The TRADE WINDS RESORT, 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida, is a AAA Four Diamond property wholly owed by its employees! It is the largest beachfront resort on Florida's Central Coast. The landmark of Trade Winds is its unique, quarter of a mile waterway that meanders through the resort's 18-acre grounds.

For spring break, I thought I would visit somewhere in Florida where it was convenient to take my granddaughter to Disneyworld and also have a chance to go to the beach. After thorough research, I came across the Trade Winds Resort. It is conveniently located 30 minutes from Tampa Airport, and about 90 minutes from Disneyworld. And of course, you can visit Busch Gardens close by. We were fortunate enough to be there to visit the Titanic Exhibition at the Florida International Museum.

One never runs out of things to do here! Our favorite were the Mediterranean style gondolas and paddleboats that are available to guests in the waterway and permit viewing Florida's native plants, wildlife and fish. Also available is an activiies center, K.O.N.K., the children's supervised program, complimentary aerobics, nautilus health club and full service salon, exclusive private golf club privileges, four heated pools, four Har-Tru tennis courts, 9 restaurants (it even has a Pizza Hut!) and a wide variety of water sports. If baseball is your forte, tickets to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays can be obtained through the Concierge desk! Attraction and sightseeing trips can also be arranged.

Another great feature that is of interest is that is the largest resort meeting facility on central Florida's Gulf Coast with more that 30,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Their most recent achievement was gaining the Gold Key Award from Meetings & Conventions Magazine. Guests can choose from 577 room styles and suites. Their sister resort, the Radisson Sandpiper, is just a five minute walk away, and guests staying at either resort enjoy services and charging privileges at all facilities.

When vacation plans call for fun in the sun for you or your clients, think Trade Winds! Each of their employees are dedicated to providing total guest satisfaction.

Travel agent rates are………………Call (800) 237-0707.

Anne