Exploring the Depths: My Journey with the Ocean
Wave after Wave: Embracing the Sea's Magic
"She's angry today, the sea." That's how Lawrence Durrell, an avid Mediterranean admirer, introduces Justine, the first book in the Alexandria Quartet series. I was raised in Alexandria, and I know the ocean's shifting moods from stormy to serene, awe-inspiring to cautiously timid.
When the sea roars, it's as if the whole world is exhaling a vast sigh. And when it whispers, those translucent mornings call me to take a step closer, immerse myself, breathe in the salty air, and remember the promises the sea held in my youth, a young boy standing on the shore, dreaming about the boundless possibilities and the adventures that might await.
Some rush headfirst into the waves, arms wide open, yearning to conquer the ocean. But, over the years, I've learned to savor the moment when my feet sink gently beneath the wet sand, patiently waiting, biding my time. Today, whether in Europe or America, I cherish this moment at the beach above all else.
After dabbing my face and hair with water, or just hearing the sound of streaming water from an old marble fountain, I feel a sense of peace knowing that the ocean, no matter where I might be, will always draw me in. Even if my feet never sink under sand, or I'm not even thirsty, hearing water is all it takes to know that the world is as it should be.
Dive Deeper
Feeling the magnetic pull of the sea? We've found some enchanting spots for you to explore.
The Renaissance of the Potlatch Club, Bahamas
With more than 100 beaches, Eleuthera boasts the resurgent 1960s social magnet, the Potlatch Club. Overlooking a seven-mile stretch of pink sand, this 12-acre, 14-room estate promises the privacy and tranquility to truly embrace the sea's allure.
Nekajui, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Costa Rica
Are you tempted by the panoramic views of the Pacific from this hillside resort on the Papagayo Peninsula? With 107 rooms, three pools, and a funicular that takes you to the Niri Beach Club, overlooking a crescent-shaped cove, Nekajui offers an irresistible oceanic experience.
Beach Club at the Boca Raton, Florida
This newly renovated Gold Coast hotel boasts a private beach with water sports, beach service, and stunning ocean vistas from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a relaxing dip, and let the sun’s golden rays wash over you during your stay.
A Slice of Waterfront Bliss
Can't make it to the beach? The 29 recently renovated Cottages at the Boat Basin in Nantucket offer stunning harbor views and easy access to local beaches. With complimentary bikes and beach bus service, you can still enjoy the essence of being next to the water.
Read more about the sea's enchanting allure in the Summer 2025 edition of Town &Country. SUBSCRIBE NOW****
André Aciman is a best-selling author and esteemed teacher, known for his works Call Me by Your Name, Enigma Variations, and Find Me.
- To fully embody the magic of the sea, consider a visit to the revamped Potlatch Club in Eleuthera, Bahamas, offering 100 beaches and the tranquility needed to immerse in the sea's allure.
- For those seeking a scenic oceanic escape, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve's Nekajui in Costa Rica offers panoramic views of the Pacific, stunning accommodations, and easy access to the Niri Beach Club.
- If a coastal getaway is not a possibility, indulge in the harbor views from the 29 recently renovated cottages at the Boat Basin in Nantucket, ensuring you remain connected to the water's enchanting allure.
- Travelling to Florida, the Beach Club at the Boca Raton offers a newly renovated, privately owned beach, complete with water sports and stunning ocean vistas.
- With luxury and outdoor-living at its heart, the homes and gardens featured in the Summer 2025 edition of Town & Country magazine offer inspiration for blending the sea's magic with one's own lifestyle.
