Family Time at Siesta Key’s Tropical Beach Resorts
By Denise McDermitt
While enduring this past winter in the Northeast, I often found myself dreaming of a tropical getaway—someplace where I could lay my head back in the warmth of the sun, dig my toes in the sand and let the sound of the waves wash my stress away. Six months later, my winter’s dream become a reality for my entire family.
After a short flight from New York, we arrived in Florida at our oasis in the sand on Siesta Key—Tropical Beach Resorts. Located on the south end of the one-and-a-half mile Crescent Beach, the resort is made up of lovely one-story buildings that have been completely renovated with comfort, luxury and convenience in mind. The impeccable tropical landscaping and warm, ocean breeze gently greeted us as we stepped from our car and into the front office.
We were hospitably welcomed and checked-in by "Scott" who directed us to our room, but not before first offering us complementary lemonade, coffee and cookies. Our building was situated closest to the beach, but all are within easy walking distance and each building has about 15 units with convenient parking right outside of each room. Convenience and relaxation proved to be a theme during our stay at Tropical Beach Resorts.
Upon opening the door to our Designer Efficiency King room, we were met with a burst of cool air and the immediate sense that we were at home. Inside the spacious room was everything our family would need for the next few days. We entered into the kitchen area that has updated stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, four burner cook top and microwave. Adjacent was a lovely glass and wicker dining area with four chairs, a comfy couch with a pull-out bed and a spacious bathroom, nicely stocked with Aveda products. But the treat to my eyes and back was the enormous king-size bed topped with luxurious linens. I wanted to crawl in and bury my head in the pillow, but a rest would need to wait as the Gulf of Mexico was beckoning.
We quickly dropped our bags and headed to the brick footpath that led to the white, powdery quartz sands of the beach. We arrived just as the sun had set, but still found couples and families mingling, taking in the last moments of the day. We kicked off our shoes and ran into the water which after our trip seemed especially warm and soothing. We stayed until the only glimmer of light was the illuminated footpath leading us back to the resort. As we wound our way back, we passed one of the resort’s two heated swimming pools and a lovely gazebo designated for our section that had a dining and lounge area, along with two large gas grills.
Moments later we were back in our unit taking in all of the little details that would make this room our home for the next three days. Apparently making note that this was an anniversary trip, the staff left a bottle of white wine and sparkling raspberry lemonade in the refrigerator for our celebration. Upon closer inspection, we noted that in addition to the major appliances provided, the kitchen came fully equipped with a coffee maker, toaster and all of the items needed for a fully-functioning kitchen.
A strategically placed wall-hung flat-screen TV with a DVD player provided convenient viewing from the dining, living and sleeping areas of the room. In addition, the resort provides a complementary DVD library in the front office for borrowing. Additionally, the room is equipped with an iPod docking station and free Wi-Fi connections.
The next morning as we made our way toward the beach, we noticed the volleyball and shuffleboard courts available to the guests and learned of the yoga classes available on the beach. Another convenience is the ability to borrow beach chairs and towels from the front office. Guests also have the option of renting ocean kayaks, boogie boards, paddle boards and snorkeling equipment should they opt for more adventurous water fun.
While enduring this past winter in the Northeast, I often found myself dreaming of a tropical getaway—someplace where I could lay my head back in the warmth of the sun, dig my toes in the sand and let the sound of the waves wash my stress away. Six months later, my winter’s dream become a reality for my entire family.
After a short flight from New York, we arrived in Florida at our oasis in the sand on Siesta Key—Tropical Beach Resorts. Located on the south end of the one-and-a-half mile Crescent Beach, the resort is made up of lovely one-story buildings that have been completely renovated with comfort, luxury and convenience in mind. The impeccable tropical landscaping and warm, ocean breeze gently greeted us as we stepped from our car and into the front office.
We were hospitably welcomed and checked-in by "Scott" who directed us to our room, but not before first offering us complementary lemonade, coffee and cookies. Our building was situated closest to the beach, but all are within easy walking distance and each building has about 15 units with convenient parking right outside of each room. Convenience and relaxation proved to be a theme during our stay at Tropical Beach Resorts.
