This week’s intense heat in Philadelphia has me daydreaming of a better and more enjoyable kind of hot: an afternoon at St. Tropez Beach Club in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.

Desperately wanting to spend some time by the ocean, my cousin and I took a quick drive out to the coast for lunch and a few hours of relaxation. St. Tropez was the perfect escape — laid back, scenic and just elevated enough to feel like a treat. We had fresh fish and shrimp ceviche steps from the shoreline and then let the afternoon drift by in the calm, shallow waters Boca Chica is known for.

It is the kind of place that doesn’t need to try too hard. You just show up and it works its magic. The range of water sports and services available to guests makes it an easier option for multigenerational crowds. From kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling to beachside loungers and full food and drink services, the setup makes it easy to customize your beach day — whether in the mood for movement or you just want to sip a cocktail under a palm tree.

If only Philly’s heat waves came with ocean views and passionfruit mojitos …

— Yasser Gallagher-Ogando, executive media director