It’s always nice when you can take a break from work, have a change of scenery, and see how carefree life can be. TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach is just the place to do that. Stay and relax, have some fun, make memories and reconnect with the people you love. Just let go. While I do enjoy going on road trips and touring new cities, the most enjoyable vacations for me are at sprawling beach resorts like the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort where you have a wide variety of activities and restaurants available to you, without ever having the leave the property.
Many thanks to TradeWinds Island Resorts for hosting my family. Be sure to check out my review of RumFish Grill & Bar. We had a fabulous meal there during our stay at TradeWinds Island Grand.
Along with sister property RumFish Beach Resort, Island Grand is one of two TradeWinds Island Resorts located on the soft white sands of Florida’s award winning St. Pete Beach.
There are a lot of hotels and resorts to choose from along Florida’s Gulf Coast, but what sets TradeWinds Island Grand Resort apart from the rest is the extensive list of activities and amenities available at the 20-acre resort. My family was there for a few days and we tried to soak in all the resort had to offer, but didn’t come close.
From a three-story water slide, to pirate shows, dive-in movies, and tons kids activities there is so much to do. Of course, you have the beach too. You could easily spend a week at the resort and still not do it all.
There are a variety of room types to choose from at the resort. My family stayed in one of the spacious Tropical One Bedroom Suites with a balcony overlooking the resort’s lush tropical waterway and home to swans, Daisy and Lily. Though not ocean front, our suite still had a pretty spectacular view of the ocean as well as the resort. This is a great option if you don’t want to splurge on oceanfront.
The 536 sq. ft. suite had a separate bedroom with 2 queen beds, a living room with a pull-out sofa, chair and dining area. The kitchenette with full-size fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and dishware adds a lot of value, for families who don’t want to eat out every meal. We were very comfortable in this suite. In fact, my 10-year-old thought we should move in full-time.
I like the way she thinks. I could definitely see myself settling in for a very long while at this sprawling resort.
There’s a noticeable theme at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, and while it’s subtle one, you can’t miss it. Guests are encouraged to “Just Let Go” while they’re there and that’s just what this mom did.
10 Ways to Just Let Go at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Take a nap or just relax. Beach beds, hammocks, and comfortable loungers are located all over the property. A nap is one of those luxuries I seldom get at home, so this was such a treat for me. Even my little girl enjoyed relaxing in the hammocks. She keeps asking me to put one in the backyard now.
Or, you can read a book in your oceanfront cabana. I was surprised to learn that the use of a cushioned beach cabana for two is included each day as part of the TradeWinds resort amenity fee. Front row cabanas can be reserved for a small nominal fee which I thought was well worth the additional money.
KONK Club for Kids (Drop-Off Camp). Having a few hours of “us” time in the evening was such a treat for Andy and me. It was even more of a treat for my little girl. She had an absolute blast at KONK Club. The KONK Club counselors are experts at showing kids a great time, during the fully supervised programs. Camp is offered from 11 am – 12:30 pm and 6 pm – 9/11 pm, for children ages 4-12. Dinner included with evening drop-off camps. There is a nominal fee for this service, but it was well worth it. Learn more about the TradeWinds kid club.
Salty’s Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge. While my daughter was having fun at KONK Club, Andy and I hung out at Salty’s Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge. We sat by the fire for a bit then found the perfect beach bed to watch the sunset and relax under the stars. We enjoyed listening to the live music and sipping on Pina Coladas.
I was one happy and relaxed mom.
Waterway paddleboats. We had such a lovely view of the waterway from our Tropical Suite, so I was eager to hop aboard a paddleboat and explore Island Grand’s meandering waterway. It was one of the first things my daughter and I did, after arriving to the resort. We had so much fun. The waterway is home to TradeWinds’ resident swans, Japanese Koi, turtles and a variety of herons and egrets. Fish feeding stations are located along the banks.
Extreme Zone. Are you or your kids thrill seekers? Head on over to the Extreme Zone to experience the Bungee Trampoline and Gyrosphere. These activities are available for an additional charge, and tokens can be purchased at the Adventure Center. My daughter isn’t much of a thrill seeker, and surprised me by going on the Bungee Trampoline. The Extreme Zone activities person went out of his way to help her feel safe and explain everything. She got to choose how high she went and whether or not she did any flips. She had an absolute blast. I’m so proud of her for having the courage to try something new.
High Tide Slide. If you really want to just let go, head on down to the beach and go down the triple-chuted High Tide Slide. At three stories high and 200 feet long, it’s the biggest inflatable water slide you’ve ever been on. My family didn’t think I would do it, but I surprised even myself by climbing those stairs. It was SO MUCH FUN. High Tide Slide is included with your resort amenity fee.
Go for a swim. With seven heated swimming pools between TradeWinds’ two resorts, you don’t have to to go far to find yourself poolside. Towels are conveniently provided. There’s an adults only pool and a kiddie pool for the resort’s smallest guests. There are plenty of poolside activities, music, and convenient bar service available. Some of the pools have a spectacular view of the ocean. Be sure to watch a DiveIn Movie while you’re there.
Enjoy a tropical drink. Whether you enjoy a cocktail or a mocktail, a Pina Colada or Strawberry Daiquiri is an absolute must when you’re lounging poolside on the beach. There are several bars located throughout the property. Salty’s Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge has a lounge area that is next to the adult pool and extends right onto the beach. My family enjoyed the beach side pool that’s located next to Flying Bridge where they have a full bar menu and a variety of tasty grilled entrees. Try the resort’s signature drink Island Escape while you’re there.
Ride “Bucky” the mechanical shark. Yup. You heard that right. For just $4/3 attempts, guests 4-feet and taller can show what they’re made of on this bucking shark. Located right on the beach, this is an absolute hoot, though I must confess that I’m the only one in my family who wasn’t brave enough to try it. I had more than enough fun laughing at Andy and T while they rode.
Go for a beach walk. Even better, go for a sunrise or sunset walk. One of my favorite things in the world to do is walking on the beach and it is absolutely free. The fine sand and gentle breaking waves feels so good beneath your feet. I love breathing in the cleansing salt air. The stretch of beach at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort is stunning and the perfect for a beach walk, any time of the day.
I’ve only touched on the many ways to have fun and just let go at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. Check out the full list of amenities included with the resort fee. There are also a lot of terrific extras that I think are worth spending a little more. Be sure to check the Activities Calendar for each day that you’re there, so you don’t miss anything.
Tradewinds Resort Amenity Fee Includes:
Unlimted rides on Island Grand’s High Tide Slide, Guy Harvey Outpost’s Surf WipeOut, and Island Grand’s waterway paddleboats
Beach cabana with hood for two
Guy’s Great Touch Tank Experience
Family Pirate Show
Beach Walks
Fishing Forums
Campfire S’Mores
Sea Turtle Talk expeditions
Use of fitness centers
Complimentary Yogafit classes
Tennis court access
Day play for mini golf and beach volleyball
Beach games
Access to seven swimming pools
Pool activities
Dive-On Movies
Pool towels
Will you be planning a Florida beach vacation anytime soon? I highly recommend TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions you have about our stay there. If you’ve already been a guest at this resort, I’d love to hear about it!
Visit www.tradewindsresort.com to learn more and to make a reservation.
If you liked this post, please PIN IT and share it with friends!
You might also like reading these:
Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast on Carnival Cruise
Kayaking the Weeki Wachee River, Florida
2 Days in Lucerne, Switzerland
Step Inside Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Discovering Key West in a Day