This area of Florida is rather old school, family oriented, and not a lot of development, maybe a few condo building over 4 floors on the island, otherwise, its cottages and small condo/villa buildings, and almost anywhere, is close to a great beach to relax, walk, fish, swim, and play all day..or night.

TradeWinds is a great little gem in the somewhat more sterile or modern lodging, as its very inviting and relaxing, small and intimate, both in the cottages, and also the pool, or the short walk across road to a great beach. They have chairs/umbrellas and towels for guest, as well you have the Tortuga Inn for more options, cafe, pool and laundry. I stayed there 4 years ago, and had a great stay too. My sister lives in Orlando area and she comes to Tradewinds with her teen daughter for a girls weekend, her husband for a romantic getaway, and sent my wife and I here for the NYE week after Xmas.

It has a great feel, the cottages are simple and refined, the kitchens are new, as are the baths, and atmosphere is one that makes you sad to leave it behind. They also have great BBQ areas next to the cottages, under flower covered porches and nice stone tables inlayed with spanish tiles.


I cant think of anything to say negative, we had a toilet bust, and the repair guy was there in minutes and was polite and took a few minutes and off he went with a smile. Its all good here.

One nice thing about this location is the access to many places for eating/drinking or food/grocery. Be sure to visit the Cortez Seafood Shack and fish market on 119th, and also the Rod n Reel, as well as Starfish, and Sand Dollar at sunset...

The parks are gorgeous, here, DeSoto National Memorial end of 75th is lovely to hike or day trip for a very raw beach in nature, the way it was before anything was built.

We stayed at Tradewinds Resort the last week of September 2012. We had an awesome stay. The resort was beautiful. Every member of the staff was accommodating and helpful. Definitely planning on returning to Tradewinds Resort in 2013. The feel of the resort was very inviting.

This resort is situated on one of the narrowest part of the island.You have the bay right next to the heated pool at the back of the property,and the beach just across the street at the front.It is within walking distance to the Bridge Street area with many restaurants,bars,and shops.There is a lot of repeat guests who come here year after year.We met another couple from Ohio that own a beautiful resort at Kellys Island on Lake Erie (Venture Resort)and they keep coming to Tradewinds time after time.On the advice from the Tripadvisor Anna Maria Island travel forum regulars we found the little inlet across the bay on Palma Sola blvd.where manatee hang out and we got to watch about 6 of them up close.In the near future Tradewinds is supposed to install computerized flat screens (Activision)in both the living areas and bedrooms so that will be nice if the parents want to watch something different than the kids on a rare rainy day.Thank you for another perfect vacation Tradewinds.

My husband and I stayed at the Tradewinds Beach Resort this past summer for a 4 day mini vacation and loved it. We would definitely go back. It was peaceful and quiet, nice pool, easy
beach access, clean rooms and very comfortable.
Pat, Summerfield, Fl.