Soak Up Some Fun on St. Pete Beach
By Emily Cardozo

There are several good reasons snowbirds fly south for the winter — and one of those reasons is the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach, Florida. A half-hour drive from Tampa International Airport, TradeWinds — comprised of the family-friendly, 20-acre Island Grand Resort and the more intimate Sandpiper Hotel & Suites — is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway that’s sure to dispel the winter blues. Located on Florida’s west coast, just steps from Fort De Soto Beach — named America’s number one beach in 2005 — the TradeWinds properties are situated on luxurious white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. The resorts feature limitless beachfront recreation, fantastic dining, wonderful options for kids and an array of activities for vacationers of all ages.

Whether your family is interested in beach sports, frolicking in the pool, a relaxing day at the spa or simply soaking in the Florida sun, TradeWinds caters to every need. Guests have access to hooded beach cabanas, water trykes and paddleboats, tennis courts, a fitness center, mini-golf, beach volleyball courts, a bungee trampoline for kids and so much more. Kids will fall in love with the Island

Grand from the moment they step into the lobby and see the pirate statues, standing watch. The resort offers a host of kid-friendly activities that will ensure non-stop action for all ages. The resort’s lovable pelican mascot, Beaker, is available for a variety of children’s activities, Including tucking kids in for the night or joining them around the pool.

Supervised fun for children ages 4-11 is offered in the KONK (Kids Only, No Kidding!) Club. While parents spend some quality vacation time alone, kids will experience a different adventure every day at safe, fully-supervised KONK Club theme parties. Enthusiastic counselors lead children through creative crafts, contests and more for tons of fun in the sun. KONK Club programs, which include lunch or dinner, are offered in the morning, evening and late night on weekends. Kids can participate in a Harry Potter Mystical Adventure, Jungle Safari, Pajama Party, RedBeard’s Pirate Crew Party, Sponge Bob’s Fun-for-All, Sports Fanatic, Super Heroes to the Rescue or Wet ‘n Wild. In the TradeWinds Action Zone (T.A.Z.), which offers crafts and games for the entire family, children and their parents can choose from activities such as creating beach necklaces and picture frames, a walk with Beaker, candle making, hemp art, sand dollar art, hula hoop contests and much more. Kids will be enthralled with piratethemed entertainment such as RedBeard’s Sunken Treasure Tales. For some water fun, they can join in on poolside bingo, a poolside scavenger hunt and a poolside talent show — or a belly flop contest. The resort also offers swim lessons for ages two and up with a certified instructor.

Tweens and teens aren’t left out of the fun at TradeWinds. Sports-oriented teens ages 16 and up can participate in a tennis clinic, meeting new friends and polishing up on their skills. There’s also Scene for Teens Bowling, where participants head to a nearby bowling alley for two funfilled games, pizza and soda. The resort boasts five heated pools — one reserved for adults and another just for kids. Captain RedBeard’s Pirate Show is a special family treat, with tall tales and interactive songs by RedBeard the Pirate himself.

Other family-friendly activities include Glow-in-the-Dark Volleyball, where participants get decked out in neon paint to volley, set and spike the night away; and Glow-in-the-Dark Golf on the mini-golf course. For some relaxing time together, families can utilize the TradeWinds’ paddleboats and paddle along the peaceful waterway that winds through the Island Grand property. The beautiful pools are stocked with brightly-colored Japanese Koi fish, many of which are decades old. Fish and bird feeders dot the lushly landscaped property. More adventurous visitors can take a plunge on the High Tide Water Slide, a three-story slide located on the beach outside the Island Grand and overlooking the bright blue ocean. Kids won’t be the only ones having a blast at the Island Grand.

Parents can enjoy live entertainment at RedBeard’s Sharktooth Tavern; relax in the whirlpool or a beachside hammock; enjoy a leisurely round of golf; or luxuriate in a massage. TradeWinds features 13 dining and entertainment venues, from sports bars to an ice cream shop, so that families can have a beachside breakfast, casual meal by the pool or an elegant dinner. Kidfriendly menus and crayons will keep the little ones occupied while adults enjoy sumptuous fare.

At the Activities Center, guests can even stop in to create a tasty snack. Back at the room, the Island Grand’s spacious family-style suites, parlor and hotel rooms feature tropical decor. Every room includes a microwave and granite wet bar area with a refrigerator. Suites feature a living area with a kitchenette and private bedroom. If guests want to venture outside the TradeWinds property, there are a myriad of delightful activities to take part in within minutes of the resort. For example, on a dolphin watch cruise, families can get an up-close look at these friendly mammals, which often swim right up to the boat.

“The dolphins are fascinated by kids,” says Bill Post, a crew member on the dolphin cruise. “It’s like strangers ogling over babies in a supermarket. Dolphins have long-term, stable family relationships, so why wouldn’t they love to see children?”

Even if you don’t get more than a glimpse of a dorsal fin, you’ll still see spectacular views of the Florida coastline in this relaxing way to spend the afternoon. There are also sunset sails, a Shell Island snorkeling cruise, parasailing, waverunners and much more just a concierge call away that are sure to satisfy every thrill-seeker on St. Pete Beach.

At TradeWinds, guests won’t need to leave any member of the family behind — including pets. The Island Grand recently added a doggie play area, an attractive dog-walking zone along the resort’s waterway and 48 pet friendly suites. The Pet Play Zone features doggie drinking fountains, umbrellas for shade, a dog rinse and drying station, owner sitting area, fire hydrants and more for unleashed entertainment. Up to two pets are allowed in the pet-friendly suites in the resort’s Allamanda building, where a Doggie Accessory Center is stocked with dishes, leashes, toys and towels. Those who live to pamper their pets can order from a pet-only room service menu, which includes specialty meats, gourmet dog and cat food and special treat packs. Imagine your pet’s delight when he indulges in a Doggie Pu Pu Pork Platter or Whisker Licking Chicken CanapÈs!

TradeWinds’ dedication to preserving the environment is another special feature of the resort. Both the Island Grand and the Sandpiper Suites were awarded Green Lodging Certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in recognition of their efforts to protect the area’s natural resources. The resort uses energy-efficient appliances and high-efficiency air filters to improve indoor air quality. The Island Grand has also retrofitted all of its beachfront lighting so that sea turtles can return

to their native nesting habitat and hatchlings can more easily make their way to the glow of the Gulf of Mexico. “The TradeWinds Island Grand is the first in the state to do a major retrofit to meet wildlife lighting requirements that balance sea turtle survival with human safety and security,” said Dean Gallagher, an environmental specialist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee.

Whether you’re looking to beat cabin fever or simply spend some quality time with the family, TradeWinds caters to young and old with a variety of activities that will keep you relaxed and happy up to the last minute of your vacation. For reservations and information, call 866-JUST LET GO or visit www.JustLetGo.com.