Upon opening the door to our Designer Efficiency King room, we were met with a burst of cool air and the immediate sense that we were at home. Inside the spacious room was everything our family would need for the next few days. We entered into the kitchen area that has updated stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, four burner cook top and microwave. Adjacent was a lovely glass and wicker dining area with four chairs, a comfy couch with a pull-out bed and a spacious bathroom, nicely stocked with Aveda products. But the treat to my eyes and back was the enormous king-size bed topped with luxurious linens. I wanted to crawl in and bury my head in the pillow, but a rest would need to wait as the Gulf of Mexico was beckoning.
We quickly dropped our bags and headed to the brick footpath that led to the white, powdery quartz sands of the beach. We arrived just as the sun had set, but still found couples and families mingling, taking in the last moments of the day. We kicked off our shoes and ran into the water which after our trip seemed especially warm and soothing. We stayed until the only glimmer of light was the illuminated footpath leading us back to the resort. As we wound our way back, we passed one of the resort’s two heated swimming pools and a lovely gazebo designated for our section that had a dining and lounge area, along with two large gas grills.
Moments later we were back in our unit taking in all of the little details that would make this room our home for the next three days. Apparently making note that this was an anniversary trip, the staff left a bottle of white wine and sparkling raspberry lemonade in the refrigerator for our celebration. Upon closer inspection, we noted that in addition to the major appliances provided, the kitchen came fully equipped with a coffee maker, toaster and all of the items needed for a fully-functioning kitchen.
A strategically placed wall-hung flat-screen TV with a DVD player provided convenient viewing from the dining, living and sleeping areas of the room. In addition, the resort provides a complementary DVD library in the front office for borrowing. Additionally, the room is equipped with an iPod docking station and free Wi-Fi connections.
The next morning as we made our way toward the beach, we noticed the volleyball and shuffleboard courts available to the guests and learned of the yoga classes available on the beach. Another convenience is the ability to borrow beach chairs and towels from the front office. Guests also have the option of renting ocean kayaks, boogie boards, paddle boards and snorkeling equipment should they opt for more adventurous water fun.
As we settled on the beach, we could fully appreciate our decision to stay on the quieter, more secluded area of Siesta Key. Along the entire mile-and-a-half Crescent Beach, there are only two public access points giving you the feeling of being on a semi-private beach. And yet, despite the resort’s serene location, it is just a few minute’s drive south of the more active Siesta Village and Sarasota itself. However, once we parked our car, we never found a need to drive anywhere. Given the design of the resort with the fully functioning kitchens and gas grills, you may only find yourself wandering off the grounds to replenish your supplies at the convenience store. Should you wish to experience local restaurants and shopping, several places are only a short walk away.
We had grand plans of exploring every inch of Siesta Key, but once we settled into the resort, we simply didn't want to leave. It is evident that every detail of this resort has been well thought out. There was not one moment when I wished that something had been designed differently. Although my idea of vacationing doesn’t usually involve doing laundry, the fact that they have washers and dryers on-site is a huge convenience, especially for travelling families. Daily housekeeping services kept our room well-supplied and in impeccable condition. By day two, our son was already referring to our room as our “home” and we soon regretted our decision to stay for only three days. Now, looking out my window as the leaves begin to change, I have no doubt that in the midst of winter, I’m going to be wishing we were back at our lovely beach home.
www.tropicalbeachresorts.com
We had grand plans of exploring every inch of Siesta Key, but once we settled into the resort, we simply didn't want to leave. It is evident that every detail of this resort has been well thought out. There was not one moment when I wished that something had been designed differently. Although my idea of vacationing doesn’t usually involve doing laundry, the fact that they have washers and dryers on-site is a huge convenience, especially for travelling families. Daily housekeeping services kept our room well-supplied and in impeccable condition. By day two, our son was already referring to our room as our “home” and we soon regretted our decision to stay for only three days. Now, looking out my window as the leaves begin to change, I have no doubt that in the midst of winter, I’m going to be wishing we were back at our lovely beach home.
www.tropicalbeachresorts.com
