Cabin fever is becoming quite a common feature in our daily lives. It’s enough to make people miss their offices, stare at walls and make up reasons to step out of the house. We’ve got a great excuse handy– a workation.
If you’re dreaming of a vacation but can’t switch off just yet, consider taking your laptop with you and making it a workation. We know, you’ll be breaking a cardinal vacation rule – don’t work, that is – but desperate times call for desperate measures. Plus, in these secluded ‘workation’ resorts and boutique hotels, we’d wager that work won’t feel like work.
This exclusive safari-themed luxury camp made seclusion and social distancing cool way before it was the norm. The Bison only hosts a maximum of 28 guests a night for privacy; their stand-alone cottages and machans are well-distanced out of respect for the environment. You’ll find that the untouched wilderness surrounding the camp, as well as the host of inspiring people that run it, will flip a switch in your work-addled mind. Their private sit-outs and handy writing desks are perfect to conduct video call check-ins on, should you need to.
Pro tip: Head out on a naturalist-led safari to spot the elusive Black Panther. Enjoy a pleasant night by a bonfire to unwind after a day’s hard work.
Isprava and Lohono Stays bring their signature hospitality to this luxurious private villa on Alibaug’s Kihim Beach. The stunning property features five bedrooms for 10 people or fewer. The massive manicured lawns, gazebos and private pools are great to work out. At the same time, it feels (and rightly so) like you’re on vacation. Coffee machines, complimentary breakfast and a music system prepare you for a leisurely workday; the fully equipped kitchen means you’re all set to whip up culinary delights to enjoy under the stars.
Pro tip: Lohono Stays by Isprava also has other luxury villas in their Alibaug kitty, should you find that Villa Beira Mar is booked out in time for your workation.
This private escape is tucked into Dolphin Bay, well away from Goa’s everyday hustle and bustle. Ahilya’s private escapes allow guests to take over the entire property. The property comes complete with five bedrooms and not one, but two, sea-facing pools. The in-house chef whips up Goan fare while you hash out strategies for work; a small group of staff ensures even your most discerning need is met when you need it. The property’s home office has high-speed WiFi so you can work without interruption. Take off to the beach when it’s clock-out time.
Pro tip: You can book a personal masseuse or yoga teacher on request if you’d like to iron out some post-meeting cramps.
For days when you’re desperate for the sea, endless inspiration or both, there’s SurfTurf in Kovalam. The renowned surfing school is also a great place to WFH from, especially if you’ve lived too far from nature the past few months. Their cosy rooms overlook the Bay of Bengal, but you can also take your laptop to the patio, the library or onto the beach if you’re done with being surrounded by walls for the time being. We’d recommend prefacing your workday with a surf lesson or two– the folks at SurfTurf are masters of their craft and equally good as instructors.
Pro tip: SurfTurf’s lessons are suitable for beginners as well as intermediate or advanced surfers. The villa is also open for dining in or a quick socially-distanced surf lesson.
The Kumaon has only 10 suites– but what it lacks in number it makes up for in exclusivity and unparalleled architecture. Each of this private mountain retreat’s suites looks out to stunning Himalayan vistas and are impeccably maintained. You’ll find free high-speed WiFi and lots of secluded or scenic spots to take work calls in. Alternatively head to the lounge or the library– we’d wager you’ll lose five minutes just gaping at the views, though. To ensure guests’ safety, they have an exhaustive standard operating procedure, from temperature checks at the reception to highly-sanitised kitchens and rooms.
Pro tip: Ask for a lower unit suite so you get unrestricted access to the adjacent outdoor seating areas that are framed with lush fruit trees.
This little getaway is nestled in the hills, overlooks the Himalayan range and offers a serene silence interrupted only by birdsong. The boutique hotel offers free WiFi to use while working, although it might be a bit spotty given the altitude. They have just 7 cosily appointed rooms, some with private gardens looking out to the hills. Part of this hotel’s ethos is offering private and personalised experiences, so you won’t find a crowd in the reception or people coming too close while you’re working.
Pro tip: Their much-lauded cafe and restaurant serve Continental fare with a side of gorgeous views. The Birdcage is pet-friendly, so long as you let them know in advance that you’re bringing a furry friend along.
Bate Papõ is housed in a traditional Goan home that has been converted into a lovely four-room retreat for your vacation, staycation or workation. The rustic home-stay is cosy and what it lacks in frills, it makes up for in comfort, views and serenity. Chef Ro is well-known in Goa for the remixed traditional fare he whips up on the premises. That’s a definite plus for workaholics who are unwilling to cook or leave work for too long. The private home also has high-speed WiFi and lots of beautiful scenes to choose from to inspire your next creation.
Pro tip: Write to reservations@bate-papo.in to book your stay.
The next time you feel a little shut up in your house, consider taking a workation at one of these gorgeous retreats. We guarantee you’ll come back fresh and free of any cabin fever you’d experienced.
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Featured image: The Kumaon
