Home is where the laptop is... where to take a workation

If there’s one thing we have learned in the last year it’s that many of us don’t need to be in an office to work effectively. With many employers now changing their views on whether they need all their team in an office day in day out and for fixed hours, we’re opening our eyes to potential of remote working.

What’s more it’s good for you. There is growing evidence that remote working can be good for your mental health, for recharging and revitalising you and for making your creative juices flow.

Many destinations are offering new special visas and hotels are offering special deals for long stays. Or, simply rent an apartment /cabin and immerse yourself in local life, Whether you are thinking of combining a holiday with a few days work, or looking to actually spend an extend period overseas, here are some of the best places to have a workation/workcation

Antigua & Barbuda

Picture a lush, green, mountainous island ringed by 365 glorious sandy beaches and an azure-blue sea. With an average temperature of 25 degrees year-round Antigua is somewhere to really combine work and play.

Antigua has launched a Business on the Beach campaign aimed at travellers who want to base themselves there for a few weeks or simply to combine work and play on a holiday. Imagine an early morning swim or yoga on the beach before settling down with your laptop for Zoom call. For those who fall in love with the lifestyle and want a longer stay the country offers a Digital Nomad Visa valid for up to two years. For more information please visit: Antigua Nomad Residence

Norway

For lovers of rugged outdoors Norway is right up there as an unforgettable destination whatever time of year. So, combine remote working with your love of hiking, climbing or cross country skiing – or just with appreciation of all that scenic beauty. As the tourist board says ‘Work with a view, somewhere new’

Visit Norway had a dedicated page on their website with ideas. 

You could, for instance, arrange to stay and work in the Lofoten Islands at the Arctic Coworking Lodge. If you were gripped by the TV series Twin then you’ll know this is where to be if you want to surf in the highest surf ‘resort’ in the world. Or you may simply want to be inspired by its moody light and elemental Arctic beauty.

South Africa

South Africa is already an appealing spot for workations thanks to its climate, wine, wildlife and great value for money. Cape Town in particular is proving to be an attractive spot for workations. But horse-lovers have a fantastic opportunity to indulge their passion while remote working by taking a workation at the highly recommended Horizon Horseback in the Waterberg Plateau a couple of hours from Johannesburg.

Riding here includes getting close to wildlife on horseback, swimming with horses and optional polocrosse and cross country. The cost for a stay of 29 days or more is £100 per person per night which includes daily riding, all meals and beverages, WiFi and office space. More information

Iceland

If you love elemental landscapes and the prospect of exploring lava landscapes, hot springs and waterfalls in your downtime then look no further than Iceland. Admittedly, it’s not the cheapest destination for a long stay, but on the other hand you’ll get an insight far beyond that of a typical tourist and can embrace all that makes Iceland special. You may even get to work under the northern lights.

Iceland’s long-term visa for remote workers allows a stay of up to 180 days. However, one potential catch is that you have to prove that your monthly income is equivalent to 1,000,000 ISK (£5,662) or 1,300,000 (£7361) if applying as a cohabiting couple.

Seychelles

Those wanting to make their tropical Zoom backgrounds a reality need look no further than Hilton Seychelles’ new workation packages combining superb half-board accommodation and complimentary activities with a gorgeous work environment. Luxury lovers can stay at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa in a treehouse-style villa with a private infinity pool (start from €780 for stays of more than 21 nights)

Those wanting a hint of adventure should head to the south of Mahé to Doubletree by Hilton - Allamanda Resort & Spa. Set in picturesque landscaped gardens, Allamanda has only 30 guest rooms. Guests can spend their days discovering hidden sandy coves, relaxing on one of the nearby beaches with rum shacks and pop-up bars or exploring the hiking trails that wind through the south of the island. The workation package is available to those staying for 10 nights or more and includes complimentary activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. You room will have a balcony overlooking the hotel’s private beach and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, guaranteeing to create a calming work environment. Rates are from €330 per night for stays of more than 21 nights.

Sumba, Indonesia

Bali has become something of a hub for digital nomads in recent years, but nearby Sumba is far less touristy and has held on to fascinating cultural traditions such as megalithic burials for prominent individuals, and the ferocious Pasola, a battle played out on horseback.

Less fearsome activities with horses can be experienced at the luxurious NIHI Sumba, one of the world’s best eco-hotels. How about starting your day with swimming or surfing alongside a horse – each morning horses are released to gallop freely along the beach and guests can join them in the sea. Workation guests staying ten days pay for eight (£6,790 for two people) or stay 30 days and pay for 22 (£25,410).

Dominica

Dominica is known as The Nature Island of the Caribbean, and so is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and gain a healthier work-life balance. The country has just launched its new Work in Nature extended stay visa which provides the holders the opportunity to work remotely for up to 18 months on the island.

The island offers high-speed internet and technology services, modern health care facilities, educational options for families, and opportunities for impact volunteer programs with NGOs and private sector entities.  And then, spend your downtime visiting waterfalls andr hot springs, taking nature walks or exhilarating dives, experiencing the local cuisine, embracing a new culture, and making new friends

For more information and to apply go to www.windominica.gov.dm - applications cost US$100 (£72).  Responses will be provided within 7 days and confirmed applicants will have a 3-month grace period to relocate to Dominica. Fees for the Visa are US$ 800 (£578) for individuals and US $1200 (£867) for families.