Best Kept Secrets of Beach Getaways (Let the Ocean Work Its Secret on You)

The seductiveness of the beach is no secret. Humans have been flocking to where water meets land since ancient times. After all what made hundreds of thousands trek across wilderness and treacherous mountains for the ocean blue, well besides gold, that is? I would have to say it was to experience the serenity of aqua waiting on the other side. The ocean teeming in paradoxes, one of the last frontiers for discovery is a small piece of nirvana to which most of us are drawn at some time in our life.

I can remember my first time. Who doesn’t’ remember their first time seeing the ocean, especially if you waited a good part of your life to do so. My first time was in college. You know you are closer when the trees in the horizon start to disappear. Then comes that smell. It’s so different. A salty freshness permeates the air. My first ocean visit was to Daytona Beach, in Florida. Did I mention there was also romance in the air? Well, that goes along with both the ocean and college doesn’t it? It wasn’t “From Here to Eternity,” with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. It was just myself walking with a boy along the beach. I can’t even remember the boy’s name. The romance came and went as swiftly as the tide. It was just one of those pristine, innocent ocean moments to savor.

There is definitely something magical about the beach. What is this allure of the ocean that causes half of the world’s population to live within fifty miles of its shores while inviting the other fifty per cent to vacation there? For many others and myself the spray of the ocean waves offers a renewal of life. The stresses of the world begin to fade away. Being near the ocean can change one’s “to do” list drastically. On the top of my to do list is to watch the sunset and squish my toes in the sand. Then there is to recreate the ocean/kiss scene in “From Here to Eternity,” with my husband. I know that will come. There is also to just let go and relax and let the ocean waves lull me into a deep meditative state. This was our objective with our latest ocean visit. This idea I found was hardly novel, as my husband and I, sat cross-legged on the beach, fingers in mudra position, less than a month ago, our last morning there. As I looked out there was quite a string of people doing likewise.

Ever since that first time of experiencing the ocean I’ve needed a “fix” so to speak as often as possible. I’ve experienced different beaches at different times in my life now, from different areas along the Pacific, the Gulf Shores, the Atlantic and even The Netherlands. While each individual beach offers a different flavor like ice cream they all still provide me with that Zen essence of ice cream. The water rolls up on shore for a brief moment of time and recedes back into the oneness representing the fluidity of life.

Whatever beach you choose prepare to lose your stress, let your children play in the sand, and let your own inner child come out. Before you go, rent “From Here to Eternity,” to watch with your significant other. This is a note to myself.

 

A great beach getaway is closer than you think. Here are two suggestions for beach getaways.

 

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Many dates still available • Discounts • Gulf Shores AL Condo rental directly on the beach. Brand New in 2007. The property is Directly on the Beach. Step off the elevator and you're there! The very cool Sprayground / Wading Pool is a real bonus for the kids. But, adults find it irresistible, too... Tops among Gulf Shores Condos. This 10th floor Seawind unit has a highly sought after sunset view, provides indescribable views from both the west facing picture window and the corner balcony that looks both south and west. See the Beach shoreline from east to west from the balcony. For more information, click here.>>

 

Sail Bay Condo, San Diego, CA

Summer prices Reduced. Save today on our newly Discounted rates. 180-degree unobstructed views are hard to come by. Imagine yourself sitting at the dining table or out on the balcony of this waterfront condo watching the action below you on Sail Bay -- water-skiers, kayakers & sail boats. Sip wine on the balcony as you watch the sunset over the ocean. Or walk around the bay ten minutes to the ocean to watch for the green flash. At night you'll see the two big paddle-wheel boats cruise right by your window. And you'll see the lights of the strand across the bay, and the moonlight reflecting off the water. This non-smoking condo has a queen-size bed in the bedroom and a queen-size Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall right in front of the sliding glass doors giving you the sensation that you're sleeping over the water, and a queen sofabed, too! For more information, click here.>>