Trying out a new resort is like dating. Before booking a reservation, you try your best to pick out a keeper–one that you hope will be a good match for you and your family and one that appears to offer, at least on paper, amenities you feel are important. Yet, despite a solid pre-screening process, finding the perfect resort isn’t always easy and inevitably you’re bound to encounter a few duds. Occasionally though, in a sea of solid 7’s, you stumble upon a resort that sweeps you off your feet–a perfect 10–and not even a seagull pooping on your head can tarnish your incredible vacation experience (true story).
The Beauty of Simplicity
The genius of Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida is its simplicity. Yes, the resort is breathtaking, but it focuses on what’s important and highlights ingredients that promote family unity. Sandpearl Resort offers guests a private stretch of white sand beach, an expansive pool with beach entry, a large supply of pool and beach toys, casual dining on the seashore, a delicious breakfast buffet with ocean views, an outdoor fire pit with s’mores kits, and last but least; rooms where the bathtub has a view of the television. My child was deliriously happy at Sandpearl because all of the things that truly matter to him were always within his reach. A typical day for us consisted of breakfast at Caretta on the Gulf, swimming, napping, eating, swimming, roasting s’mores on the beach, watching The Lorax from the bathtub, and a whole lot of bonding.
Getting There
Clearwater Beach is a year-round seaside vacation spot conveniently located 40 minutes from Tampa International Airport. I recommend allowing the resort to arrange ground transportation to and from the airport. There’s no need for a rental car in Clearwater Beach. Florida Free Rides provides unlimited, complimentary transportation services for anyone who asks. Their fleet of electric cars runs 7 days a week from 9:00am-3:00am and their drivers work for gratuity only. My family used the service to catch a ride to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter, the celebrity dolphin with a prosthetic tail and star of the movie Dolphin’s Tale…
Read more: Tina Buell, Trekaroo
