An increasing number of employees are combining jobs with leisure as remote working offers an attractive alternative to the traditional office environment. It can even work out cheaper for digital nomads to set themselves up for a prolonged break abroad while continuing to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Travel firms, resorts, tour operators and hotel chains are all offering deals to enable workers to make the most of a workation break, so avoiding soaring energy costs at home whilst enjoying more pleasant surroundings. New research by MBO shows that 15.5 million digital nomads now exist, increasing by 112 per cent since 2019.
The pandemic led to a rise in remote working, with industries across the world adopting more flexible working policies and employees are increasingly seeking to explore new and safe destinations while staying connected digitally. According to Mercer, an HR and workplace benefits consultancy, companies have reported that productivity is the same as or higher than it was before Covid-19, even with their teams working remotely, contributing to greater employee wellbeing and better work-life balance.
RemoteDream is a new travel company that enables digital nomads or remote workers to find and book the best remote work spots based on their requirements with search functions such as time zone, temperature or specific hobbies, and property descriptions outlining elements such as co-working spaces, or networking and social events.
Co-founder Joeri Nanov said: “The idea came about based on my own experience as a remote worker – I was on a cycling trip but needed to fit my work around it. When I tried to book accommodation via the normal channels, I became frustrated with the process. These platforms just didn’t provide the information I needed about the accommodation facilities.”
RemoteDream uses technology platform, Impala, which seamlessly connects room sellers and hotels so they can work together directly. Room sellers can access the technology and inventory they need to build new, differentiated products without any integration costs whilst accommodation providers can quickly gain access to new markets.
Mr Nanov said: "Thanks to Impala’s hotel inventory, we now sell 300 locations across the world, offering over 40,000 beds in 25 countries; all of which offer something valuable for the remote worker." He claimed 34 per cent of the digital nomad market is casual, made up of those wanting to combine a holiday with a period of remote work.
A recent study of 2,000 office workers found the main benefits of a workation would be warm, sunny weather, and having food and drink provided for them. More than 50 per cent of all office staff polled would welcome such an opportunity and believe it would make them happier and better at doing their job.
Palma de Mallorca was one of the first locations to offer itself as a workation hub with the introduction of long-stay packages. Pedro Homar, manager of Palma Tourist Board, said: “Our hotel sector continues to respond to the ever-changing environment and come up with initiatives that respond to the new way of living and working. Palma has increasingly become a year-round destination for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life, the fresh sea air and some of the joys of the Balearic Islands."
One hotel providing a fantastic environment for a business package is Hotel Nakar in the heart of the Majorcan capital's city centre. The 1950s building provides perfect conditions with a calm environment ideal for remote working.
Highlights include a subterranean spa, with heated pool, steam bath and sauna, but the jewel in the crown is its famed ninth floor rooftop sundeck and infinity pool offering views across the city, which is transformed at night into a stylish trendy bar.
Hotel Nakar also features CUIT Bar and Restaurant, which serves excellent local cuisine from chef Miquel Calent. There's also a conference room and business facilities on the first floor, while the hotel contains a variety of stylish accommodation options from minimalist rooms to sprawling luxurious suites.
Despite its central location in the heart of this stylish city, Hotel Nakar is a perfect destination for remote workers. There is no noise nuisance because all rooms are soundproofed. But it would be an error to stay in a room - even when working.
The ideal spot to hit the laptop is the legendary rooftop terrace, which has been labelled the best in the city. The hotel's own Spotify playlist provides a relaxing soundtrack, while the majestic views towards the harbour and Palma's spectacular cathedral offer the finest creative inspirations.
Airlines like Jet2 provide low-cost fares to Palma de Mallorca for much of the year from its UK hubs. It operates frequent flights from its 10 UK bases to the island. Jet2CityBreaks provides Jet2.com flights and handpicked hotels in more than 26 of Europe’s most popular cities.
Jet2 flights and breaks to Majorca.
Palma Nova, 5 star Fergus Style Tobago, 7 nights bed & breakfast departing from Manchester on May 6. Price: £539 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Magaluf, 3+ star BH Mallorca Resort, 7 nights self catering departing from East Midlands on April 28. Price: £359 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Palma Nova, 4 star Globales Palmanova, 7 nights all inclusive departing from London Stansted on May 3. Price: £529 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Illetas, 4 star Hotel Bonanza Park, 7 nights bed & breakfast departing from Birmingham on April 27. Price: £699 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Palma City, 4 star Melia Palma Bay, 3 nights room only departing from Leeds Bradford on May 2. Price: £269 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
Palma City, 4 star HM Jaime III Hotel, 3 nights room only departing from Edinburgh on April 25. Price: £339 per person based on 2 Adults sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.
For those workers wanting to head further afield, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced an extension to its popular ‘Live RAK Play’ programme, inviting digital nomads to swap an idyllic Zoom backdrop for the real thing and relocate to the Emirate for up to a year. It features a range of long-stay offers across numerous hotels with seamless connectivity and discounts on dining, laundry, and car rental.
“We’ve seen first-hand the impact of remote working on employee wellbeing,” said Raki Phillips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “Our own company culture, which reflects a host of workplace initiatives to help our people both professionally and personally, has given employees the space to focus on their mental wellbeing. We’re driven to create even more opportunities and ‘Live RAK Play’ taps into this culture by giving remote workers the chance to call our beautiful Emirate, home.”
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