Three beach-loving jetsetters recall probably the most elegant solar locations

With short breaks this year, there may be nothing that drives our collective wanderlust more than longing for a beach vacation. As we all fantasize about the sand and surf, we asked three (temporarily grounded) frequent flyers about their most memorable sun-kissed destinations. Contemplate that travel inspiration until life is a beach again.

Timothy Chan, communications consultant

Home Sweet Home: Toronto

Dream escape: Dead Sea at the Crowne Plaza Jordan

The country of Jordan is only slightly larger than New Brunswick, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in its archaeological finds and natural wonders what brought Timothy Chan and his husband to this remote destination just weeks before the country hit pandemic. One of the most memorable parts of their epic adventure was the time they spent in the famous Dead Sea that Jordan shares with Israel.

This otherworldly body of water is actually not a sea at all, but an inland salt lake. “You have to experience it to really appreciate the novelty. At 1,312 feet below sea level, it’s the lowest land point on earth and known as the world’s largest natural spa, ”says Chan, who spent the day privately in the water – ten times salty than the average ocean beach at his hotel, the Crowne Plaza Jordan . “The Dead Sea is the perfect place to relax and recharge. I covered myself in the mineral-rich mud and swam in the ocean while soaking up the warm sunshine. “

Rita Remark, the world’s leading educator for Essie

Home Sweet Home: New York City

Dream escape: Railay Beach, Thailand

With a title like “Global Lead Educator,” it’s no surprise this Canadian expat who now lives in NYC has traveled the world – although Rita Remark’s work usually ended up in bustling international capitals rather than the sandy beaches, which she prefers vacations for personal purposes. “To be honest, I’ve been thinking about every possible escape since the pandemic began, but this beach is a frequent visitor in my daydreams,” says Remark of Railay (also spelled Rai Leh) Beach in the southern Thai province of Krabi.

She arrived on the remote peninsula, accessible only by boat, nearly a decade ago while embarking on a five-month solo backpacking trip. “When I drove to the coast it felt as untouched as my own secret hiding place,” Remark recalls. “The small U-shaped beach was filled with warm, jade-colored water, lined with coconut trees and framed by limestone cliffs. It was a little piece of Thai heaven. “Railay’s distinctive karst formations curve along the coast like a giant limestone fortress, while below is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, lined with a real jungle. “I sunbathed and swam, took a nap in the shade, and had a fresh watermelon shake. It was perfect.”

Ania Boniecka, art director and creator of digital content

Home Sweet Home: Calgary

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Dream escape: Playa Quimixto at Xinalani Retreat, Mexico

“I grew up in Poland on the Baltic Sea and am also a watermark, so I am totally drawn to the sea,” says Ania Boniecka, an avowed beach lover (and fish). Narrowing its most coveted strip of sand was a challenge, but Playa Quimixto on Mexico’s southwest coast, about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, wins – also due to a close encounter with the wilderness. “It can only be reached by boat and we were able to do some epic whale watching on the way,” said Boniecka, recalling her trip to the distant Xinalani Retreat. “We were only a few meters from a baby whale and its mother. It was the most wonderful and powerful moment. ”

Flawless, fine white sand and crystal clear water await the resort’s private beach. Several hiking trails run along the beach, including a hike to a waterfall about 30 minutes away. “You can see so much more than just relaxing in a hammock,” says Boniecka, “although that’s one of my favorite things to do.”

The Star understands travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of traveling again and we publish this story with future trips in mind.