TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort is not just a hotel; it is a sprawling, self-contained beachfront destination and one of the largest hospitality complexes on Florida’s West Coast. With 585 guest rooms, this property serves as the flagship of a massive 31-acre dual-resort campus on the white sands of St. Pete Beach. This is the resort’s most significant strategic advantage for group bookings. It operates in tandem with its sister property, the RumFish Beach Resort, creating an expansive, walkable environment. This “Stay at one, play at both” model is a powerful logistical tool for event planners, effectively doubling the portfolio of available amenities, restaurants, and recreational activities for a single group booking. The resort’s identity is defined by this vibrant, activity-rich campus, which successfully pairs a fun-filled, tropical atmosphere with a serious, large-scale conference infrastructure.

The 585 accommodations are a key part of the group travel strategy. The inventory is not composed of standard, identical hotel rooms; it is a diverse collection of spacious studios, one and two-bedroom suites, and premium penthouses. This all-suite model is exceptionally valuable for both corporate and group travel. Most units feature either fully equipped kitchenettes or full kitchens, separate living areas with sofa beds, and private balconies. These balconies offer sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico or the resort’s intricate, man-made waterway system. This residential level of comfort is ideal for extended-stay project teams, executive retreats, or for attendees on incentive trips who may be traveling with their families. The availability of multi-bedroom units allows teams to co-locate, fostering collaboration in a comfortable, apartment-style setting while managing budgets effectively.

For event planners, the TradeWinds campus offers a remarkable 80,000 square feet of combined flexible event space. This is not a single, confined convention center; it is a dynamic collection of indoor and outdoor venues spread across the property. The main indoor facility at the Island Grand is the 10,600-square-foot Grand Palm Colonnade and Ballroom. This is a classic and elegant space, perfect for general sessions, trade shows, or formal banquets for up to 600 guests. This main hall is supported by a large number of additional breakout rooms, such as the Jacaranda Hall, providing a complete conference solution.

However, the resort’s true strength lies in its unique outdoor venues, which are designed to leverage the stunning Gulf Coast setting. Planners can host a welcome reception for hundreds directly on the resort’s private, sugar-white sand beach. They can also utilize multiple open-air pavilions, poolside decks, and lush garden courtyards for memorable events. This ability to move seamlessly from a formal indoor meeting to a casual beachside networking event is a primary draw.

The amenity package at the TradeWinds Island Grand is its most distinguishing characteristic and a massive attraction for group attendees. The resort is packed with recreational activities. This includes the three-story-tall High Tide Slide, a massive, inflatable waterslide located directly on the beach, and a floating offshore water park with trampolines and obstacle courses. A unique canal system, reminiscent of a tropical Venice, winds through the resort’s courtyard, and guests can navigate it using paddle boats. This waterway is a central feature of the resort’s landscape. The resort also features seven different swimming pools across the two properties, including two adults-only pools, a “touch-a-ray” encounter at the RumFish property, beach cabanas, and countless watersport rentals. This built-in entertainment is a powerful asset for planners, providing endless options for team-building, family activities, or attendee downtime without ever needing to arrange off-site transportation.

Dining and social life are fully integrated into the resort experience. The combined complex boasts over a dozen different restaurants, bars, and quick-service outlets. This variety gives attendees exceptional freedom and simplifies dining logistics for large groups. Guests can arrange a high-end private dinner at the Palm Court Italian Grill, enjoy a casual team lunch at the Flying Bridge, or network at Salty’s Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge. This diverse culinary portfolio ensures there are options for every palate and budget right on property.