Two white swans cross our path as my son and I paddle the narrow waterway winding through the Island Grand Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. Up ahead I see sunlight dancing on a sparkling blue pool, one of many on property, while my son spots a giant three-story inflated slide resting on the white sandy beach.

But no sooner than he can say "Slide!" we find ourselves paddling under the Flying Bridge Restaurant – an island oasis serving burgers, seafood and fruity drinks. We decide to debark our paddleboat and begin our afternoon activities, starting with lunch.

The short walk to the Flying Bridge Restaurant gives us another view of the picturesque waterway, full of bright koi fish darting around just beneath the surface. We take turns spotting the biggest ones, and before we know it we pass the Sharktooth Tavern, where a colorful parrot and equally colorful pirate, Captain RedBeard, await a picture-taking moment. The Captain invites us into the Tavern, where my son can create his own buccaneer necklace. Lunch and the slide have to wait just a little bit longer.
With a mango daiquiri in one hand and my Explorer Value Pass in the other (the pass allows unlimited access to many resort activities), I kick back on one of the beachside hammocks and soak up the Florida sunshine.

Sitting across the table from Captain RedBeard, who's helping my son string buccaneer beads, I begin to think about what I want to do next. I'm scheduling it all in my head, from relaxing at the Body Works Salon and Spa, to napping beachside in a hammock, to kicking back on a sunset sail (offered by nearby Dolphin Village), to enjoying hearty laughs right next door at the TradeWinds' Comedy Club at Sandpiper Hotel and Suites (another one of the luxuriously laidback properties at the TradeWinds Island Resorts).

I realize that I have to slow down and enjoy this moment in paradise. So I quietly whisper the resort's mantra "Just Let Go" and do my best to obey. Ahh, vacation.

We savor lunch at the Flying Bridge Restaurant then "flip flop" our way over to the beach slide, where my son's afternoon entertainment is before us. With a mango daiquiri in one hand and my Explorer Value Pass in the other (the pass allows unlimited access to many resort activities), I kick back on one of the beachside hammocks and soak up the Florida sunshine. I close my eyes for a moment and listen for my son's excited shrieks as he heads down the towering slide again and again.

The afternoon winds down to a dip in the hot tub, a refreshing drink at the beach bar and a splash in the children's wading pool. Then it's back to our room.

Our comfy one-bedroom suite overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, and its balcony is the perfect place to plan the late afternoon's events. For my son, it will be a few hours at the KONK Club (Kids Only, No Kidding), where he can be watched and entertained. For me, it will be some soothing quiet time at the Body Works Salon and Spa, where I'll enjoy a massage and facial.

When we meet up afterwards, with smiles splashed across our faces, we immediately agree that it's dinner time. I decide on Bermudas, one of the resort's many restaurants, because it offers a casual and friendly atmosphere, along with a breathtaking view of the Gulf. Also, the menu is inviting for both adults and children. The Palm Court Bistro, a more upscale establishment, is perfect for couples.

As we gaze over the selections, which include fresh Gulf seafood and tastebud-tempting regional specialties, we share highlights of our wonderful day and discuss the next day's possibilities.

While more time on the ever-popular slide is a must, my son also wants to play a round of mini golf and jump on the trampoline. And my top priority is an exciting excursion on a WaveRunner, which can be rented beachside from Captain Dave's Water Sports. (Although a shopping trip to the Historic Corey Avenue Shopping District, located right in the heart of St. Pete Beach, comes in as a close second.)

We pause from planning to watch the last bit of sun slip beyond the horizon. The blue sky is streaked with pink, purple and tangerine.

 "Ahh, vacation," I say to myself. "In paradise, no less."