It had been almost a year since my fiancé proposed. A few weeks ago, he popped another question: "Wanna get away for the weekend?" My answer was another resounding "yes."

Amid the frenzy of wedding planning and a host of family events, this weekend getaway would be the perfect chance for the two of us to spend some precious pre-wedding quality time together. We took off for the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach, not far from where we live.

The TradeWinds offers two unique properties, the Island Grand and the Sandpiper Suites, both beachfront properties on the Gulf of Mexico. We opted for the Sandpiper because it caters to couples and seemed to offer a more quiet retreat. Sure enough, we got our quiet time and more than we bargained for during our two-day stay in paradise.

Palm Court served up just the romantic dinner we needed. Candle-lit tables were dotted with budding red roses, and wine glasses sparkled on the pressed white tablecloths.

Sandpiper Suites

Our spacious suite was decorated in warm Florida colors, but it was the floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed the real-life colors of the Sunshine State: deep green palms, bright blue sky, blue-green water and a wide swath of white sand. We happily discovered that a door by the bed led to a small patio complete with two lounge chairs for private sunbathing (a treat reserved for penthouse suites only).

By mid afternoon we began to wish we would have sprung for the specialty romance package featuring in-room chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne. But we were so enamored with our surroundings that it became a fleeting thought (plus, as Steve reminded me, there was always next time).

We watched the sunset side by side from our balcony before dressing up and heading over to the Palm Court Restaurant, onsite at the Island Grand (guests have access to the amenities at both resorts). On the way to dinner we passed by a bridal party at their reception, and I could only hope my own would be as happy and carefree.

Palm Court served up just the romantic dinner we needed. Candle-lit tables were dotted with budding red roses, and wine glasses sparkled on the pressed white tablecloths. The food was fresh, satisfying and beautifully presented – I felt like we were sampling the work of some famous Food Network chef.

While we were savoring the last of our meal, an older couple at the next table started up a conversation with us. Turns out they were regular visitors, coming each year to the TradeWinds as sort of an annual "honeymoon." This idea struck me as a good one, and I eyed Steve as I made a mental note.

After some wedding chatter and well wishes, we parted ways and headed to a comedy show at Coconuts Comedy Club, located right in the Sandpiper. We shared some laughs and smiled all the way back to our suite.


Pool Time, Beach Time

The next morning we pampered ourselves with breakfast in bed. Fluffy waffles covered in fresh Florida strawberries arrived with a huge glass of Florida orange juice. Nothing could be better than lying in bed, enjoying breakfast and watching the morning sun shining on the waves.

Soon the call of the water enticed us into the adults-only pool and whirlpool. Not that we don't love kids, but it was nice to relax and soak in the quiet water without resenting any boisterous playing nearby.

After our dip we headed to the beachside hammocks and laid ourselves out to dry. We rocked gently in the breeze, listening to the waves and the rustle of the palms over our heads. Only one thing was missing, but Steve resolved this quickly with a trip to the tiki bar and a couple of tropical drinks.

Later, we explored the lush jungle of the Island Grand courtyard, and were surprised to find a winding canal and paddle boats. We jumped into one and paddled around, spotting koi in the water and white swans on the bank. Paddling under the Flying Bridge Restaurant gave us a whiff of something wonderful, so we decided to follow our noses.

Over fried shrimp and baked grouper, we dished about our fun little foray and how it went by so fast. We got to enjoy a little candlelight, good food, luxury, peace and quiet, the smell of the ocean and laughter, sprinkled with unexpected touches and pleasant surprises. Even as we left the resort we discovered something that piqued our interest – the Island Grand has a special section for dogs and their owners. We vowed that next time we'd stay longer and bring our two babies.

Our wedding ceremony would only last a day, but we'd have a lifetime of honeymoons.

For more information on planning your romantic getaway to the TradeWinds Island Resorts, call 877-300-5524 or 800-360-4016, or visit www.tradewindsresort.com.