Guest post by Leila Peverett of AndaSmallDog
Paradise found!
This past fall we took our Dutch-born dog to his first real beach resort, the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St Pete Beach, FL. I had read beforehand that the resort catered equally to humans and their trusty companions and this proved to be correct. This AAA Four-Diamond Resort offers many dog (and cat) amenities which kept my hyper Jack Russell, Bodie, very entertained. The resort also offers many options for adults and for kids so it is sure to make all family members happy!
Special pet amenities include:
- Pet Play Zone – a fenced area for dogs to run around off-leash. The area is of a good size and features grass and a patio area complete with tables and chairs (great for picnics!). There are also cute features such as a fire hydrant and a photo opportunity.
I'm on the left!
- A designated pet walk area that winds its way around a pretty water feature and over a foot-bridge. There is also a pet-friendly hammock along the walk in which to laze away the days with your furry friend. Although dogs aren’t allowed on the beach itself, there is enough sand along the designated walk area for your dog to dig and roll around in (which is exactly what Bodie spent most of his time doing – burying his ball and then digging it up again!).
The pet walk
- Paw Court Bistro – A special room-service menu for dogs and cats including choices such as Mutt Meat Loaf and Fido’s Fajitas for canines, and Kitty Kasserole and Chow Chow Salmon for felines. Bodie thoroughly enjoyed his Fido’s Fajitas even though they didn’t last very long! Additional cost for room-service.
Dinner is served.
- Doggie Accessory Center – a closet with extra dog bowls, shampoo and towels for dogs. There is also a hose nearby in case your dog gets too sandy playing outdoors.
- Bow Wow WOW gift bag – includes treats and toys for your pet, a TradeWinds signature bandana for dogs and other pet related items.
Those traveling with their special pet are limited to a choice of pet-friendly suites located adjacent to all the amenities listed above. The suite we stayed in was on the ground floor and had views of the dunes and beach. We had a full kitchen, living room and two double beds. Rates can be as low as $200 for the suite, but it depends on the season. The TradeWinds Resort often has pet packages available but prices for 2010 weren’t available at press time.
Cats and dogs up to 80 lbs. are welcome and up to two pets per room are allowed. There is a nightly fee of $30 per room and includes unlimited access to the Pet Play Zone and the Doggie Accessory Center. Pets are required to be pre-registered with the resort and a copy of their current vaccination records has to be faxed prior to arrival.
For more information about the resort and what it offers for humans, check out the TradeWinds website or my article on Examiner.com.
The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort is located at 5500 Gulf Blvd in St Pete Beach, FL. It is about an hours drive from Orlando and twenty minutes from Tampa. Fort De Soto Park is located within 10 minutes of the resort and offers a dog beach and a dog park. The beaches at Fort De Soto Park have been voted as top beaches in the U.S. for many years so it’s a great place to visit while in the area.
If you have any questions about the resort, or need assistance with reservations, please don’t hesitate to ask. I specialize in pet vacations and will be happy to help you with your pet travel plans!
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