Book One of These Ultimate Remote Working Destinations
Boring home offices and fusty coworking spaces are a thing of the past. Now’s the time time to embrace the digital nomad life. With the world – almost – back to normal, here are the top spots for remote working.
Avoiding rush-hour commutes and staying in bed until lunchtime is great, but what about your wanderlust? A fascinating recent trend has seen people looking for exotic destinations to set up mobile offices. Some countries offer peace and quiet, perfect for fulfilling those urgent requests in a relaxed environment, whereas others are going out of their way to encourage workers to relocate. Here are some of the options available if you want to work from home, from paradise.
Komaneka at Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali
Suite Hotel
Looking for maximum tranquillity so you can work in peace? Few places feel calmer than Komaneka at Monkey Forest. Just behind Komaneka Gallery in Ubud – which houses Indonesian and Balinese art – is this verdant oasis with deluxe suites, an outdoor infinity pool and a spa. Some of the villas have a private plunge pool, so you can indulge in late-night swims at the end of long workdays. To the north of the resort is the pretty Ubud Palace, to the south is Ubud Monkey Forest, a sanctuary for Balinese long-tailed macaques.
L'Hermitage Hotel, Vancouver, Canada
Hotel
Sleek yet unpretentious, L’Hermitage Hotel in Vancouver offers just the right kind of luxury to get you through a long day of Zoom meetings. The suites have marble bathrooms and balconies with skyline views, while the Boutique Solarium Room houses a proper, sun-drenched solarium to give your vitamin D levels a much-needed boost. After work, relax with a soak in the outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi or order afternoon tea at L’Orangerie – it’s served with sandwiches and freshly baked raisin scones paired with homemade organic clotted cream.
Selina Aurora São Paulo, Brazil
Boutique Hotel, Hostel, Chain Hotel
This pet-friendly boutique in downtown São Paulo is completely in tune with the artistic character of nearby Praça da Republica – the area hosts architectural landmarks such as Oscar Niemeyer’s Edifício Copan and Franz Heep’s Edifício Itália, next to bohemian cafes and botanical gardens. Inside Selina Aurora, you’ll find hipster-chic, colourful dorms and doubles, with red-brick walls and original artworks by local artisans. There are three smart coworking spaces, plus a bar-restaurant with exotic vibes for after-work drinks.
The Sukhothai Bangkok, Thailand
Hotel
If you feel like working in a massive garden and strolling past lotus ponds during lunch break, the Sukhothai Bangkok in Thailand should be your go-to haven. And should you tire of the greenery or the glam outdoor pool, an indoor paradise awaits. Sophisticated Thai decor, silk furnishings, chocolate buffets and champagne brunches are some of the delights here. Sip on a refreshing cocktail poolside and treat yourself to a soothing Thai massage at Spa Botanica – oils of lemongrass and ginger scrubs will invigorate you.
Athens Ikon Hotel, Greece
Apartment, Hotel
Work from a stylish suite just a few minutes from the Acropolis at the centrally located Athens Ikon – Syntagma Square and the Ancient Agora are also within walking distance. Just steps away, the lovely cafes of the Plaka neighbourhood invite you in for dessert. Alternatively, order breakfast in bed to your apartment-style guestroom or enjoy poached eggs and pancakes at the bar.
Hotel San Roque, Tenerife, Spain
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Hotel
The sun-drenched Canary Islands are a timeless option if you want to work while sunbathing on white-sand beaches. Head to Tenerife for this serene retreat in Garachico, a fishing village in the north. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, Hotel San Roque has two beautiful courtyards – one with a pool – while the interiors are painted in warm pastel colours that are sure to bring you inner peace. You can also unwind in your suite’s jacuzzi tub or pamper yourself with a sauna session followed by a toning massage based on natural products.
Hodges Bay Resort And Spa, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel
The palm-fringed infinity pool hanging over cream sands and emerald waters is just one of many draws to Hodges Bay Resort. This five-star beauty on the island of Antigua is ideal if you’re in search of a remote Caribbean paradise for your temporary office. And while the views across the bay are unbeatable, there’s so much more to do here; from playing tennis on the courts and working out at the gym to hitting the steam room at the Bohemia Spa. Try the coconut-shell cream body scrub for deep hydration and super-soft skin.
Antigua Casona San Blas, Cusco, Peru
Hotel
Just a short walk from the colonial centre of Cusco, in the San Blas neighbourhood, this boutique hotel is housed in an 18th-century townhouse. Antigua Casona echoes the area’s past through stone arches, antique furnishings and wooden details, which blend with modern amenities, such as a spa – with a jacuzzi and sauna – and a yoga studio. Sustainability is one of the priorities here – there are solar panels to heat the water and food waste is used to feed animals. If you’re feeling active, spend your free time hiking or paddleboarding.
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Cassam Looch.