Resort stay: August 6-13, 2005

Four Winds is a very nice small timeshare, the kind I like. It is located in an exclusive and very wealthy area which is both beautiful and peaceful. Other than the beachfront pool, there are essentially no amenities, which keeps the resort quiet and small. The 1 bdr unit (207) we had was very nice, recently redone and was large and very nicely furnished, including a complete kitchen with all the amenities one could want. Great bathroom, with separate sinks in 2 rooms. Supposedly an independent restaurant (Maison Blanche) on site, but only “sort of” open. Operators have an attitude problem, and when they claim they are open, they aren’t. Guess I wouldn’t eat there anyway.

Though beachfront, the beach was in the process of being replenished during our visit, with 2 tractors spreading course sand (an error to be corrected with a final layer of fine white sand). While this made the beach essentially unusable for the week, it wouldn’t have made any difference: THERE WAS A RED TIDE in full bloom all along the gulf coast. This condition had been prevalent for 4-6 weeks and was getting progressively worse, so the beach and ocean were unusable anyway. This stage of the red tide was killing fish and they, along with lots of seaweed, were floating in and landing on the beach, along with an absolutely strong and unbearable odor. At times it was even so bad that it reached the pool area and balconies. We vacation in Florida very frequently, and had never run across this before, and I never plan to again! I will always check with some marine agency before planning a trip to the ocean, in Florida or anywhere (New England has them occasionally also). While Longboat Key has O.K. beaches, Siesta Key, the next one south, has what is considered to be the finest (best) beach sand in the world according to some of the oceanalogical agencies. And they are right (along with the Panhandle beaches)! But still the red tide.

Best: Very upscale area, including Sarasota; definitely a wealthy enclave. Good restaurants (some VERY expensive), lots of shops in one contained area, St. Armands Circle on Longboat Key, and a lovely area with nice ocean and bay views. Close to Sarasota for everything else.

Worst: Longboat Key beaches: course sand, but to be improved.

Very Nice smaller condo complex located right on the Gulf and across the street from a supermarket. No road noise, elevator available, clean and bright. Car necessary. Island is very posh and upscale. Car required.

Pool and hot tub are clean, beach is wonderful, and there are plenty of chairs to go around.

Almost all rooms have at least a partial ocean view. Lack of activities and age makes it a four star rather than a five. I would definately go back again.

We have stayed her many times through the years. My mother owns here. Friendly atmosphere. Units are well planned and roomy. Bathroom design allows for private dressing area. One of our favorite destinations!!