After I’d checked in, the first thing that struck me was how comprehensive the grounds were. The Island Grand has seemingly zeroed in on everything their guests might want and then provided it in abundance – there are five heated pools and nine restaurants. If you want to get active, you can go parasailing, rent a wave runner, use the fitness center, pick up a game of volleyball, tennis or schedule a game of golf.

Want a more unique activity? Hop aboard a paddleboat and travel the waterway that meanders through lush landscaping and wildlife including swans, native birds and Koi fish. There’s also a comprehensive kids program called the KONK Club (Kids Only, No Kidding) that’s a fully supervised program in the mornings and evenings offering a range of activities for kids ages 4-11. The perfect opportunity for parents to make sure that their kids are entertained while they steal a few hours to themselves to relax on the beach or enjoy a quiet romantic dinner.

Lush landscaping surrounds all the public areas, with the pools and restaurants interestingly tucked away in their own private settings. My large guest room was done in vibrant island décor and there was a convenient mini kitchen with a sink, fridge and microwave in the room. The balcony overlooked the beach and was the perfect place to sip a cup of morning cup of coffee and a great spot from which to watch the sunset.   

The Island Grand also has a small spa and beauty salon, where my fiancé and I headed soon after check-in for a couples massage. While there’s only one treatment room, it was large enough for two massage tables. Candles provided ambient lighting while our two masseuses lulled us into a state of total relaxation. Don’t let the size of the facility fool you – these two ladies are at the top of their game. Plans are in the work to expand the space and incorporate a true spa into the grounds.

That night, we ate dinner at the Palm Court Bistro, and intimate room tucked away into the corner of the hotel’s grand lobby. Windows offer views onto the outdoor patio and gardens beyond, while a wine vault holds pride of place in the center of the room, where the mood is set by candlelight and fresh flowers. The servers are pros and each is charged with making the cocktails for their tables themselves. My Grey Goose martini (up and chilled with an olive) was one of the best I’d ever been served. We began our meal with the tempura lobster with roasted golden pineapple. A small lobster tail is very lightly coated before being cooked and then served in the shell. The meat remained tender and the flavor of the lobster shone through. This is a dish that shouldn’t be missed. My fiancé followed this with the petit filet and lobster, both of which were fabulous. My Bistro bouillabaisse was a fish stew done in a flavorful broth which begged sipping. The Palm Court Bistro also hosts a Mimosa Sunday Brunch that features an array of dishes, including shrimp, crab claws, carved aged sirloin and a Viennese pastry table.

After dinner, we walked down to the Island Grand’s sister property, the Sandpiper, in order to take in a show at their Coconuts Comedy Club, an intimate room that draws nationally touring comics. The headliner that night was Nick Gaza, whom you may remember from “Becker,” “Malcolm in the Middle” and the “Drew Carey Show.” Very funny.

Next day, we made our way out onto the beach, where the resort provides covered lounges for its guests to use while working on their tans. Salty’s poolside tiki bar is just a short walk away and the perfect place to grab a pina colada. When on the beach, you’re not far from one of the resorts’ pools, so you can make your way over there and use the whirlpool and sauna in case you feel the need for even more heat. Also on the beach is a giant waterslide that is set up and taken down each night. We watched the kids having a ball on the slide before we lunched at Red Beard’s Sharktooth Tavern, also a stone’s throw away, where they serve a casual menu and tropical cocktails. The Sharktooth is also a great spot for happy hour, and they have live entertainment from 8-11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Monday is Karaoke night.

If there’s the something that the Island Grand is missing, I wish you’d point it out to me. With just the right blend of laid back island relaxation and upscale resort amenities, the Island Grand is a full service resort that adapts itself effortlessly to the needs of every guest, whether they be singles, couples, families or seniors.

Website: www.tradewindsresort.com