The Workcation Trend Is Here: Log on Remotely From Beach Resorts, Golf Courses, Campgrounds, and More
Editor's Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
As professionals have accepted the fact that their office and their kitchen table may very well be the same thing these days, the hospitality industry has taken note.
Now, resorts, campgrounds, golf courses, beachfront cottages, and many other locales you only used to think of as places you would go to escape work, are now inviting those working remotely to set up shop for an extended stay. Options ranging from major hotel brands to boutique hotels are offering remote work package that sound way better than any office perk you used to have.
And why would you work from your small apartment or even a house when you could work from a beautiful resort that will also help you with childcare and schooling like the Punta Mita resort in Mexico? Those without kids in tow can even log on from Vegas.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
“Due to COVID-19, many companies now operate remotely and some may decide to continue to do so even after restrictions are eased," Evans Hotels' CMO, Ilsa Butler told Travel + Leisure. "These [work and stay] packages allow people to fully enjoy all of the hotel amenities and services, including dining which can be a big stressor for many with families.”
A change of scenery can do wonders for work-life balance, especially since working without coworkers, a commute or outside stimulation can take a toll on mental health and productivity.
According to a survey from Bluescape, 77 percent of employees are really struggling to establish clear boundaries between work and home life when they work from home.
Courtesy of the Old Edwards Inn The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in North Carolina
“The change of environment has shown greater health benefits which leads to improved productivity and work-life balance during these times," Butler noted. "The packages are keeping the resort top of mind, which is helping with the recovery. [Guests] may not book a workcation package, but new offerings help remind people that we are open and ready for when they are.”
The end of summer once meant the end of vacation and the return to normal life but that is completely different now and for the foreseeable future. Instead of going back to work people are exploring a new kind of workplace environment that may include room service, ocean views, and tee times during your lunch break.
Here are some ways to spend your new 9-5.
Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California
Calling all golf lovers! At The Lodge at Torrey Pines, which is part of Evans Hotels, you can quite literally work and play. Opt for the guest room — or office — for the day with stunning views and luxury amenities, including room service and poolside cabanas, or include some golfing in your visit. The Lodge's Business to a Tee package includes a priority tee time on the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, loaner putters and golf balls for the putting green, and your choice of newspaper delivered to your room.
Mackinac’s Island Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan
This one is for all the kiddos (and certainly their parents as well) as this hotel just revealed their Grand Back to School Package. It includes tiered discounts based on the total number of nights booked and a dedicated meeting space where students can study and take their virtual classes in a socially distanced space. Boxed lunches are available for purchase, and a staff member is present to assist with any questions or technical needs. Plus, while the kids are busy at “school” their parents can get their own work done or just relax.
The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah
Offering extended stays in a one-bedroom luxury suite or one-bedroom deluxe suite, The St. Regis Deer Valley is complete with a myriad of dining options and unbelievable views. And while though there is plenty to do outside when you log off work, you may not want to leave your new setup considering their 900 square-foot suites include a king-size bed, full designer kitchen, parlor with a queen size sofa sleeper, 1.5 bathrooms, full designer kitchen, two fireplaces, and a balcony.
Guests are also provided with the hotel's 24-hour butler service.
Daily breakfast for two is also available as well as nightly hand-selected wine pairings from the Resort Sommelier, a guaranteed table at any restaurant in The St. Regis Deer Valley, a private sabering lesson, a weekly 90-minute Reméde Spa massage, and a weekly 60-minute facial for two guests.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida
Working out of a tropical cottage? One could do worse than the "Work From Your Home Away From Home Package" at The Margaritaville Resort. And when you aren’t in your own private beautifully decorated residence you can take advantage of all the amenities Margaritaville Resort Orlando has to offer. Want to stay forever? Well, you can. The option to own a private vacation cottage home is available as well.
Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, North Carolina
Courtesy of The Old Edwards Inn The Old Edwards Inn
Looking for another cottage stay? This collection of private homes and cottages including all of the resort’s signature luxury amenities, and access to a private concierge. The Old Edwards Inn & Spa is specifically offering a Private Vacations Package which includes s’ mores, champagne, and a cheese plate upon arrival as well as the option of building in additional paid experiences into their itinerary such as custom catered food and beverage gatherings with their party, private musical performances, guided hikes and adventures, spa treatments and more.
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in Soufriere, St. Lucia
Courtesy of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Guests staying at The Viceroy Resort's Sugar Beach can all log on poolside as the hotel's cottages, bungalows, and villas all come with their own pool. Or for an even more secluded experience, for ultimate productivity in paradise, guests can opt for the privately owned residences and new Beachfront Collection homes that also come with full kitchens and sun terraces. The hotel is offering 40 percent off of Residence rooms which includes daily complimentary daily breakfast.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, CO
Make your coworkers jealous with a beautiful mountainscape background, with the hotel's Alpine Office Annex package. Guests who log on from the St. Regis in Aspen will have access to a Google Nest Wifi Internet Booster, an HDMI cord to display their computer screen on the guest room TV, enhanced lighting for video conferencing, and a RODE Wireless Lavalier Mic. And then you can invoke even envy over zoom with in-room hair styling by Salon Tulio, professional makeup by Cos Bar, and even your own personal stylist. And for your colleagues’ viewing pleasure you can even have the hotel’s regal Bernese Mountain Dog, Kitty, make an appearance on your all (and all proceeds go to Lucky Day Animal Rescue.)