The Secret to a Second Honeymoon
Walking along the beach, my wife's hand nestled in mine, we admired the full moon reflecting on the Gulf of Mexico and thought about our honeymoon, which seemed like another lifetime ago.
"Are you glad we came?" I asked. She smiled and put her arm around my waist. No answer needed.
It seemed like we had talked about a second honeymoon a dozen times before, but something always got in the way: bills, work, kids… you name it.
We didn't need any more stress in our life. If we were going, it had to be hassle free. Some place with everything on site, where we could both get a much-needed break.
A friend suggested TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. Really two resorts in one – Island Grand and Sandpiper Suites – the resort has undergone renovations to bring it in line with other top-notch facilities, but still maintains a laid-back, island atmosphere.
Earlier, when checking in, we spotted a happy couple greeting guests arriving for the weekend's nuptial festivities. "That's convenient," I told my wife. "You can do everything in one spot."
TradeWinds' Island Grand hosts more than 150 weddings each year. Couples from all over the U.S. come here to say "I do" on the beach with a backdrop of palm trees and a Gulf Coast sunset.
Checking into the honeymoon suite, I kicked myself for forgetting to ask the concierge to have champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting in the room. The treatment is standard for newlyweds, but we were second timers. I should have called in advance and ordered the Bubbly, Bed and Breakfast package, and scored some extra points in the "romance" department.
The suite, with a whirlpool bath in the bedroom, made us want to get married all over again. Standing on the balcony, watching the sun melt into the ocean, we debated our dinner options.
The resort has several restaurants, but the Palm Court Bistro, with the most extensive wine selection on the beach and a patio under the stars, fit the bill for my wife's "fine" dining request.
Scanning the menu for an appropriate dish – many of which are featured in a recently released cookbook by Tradewinds' chefs – was difficult because everything looked so good.
I settled on the "tenderloin in tandem," two medallions of beef with a blue cheese and peppercorn mélange, complimented by mixed julienne vegetables and Parisian potatoes. Our server suggested the wine – a Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, vintage 2001. My wife chose the herbed grilled chicken breast with wild mushroom risotto and a glass of Frei Brothers Russian River Chardonnay.
After dinner, we went for a walk and explored the 20-acre facility. The lush gardens and countless palm trees reminded me of a resort in the Bahamas or Virgin Islands. I had to keep reminding myself that I was on St. Pete Beach, not some coral atoll thousands of miles from home.
Wandering along the seemingly endless boardwalk, we stopped by the small inland lagoon, complete with paddleboats for rent.
"The kids would love this place," I said.
The large, adults-only heated pool looked inviting even on this cool winter evening. I asked my wife if she wanted to go in for a dip. She declined, but dropped a hint that a day at the Body Works Salon would be a nice anniversary gift. The "Just Let Go" package – full body massage, manicure, pedicure and facial – would do wonders for her temperament.
"You could get the Beach Treat," she said. "That's a facial, massage and manicure."
I told my wife that I would much rather spend an hour lifting weights in the fitness center.
"Hmm…" she said, making it clear that I didn't give the answer she was looking for. Second honeymoon or not, I was only willing to go so far.
We headed out to the beach for a romantic walk in the moonlight. We talked and laughed, but somehow the conversation kept going back to our son and daughter, who were spending the night with grandma.
"Do you think it's too late to go and get the kids?" I asked.
She laughed. "I miss them too."
By Terry Tomalin, member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America
Last modified on Feb 06, 2007
