b'oasts MaldivesC M ost Whitby, Englandwith theWriters, poets, explorers, and artists have long been drawn to the sea. From Shakespeare to Hemingway and Garca Mrquez, humans have an innate connection to the ocean. Seaside retreats and spas first developed in the 17th century, when English physicians, believing in the therapeutic and restorative effects of the sea, were sending people to the shore to recover from various illnesses.Beyond the obvious sun, sea, sand, and fresh air, coastal cities and towns attract todays travelers because of their historical and cultural significance. The towns along ItalysAmalfi Coast, ItalyAmalfi Coast (p. 20) and the French Riviera (p. 30), for instance, have a rich heritage, picturesque Old Towns, local markets bursting with fresh produce, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean.The sensory power of coastal cities makes them linger in our memories. I was born in the port city of Mumbai, India, and lived there till I was twelve. I still remember the smell of the sea and the fish, the sound of waves crashing onto the Marine Drive promenade during the monsoon. I fondly recall tasting the salty air as I gazed at the Gateway of India and the ships in the harbor from our apartment window.The allure of a blue ocean, the meditative rhythm of waves, the front-row seats to vibrant sunrises or sunsets infuse us with a sense of well-being. The wonderful thing about many PHOTOS: NICHOLAS ON UNSPLASH (AMALFI COAST), SHIFAAZ SHAMOON ON UNSPLASH (MALDIVES), CVELE ON PEXELS (NICE)islands and coastal destinations is that there is so much you can do. When my children were young, we often vacationed on Hawaiis Big Island. I cherish the memories of us whale watching, learning to surf and snorkel, and swimming in the perfect waters of Hapuna Beach, framed by rocky outcropsNice, Franceand lava formations. We delighted in shopping for fresh ahi and tuna in the local market, golfing on beautiful courses, visiting sacred Hawaiian ruins, and, my favorite, hiking to Pololu Valley for dramatic views of the Pacific.Take to the coast on your next vacation, whether you want to unwind and find peace or seek activity-filled days. As you turn the pages of this magazine, youll find all the inspiration you need, from exploring Okinawa, Japans Blue Zone (p. 32), where people live exceptionally long lives, to sipping txakoli wine by the waterfront in Spain (p. 15). Our travel experts are just a phone call away, standing by with a collection of amazing and varied experiences of all the coasts with the mostand a recommendation thats perfectly suited to you. SIDE CREDITParik LaxminarayanCEO & Co-FounderENCHANTING TRAVELS\x1a3'