Working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic has made people around the globe realise that a traditional “9-to-5” office schedule is no longer the only way forward. Remote learning is here to stay, and it will shape the way companies operate moving forward.

Matt Chapman, co-owner of Bawah Reserve and founder of global HR executive search firm ChapmanCG, has created his business around flexible home-based roles that focus on results, not hours:

“Amazing performance doesn’t come from being within cubicles and four walls. Great leaders… realise that geographic freedom is the essence of the best creativity and loyalty for employees,” he said in a post on LinkedIn, April 2020, “The office doesn’t become the centre of connection anymore; it just becomes part of the multi-faceted puzzle of how we truly connect. Technology, if used right, allows almost everyone in support functions or services roles to work virtually 100% fine.”

We were inspired by Matt to develop a new “workcation” at Bawah Reserve. While the trend is catching on now, the concept isn’t new. It refers to travelling somewhere with the intent to work remotely for all or part of the time. A BBC article published in March asked:

“Could a workcation change how you think?” In it, Meredith Turits said: “Instead of trying to build a wall between work and personal life, workcations lean into the idea that they’re not separate at all…. Workcations are instead conscious efforts to separate yourself from your permanent environment, and get extremely focused on one element of your job. You step away with the explicit intention to ignore the daily churn.”

In essence, workcations allow you to be productive at work, see a new part of the world and maximise your personal downtime – all in a location of your choosing.

So where to go on your first workcation? Here’s are ten attributes you’ll want to look for:

1) Good working spaces:

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Look for a place with both private and public areas to work. Make sure some of these spaces have great views.

2) Reliable Wi-Fi:

Spotty internet service equals lost time and unnecessary frustration.

3) Flexible schedules:

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Set meal and activity times can be restrictive to the crucial balance between down time and work time.

4) Quiet:

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Choose a place that isn’t too busy or noisy, particularly during working hours.

5) Fully serviced:

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Make sure your laundry, housekeeping and the other daily chores you are trying to escape will be handled for you.

6) Good sleep:

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Sleep is important to your productivity; a comfortable bed and relaxing bedrooms are a given.

7) Activities:

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Fill your downtime with a good mixture of culture, wellbeing and adventure.

8) Healthy food:

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Make sure menus provide healthy, whole foods – with a few indulgent treats.

9) Sustainable operations:

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Giving back whilst you travel is good for peace of mind.

10) Long-term stays:

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Longer trips often qualify for preferential rates.

Bawah Reserve ticks every one of these boxes. With just 36 suites, the resort is quiet and peaceful. It comprises six islands, 13 beaches, 4 restaurants and offers over 50 activities, many of which are included in the suite rate. Right now, for every eight nights booked for a workcation, guests receive the ninth and tenth night free.

If you’re in need of a workcation, make an enquiry here.