****This post is unsponsored. All opinions are my own.****
If, but only for a weekend, you could “Just Let Go”, what might you part with?
Work stress?
Kid worries?
Financial concerns?
Boss on your back?
Whatever ails you, TradeWinds Resort asks you – for as long as you stay – to “Just Let Go…”
Recently, we did just that.
Poolside Paradise
The best part of staying at TradeWinds is the location of the property’s main pool relative to HUGE inflatable slide and private beach. The main pool is the hub of all organized, daily activities for the family – games, contest, crafting, hair braiding, eating, drinking, and just chilling.
We’d place belongings on the lounge chairs early each day so that we’d have a front row seat to the poolside games (for adults and kids) happening throughout the afternoon (starting around noon daily). DJ Devren runs the show around the pool each day – playing trivia games, hosting belly-flog contests, in-pool four corners, and patio BINGO.
Only a few steps from the pool lies the GIANT slide – a favorite for the kids. Though I thought the slide should have been opened earlier (opens at noon each day), our kids patiently waited for their chance to take the plunge at the beach. Pro Tip: the line will appear long, but moves fast (as four riders are able to slide simultaneously). Kids under forty-two inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.
Beyond the slide are the cabanas and the gorgeous St. Pete Beach. Each guest room is allotted a daily cabana, but those with an ocean view will be scooped up early! There are many, helpful staff members attending to needs along the beach line.
After Drying Off…
If you’ve had your fill of the water, there are plenty of activities on property – paddle boats (kids will love them, adults meh), miniature golf, all of the amenities of RumFish Beach Resort (a sister property a half mile north), and a variety of bars/restaurants. Nightly, live music will have your sunsets filled with the most recognizable songs you love. Upon check-in, make sure to scoop up a detailed listing of everything going on during the duration of your stay.
Hacks for your TradeWinds stay
A few insider tips after you get to TradeWinds:
- A room in the “Hibiscus” building provides the best, central location to the pool, beach, and amenities. Note: this will be in the center of the action so light sleepers beware.
- Post-COVID availability is an issue as the resort is at capacity on most summer weekends. If you plan to go, the best value and accommodation options will be available during the middle of the week.
- Don’t forget about RumFish Beach Resort – the sister property down the beach. We did not spend anytime there and regretted it.
- If you’d like to enjoy a beverage at the pool or beach, there are adequate bars/restaurants to grab one. There are no poolside wait staff. I would suggest bringing a soft-sided cooler with your own beverages and snacks (Publix supermarket is a short walk south for supplies) – you’ll save cash a few strolls to the tiki bar.
- The pool rundown: the adult pool offers quiet seclusion, the main pool is hype with activities during the afternoons, and the ancillary pools are a semi-quiet option for those waiting to stay on the sidelines.
- Bring cash (or leave your room key open to charging) – the kids will ask to buy $3 snow cones and/or $5 ice cream while you’re relaxing around the pool.
- Much of the beach-based activities (ie: obstacle course, various rentals, etc.) are weather dependent. Even slight winds and tides can make those amenities unavailable – check daily conditions with the friendly, beach staff located near the GIANT slide.
RumFish Beach Resort
It should be noted that, while we stayed at TradeWinds Resort, all guests have access to activities and amenities at Rum Fish Resort – a solid half-mile walk north on the beach. These activities include a surfing ride, marine life touch tanks, and a nightly s’more roast. We left our TradeWinds weekend wishing we would have ventured to Rum Fish to check it out.
Letting Go…and Going Home
Whatever you let go of during your stay at TradeWinds Resort, you’ll begrudgingly have to re-enter life’s normal pressures at some point. Take heart, though, in the fact that a vacation hangover this bad is just the motivation needed to commit to “Just Let Go” at TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida again soon.
