Disclosure: My family and I received a reduced media rate for a two-night stay at the Guy Harvey Outpost at the Tradewinds in exchange for my honest review of the properties. The opinions shared are my own.
For a family of five living on one income and a tight budget, our vacations can be very limited. We typically take “staycations” to local places that offer enough fun and adventure for the whole family, however, theme parks often surpass our budget.
The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach offers enough amusement park-like fun without draining your wallet. From Splash Island to the High Tide Water Slide, thrill-seekers can delight in the all-day adventures on the resort. Beachgoers can enjoy the complimentary cabanas included in the resort fees.
As for the rooms at this amazing resort, a suite fits two adults and three active kids quite comfortably. Although there are many restaurants on site at both the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort and the Guy Harvey Outpost, the full-sized kitchen provides an opportunity for families to enjoy a meal in the spacious suite to save some pennies.
For this summer’s staycation, my family and I stayed at the Guy Harvey Outpost. Worried that the second TradeWinds property would be more suited for adults, we were pleasantly surprised to discover several activities for families. On our first night at the resort, we stumbled upon The SandBox Lounge and its mechanical surfboards, Triple WipeOut. We also discovered a Campfire S’more celebration which happens every evening at The SandBox Beach Lounge at sunset. Once the sun sets, an inflatable movie screen appears for a family-friendly beach screening.
The Guy Harvey Outpost offers a laidback quieter island feel with the amusement park experience “only 200 flip-flops” away at the TradeWinds Island Grand. While staying at the Guy Harvey Outpost, we settled into a spacious Gulf Front Suite, equally as roomy as the suites at the TradeWind Island Grand and enjoyed the family fun and amenities available at both properties.
For our last night, we celebrated with a meal at the newly renovated RumFish Grill, famous for its expansive 33,500 gallon aquarium designed by the stars of Animal Planet’s Tanked. The breath-taking tank serves as the scenic backdrop as well as the backlighting for the entire restaurant. Its serene scenery of stingrays and several varieties of Florida sea life entertained my entire family and the fresh fish cuisine delighted our taste buds. Save room for desserts because the Pineapple Rum Tiramisu is a must!
If you decide to pass on dinner at RumFish Grill, then be sure to take a stroll through The Cave, which provides an opportunity for guests to gaze upon a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful sea life inside the aquarium.
Through each of the incredible experiences, the TradeWinds offered my family a wonderful chance to #JustLetGo while enjoying an affordable summer staycation.
The Tradewinds On St. Pete Beach are offering a “Dolphin Tale 2 Getaway” package with the premiere of Dolphin Tale 2 on Sept. 12.
“TradeWinds Dolphin Tale 2 Getaway includes a three-night package at either the TradeWinds Island Grand or Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort and resort fees, two tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a dolphin watch cruise for two; a plush Winter the dolphin toy; and the hardcover book, Winter’s Tale.
Just let go and learn more here by visiting www.tradewindsresort.com.
