RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds

Guy Harvey Outpostis a family-friendly resort with a creative, coastal style. Unique, marine-themed artwork by celebrity artist Guy Harvey decorates the interior, while the sleek, marble-floored lobby has a small business center and a Perk’s Up! coffee shop with small bites. A large painting of sea turtles welcomes guests at the front entrance, and additional unique pieces hang throughout the public spaces and guest rooms. The restaurant, Guy Harvey RumFish Grill, draws locals and guests with its custom 33,500-gallon fish tank created by the stars of Animal Planet’s “Tanked,” where you can swim with more than 30 species of fish for a fee. Outside, there are fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs, and cabanas on the white-sand beach. Guests gather for drinks at The Sand Bar, which has live music in the evening, or sister property Island Grand, for dining and drinking.

The hotel is set on a stretch of white-sand, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico on St. Pete Beach, a busy resort area filled with families, hotels, restaurants, and water sports. Guests have access to all the amenities, restaurants, and bars at the hotel’s larger sister property, Island Grand, which is about a five-minute walk south on the beach or Gulf Boulevard. Other casual seafood restaurants, lively bars, and delis off the property are located within walking distance. The center of St. Petersburg, with museums and dining, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and Tampa International Airport is about 30 miles away.

The hotel rooms are modern, with yellow and blue decor, bedding, and accessories, and unique art by Guy Harvey, which follows the theme of the resort. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi in their suites, and flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels. Each room is stocked with a wet bar, including a mini-fridge or full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and dishware. Ground-floor rooms have outdoor patios separated from other guests with low shrubbery. Pet-friendly suites are also available, along with a menu of room service pet meals.

The resort provides plenty of relaxation on the beach, including fire pits, hammocks, cabanas, and larger VIP cabanas. Cabanas must be reserved the night before and are included in the resort fee, but cabanas in the front row cost extra. Four times per week, Captain Tim hosts shore fishing and beach walks, sharing information about the local wildlife and fishing tips. Other amenities on the property include a surfing simulator, hot tub, and two heated swimming pools –- one is for adults only, and the other is an open beachfront pool. Guests have full access to the amenities at its larger sister resort, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, including water activities. A big draw is the on-site seafood restaurant, Guy Harvey RumFish Grill, home to a massive fish tank created by Animal Planet’s “Tanked.” The resort also has an outdoor bar called The Sand Bar, a great place for drinks and live entertainment in the evening.