, the golf courses, or the Aventura skyline. The muted, uncluttered décor isn’t bursting with personality, but marble bathrooms add a touch of glamour (some even have jetted or whirlpool tubs), and things like internet-connected TVs, sofa beds (available in most of the categories), and kitchens complete with ovens and dishwashers (found in some suites) are useful for families.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? WiFi is complimentary both in the rooms and throughout the resort (but then again, you are paying a resort fee).

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Grab breakfasts and lunches crafted with regionally sourced products at Corsair Kitchen & Bar (try to snag a table on the terrace), or dig into steak, seafood, and the 1,000 bottle-strong wine list at Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. There are also a couple of casual, al fresco dining options around the pool and cabanas, a market-style spot for grab-and-go and deli-style options, a Starbucks, and a cocktail-forward lobby bar.

And the service? Given the number of rooms, the extensive facilities, and the fact that non-hotel guests can access the restaurants, golf courses, and pools (the latter with day passes), service can be inconsistent and the crowds large, depending on the time of year.

What type of travelers will you find here? Families, golfers, and Marriott loyalty points users. The resort is also a popular staycation spot for South Florida residents.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The shops and restaurants of the Aventura Mall are just a seven-minute walk away. Miami is a dozen miles down the road, you're not far from spots like Marlins Park Stadium and Zoo Miami. Activities like boating, jet-skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, and mountain biking can all be enjoyed within a five-mile radius. But most guests tend to stay put at the resort, as they’ve come for the on-site attractions.

Is there anything you'd change? Jostling for a poolside lounger can be an issue in the best of circumstances, but with the resort’s pools and on-site water park also open to day-pass guests (and no priorities given to hotel guests), it can be a particular issue here. Best to book a cabana—available for an extra fee—to ensure you’ve got a private spot.

Any other hotel features worth noting? Room rates include admission to the Tidal Cove Waterpark, which features aquatic fun like a lazy river, kids cove, seven water slides, and an area for FlowRider lessons. The resort does have an adults-only pool, too; it’s not all that less crowded, but you can find some quiet in one of the 25 cabanas available to book (for an additional fee). Golfers come for the two renowned 18-hole championship courses, both originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and the site of numerous PGA tournaments, while the three-story wellness area features a huge gym, a center for integrative and holistic medicine, fitness programs, and a spa offering Babor treatments and Himalayan salt rooms. Shuttles ferry guests to the beach about two miles away.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? A convenient getaway that keeps kids, adults, and golfers entertained. Particularly worth it if you’ve got Marriott points to spend, as all the extras, from resort fees to activity charges, can add up.