The Tradewinds Island Grand
The Tradewinds Sandpiper
By Lena Hunt
Having lived in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, home of luxurious resorts where everything is at one location and you don't have to leave the property, I was bummed to disover the lack of resorts on the Gulf of Mexico portion of the Sunshine State. Only a few resorts dot sparingly from one city to the next along this prettiest part of the Gulf of Mexico unlike the every-resort-is-an-all-inclusvie and so it has been a search for a real resort “like the ones down in the Caribbean”.
There are mainly hotels and condos and all-inclusive resorts are a rarity in the St. Pete/Tampa area. Another rare thing is the affordable price as these types of resorts boast top-notch amenities and service. But alas! There is such a a place that are “like the ones down in the Caribbean”. The two gorgeous sister resorts The Tradewinds Island Grand and The Tradewinds Sandpiper end my endless search. They offer extremely different experiences and the best thing is you sleep at one and play at both.
The Tradewinds Island Grand
The Tradewinds Sandpiper
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
October 17, 2010
The TradeWinds Island Grand exudes is in two words - casual luxury. She is relaxed yet crisp, enticingly busy yet comforting and enjoyable all at once. Planted smack dab on sugar white sandy St. Pete Beach, she was developed to her own island oasis. The Gulf of Mexico sparkingly beckons me to throw open the glass doors and step on to her balcony for a quick look-see or a long sit-down. Yet the suite's amenities such as the fully-stocked mini bar yells for me just as intensely and equally.
Warm sea breezes win me over and I'm amazed to find a deep blue tropical waterway meandering lazily around the resort. Crisp, white magical swans and native Florida waterfowl roam freely while Japanese Koi do their job just as well to draw the attention of resort guests as they wind along the waterway's path on paddle boats. My attention suddenly zooms in on one single hammock. One relaxing hammock. My trance is broken as I spot Spot and Fido running along the dog walk area which weaves its way along the beachfront sand dunes, the waterways, and straight to the snooze-time hammock. Obviously pets are extremely welcomed and pampered here. They have their own pet-only room service menu. Culinary creations for canines and cats include Mutt Meat Loaf, Fido Fajitas, gourmet cat food, and special treat packs.
The TradeWinds Island Grand is really grand! The l8,000 square foot lobby (otherwise known as the Grand Palm Colonnade) leaves me wide eyed and speechless. Huge 23-foot palm trees line the garden atrium. If only they'd let me, I'd just spend my getaway in this lobby.
A pool-hoppin' I go from pool #1, #2, #3, #4, and yes, #5. Kids' pool, quiet pool, adult pool, sports pool, there's a pool for just about everything! Lazy and tranquil, I float long enough for my umbrella'ed drink to wake me up from its chilly drops on my hand.
There are plenty of dining options at this property and on the property The Sandpiper, the sister resort which is the laid-back, mellow sibling of the two. I roll my mental dice and it lands on the Palm Court Italian Grill. To dine under the stars or surrounded by a colorful collection of artwork is the tough decision for the night. Yet to sit by the exquisite wine collections provide the answer.
My waiter pours gracefully, delivers eloquently, and informs entertainingly. He speaks passionately of the chef's culinary masterpieces and each dish takes me on a tour throughout the different regions of Italy. My antipasti selection is the Carpaccio. Tender herbed beef tenderloin served with shaved aged parmesan cheese, caper berries (the largest I'd ever seen!), and extra virgin olive oil. Succulent!
Who says that one has to stop at just one antipasti? (And are you ready to find out what all I selected? You might need to take a seat first!) Calamari and Gamberoni Marechiaro are the next selections. The Calamari is so fresh as if a fisherman had hauled it from the Gulf right outside the restaurant, ran with all his might and delivered it to the chef. The Gamberoni Marechio (shrimp) has perfectly soaked up the flavor of the garlic emulsion as lemon, white wine, and butter plays happily upon my palate.
Two insalatas are better than one, I always say. Crisp green and red Romaine lettuces are enhanced by the crunchy garlic herbed croutons. Freshly shaved grana Padano and just the right amount of dressing makes for a muah! Salad. Chopped Tuscan Salad whisks me directly away to the countryside of Italy with its mixture of mozarella, salami, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts in a tomato vinaigrette.
I go a bit overboard on the entrees but hey, you only live once! Pasta and Risotto, Pettine de Mare Provencal, Grilled Sea Scallops and Orzo Pasta all make up my very own cruise-ship buffet. Wines paired with each selection and I was in an Italian Heaven.
After sleeping on a cloud, the TradeWinds Sandpiper unwinds me even more. Quiet and intimate, she is the balance to her sister resort. The sunny Oasis Courtyard is only for adults. With a heated pool and whirlpool and everything else just within reach, the world can just fade away. Lazy hammocks and wooden swings require iPods and books that have been waiting for months to be put in use. A gentle hush sweeps over the resort and even the Gulf of Mexico seems to understand as its rhythm seems to lull a little more softly.
