*Disclaimer: I received a reduced rate and gifts from TradeWinds Island Resorts for my honest review of our stay there at the TradeWinds Island Grand.  The opinions shared are my own.*

For Mother’s Day, I longed to escape to the beach and just let go.  The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort located on St. Pete Beach made that all possible.

Upon arriving on the TradeWinds Island Resorts property, we were showered with warm salutations at the guard station and the superb hospitality continued throughout our stay.  The staff at the TradeWinds Island Resort would rival any Disney resort and our brief stay on the beach was as magical as any experience at the House of Mouse.

Once we entered our suite within the Island Grand, we blown away by the plush beach five-star accommodations.  The gorgeous golden interior décor paired perfectly with Florida sunshine.

After exploring the suite, we noticed the abundance of gifts provided by TradeWinds, including snacks, wine, a beach bag and towel, two Beaker stuffed toys and TradeWinds Island Resorts amenity/activity bands.  Since we packed light with few snacks, the hospitality gifts was greatly appreciated.

Our first evening at the Island Grand, we enjoyed exploring the resort and dinner at the Flying Bridge while watching sunset.

The next morning, Allana and I woke up early to explore the shore before the rest of the resort arrived on the beach.  We searched for shells in the sunrise and embraced a gorgeous cool morning.

When the rest of the gang woke up, we headed to for a delicious buffet breakfast at Bermuda’s Steak and Seafood which offered so many wonderful items to choose from along the spread.  I appreciated all the healthy options but I splurged with a chorizo cheese veggie omelet, potatoes and a side of fruit.

After breakfast, we took a cruise on a paddleboat.  My kids loved the journey along the shallow swan creek.  We spotted huge Koi and so many varieties of birds and flowers.

Following our paddleboat cruise, we ventured out to beach which falls directly behind the property and only a short walk.  On the beach, I reserved a cabana, complimentary for all resort guests and a necessary beach item with my extremely fair-skinned family.   With lots of sun block and our cabana we could spend hours in the sun.

Plus, we needed a safe place to lay our belongings while we experienced the High Tide Water Slide!  This slippery speedy inflatable water slide raised the bar on all future beach trips.  Nothing will compare to the TradeWinds Island Resorts beach experience!

Although tacky to some, the girls and I rinsed the beach off with a quick jump in the pool while my three year old napped upstairs with Daddy.  With three pools to choose from, we chose the quieter family pool just behind our room.

The girls instantly made friends playing Marco Polo and a cannonball competition.

Later that evening, we ventured off-sight for dinner.  Sadly, the kids were so exhausted from a fun-filled day, they fell asleep when we returned to the resort and we missed highlight of the evening, Captain Redbeard the Pirate.

On the morning of our departure, we played one last round of golf and played on the beach one last time.

Watching my children play in the sun and sand was a perfect way to spend my Mother’s Day weekend.  All the other amenities (the High Tide Water Slide, miniature golf, paddleboats, etc.) made it even better.  Thank you to the  TradeWinds Island Resorts for providing the opportunity for my family and I to just let go.

There are so many wonderful resort activities to enjoy that are included with the TradeWinds Island Resorts fees, such as paddleboats, minature golf, KONK (Kids Only, No kidding Activity Center, the High Tide Water Slide and more.  This summer, plan a weekend away or just let go for one day and experience the TradeWinds Splash Island in addition to all the other TradeWinds Island Resorts  fun for as low as $16 (non-guests begin at $25).

 Plus, the TradeWinds Island Resorts are offering Florida residents a high-flying special for spring and summer with rates as low as $127* per night, not including the nightly resort fee. The resort’s Florida Resident Special includes 15% off already discounted rates, a $100 JetLev jet pack credit and a Surf n’ Sun scratch-off card for one of several prizes that could include dinner for two, a beach bag and towel and more.

** Requires minimum two-night stay and must be booked Sunday through Thursday. Rates and dates are subject to change. Based on availability. Cannot be combined with any other promotion, offer, discount or group code. No refunds for early checkouts or unused portions of the package. A few blackout dates apply. Residents must show valid proof of residency upon check-in.**