It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert — you will benefit a lot from spending time by yourself. All the quality moments that you create while just focusing on yourself will help you grow as a person; it will boost your confidence and courage to pursue your desires without needing the approval of others.
Creating beneficial “me” time shouldn’t be too hard, especially if you love seaside escapes. However, if you need some inspiration for a free weekend or holiday at the beach to devote to yourself, here are ideas for activities that you can use.
1. Wake up early to watch the sunrise
Heed the words of author Anthony T. Hincks: “The secret to a good morning is to watch the sunrise with an open heart.”
If it’s your intention to treat yourself to the fine things in life, do not miss the opportunity to start your day watching the inspiring rising of the sun. It’s one of the most hopeful images in life because it represents a new beginning. The past is no more, and you have a wonderful chance to make things new and beautiful.
But, to make the experience even more magical and memorable, consider driving to the beach for a clear horizon and a gorgeous emergence of colors as the sun rises.
2. Exercise at the beach
Outdoor workout programs are popular, and if you’re looking to whip yourself into shape and get some vitamin D, consider joining some of them. You have yoga, Tai Chi, wild runs, and even Crossfit by the beach. Take your pick from these programs and get your sweat on.
Typically, people join these workout sessions with friends, but it’s fun to go alone, too. You can just do your thing and not worry about people judging you. Also, it’s an opportunity to meet new people with similar interests.
3. Indulge in brunch for one at a beachfront restaurant
Beachfront restaurants are a treat for the senses and they are rather common in Abu Dhabi. However, only some are open for brunch. If you are from the capital and you are looking for a lovely place to brunch nearby where you can also treat yourself to the stunning view of the ocean, look for a popular beach restaurant in Abu Dhabi that’s known for its elegant brunches.
This beach restaurant offers a gourmet menu that you will surely delight in. You can enjoy a multi-course meal that can culminate in a few rounds of refreshing cocktails or mocktails as you leisurely observe the amazing seascape.
4. Get a tan
If you need to bring a healthy glow to your complexion, take yourself to the beach from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Catch some rays while lounging around at a beach resort club, reading a book and sipping fruit juice.
Or, you can hit the pool. Swim a few laps and, for sure, you’ll emerge from your morning dip with more color to your skin.
5. Join a cruise
Don’t be afraid to fly solo in a program that’s usually intended for couples. Just relish being out in the water where it’s cool, and the sound of the waves can leave you in a meditative state.
But, if you’re in for something a bit more exciting than a regular sail, in the UAE, there are cruises with fun-filled programs. Consider signing up for those, and you’ll come out of the experience enriched by the different boat activities.
6. Get a wellness treatment
Indulge in self-care. Find a beach resort club in Abu Dhabi that has wellness facilities. Look for one with a spa where you can get a relaxing massage and other skincare treatments right at the beach. Likewise, there are highly equipped open-air fitness gyms with instructors who can design a dynamic exercise program that can specifically address your fitness requirements.
What’s particularly great about getting wellness treatments at a beach resort is that staff can take advantage of the natural surroundings to create a more relaxing and luxurious experience to boost your health. So, look forward to being lulled to slumber by the sound of the crashing waves as an expert kneads tension knots off your back, or enjoy the sea breeze on your face as you bike in place to help you shed some pounds.
7. Stay at a beach hotel.
If you can afford a staycation, why not go on one? There are beach hotels nearby that are just perfect for a staycation for one. Give yourself the opportunity to regroup and rejuvenate your body and soul in a different setting and to approach a day or two with an itinerary focused entirely on what you want and what makes you feel good.
It’s nice to find the time just to be alone and not worry about what other people want to do. What’s even better is that there’s a growing number of beach hotels that are creating deals for solo guests. Therefore, if you’re not too keen on organizing and planning your staycation, you can take advantage of these deals that will provide you with a variety of activities that solo staycationers like you would find fun.
8. Check out what’s happening at the boardwalk
The boardwalk by the beach usually comes alive during the weekends and holidays. Make sure to visit it because there may be novel attractions to see. Here, you can go shopping, sample trendy food, play games, watch performances, and so much more. And, since you’re visiting on your own, you can take everything in at your own pace.
9. Take lots of pictures
The beach is one of the best spots to take pictures. Capture the beauty of nature here, and for sure, you will marvel not only at how the hours bring out a unique appeal to the surroundings, but also at how calming and relaxing the activity is.
At the end of the day, go through the different snapshots and save them in a digital album or print them to create a scrapbook of memories. Or, you can also share the images on social media to keep family and friends updated about the recent goings-on in your life.
As fun as it is to spend time and create memories with other people, it’s just as enjoyable to spend time alone. This will provide you with a unique perspective on things, and even more time to be grateful for and bask in the beauty of your surroundings.
Author Bio
Chiara Bisignani is the F&B Marketing Executive at Saadiyat Beach Club. She oversees website maintenance, PR requests, marketing initiatives and all general guests’ enquiries for the company’s destinations of KOI Restaurant & Lounge, Boa Steakhouse and Caramel Restaurant and Lounge in Abu Dhabi.
