Forget about work from home: Top 9 ‘workation’ destinations

GREAT ESCAPE | Wishing to escape the home office? As the world starts to reopen, a change of location for those who have been working from home may be a welcome respite. A growing number of countries are scrapping PCR tests and strict travel rules. It may be time for working + vacation — or “workation”. So forget about work from home, and the necessary domestic drudgery that goes with it; go for work from paradise. These destinations are now offering just that.

ANGUILLA | Wanna embrace the charm of island living while working? This Caribbean island offers a year-long “workation” visa. Anguilla boasts of dozens of white sandy-beaches and reefs, it’s a sun-seeker’s destination, as well as the place to go for skin diving, snorkelling, and adventure. The fee is $1,000 for 90 months, and $2,000 for a year. Families are also allowed, for a $3,000 fee.

ARUBA | The sunny shores of Aruba is another working-from-paradise destination option. This gem of the Caribbean offers discounts and access to special local experiences, in a visa access called ‘One Happy Workation’ package. The Visa scheme is good for up to 3 months. But there are no fees and no minimum income requirements, making it open to all. Simply book one of their specially chosen hotels or villas, (hotels are equipped with kitchens), and bask in sun-kissed getaway.

BARBADOS | The Caribbean island has further relaxed travel curbs last month, and the government will now accept rapid antigen tests for entry. Wishing to work in between your beach days? Try it in this paradise in the Atlantic. If you opt to do remote work here on a 12-month visa, the government charges a fee of $2,000 ($3,000 for families). The deal, however, is that you must have an income of over $50,000 a year. If you happen to fit that profile, then you’re welcome to enjoy 12 months of golden sands, turquoise sea and uninterrupted luxury and relaxation.

BALI | This magical Indonesian vacation spot offers plenty of "workation" rental options, set in amazing natural sceneries. Its biggest attraction: an unmatched biodiversity of marine species (Bali forms part of the “Coral Triangle”), in a tropical setting. If you seek workation rentals, there are plenty of choices for rentals that offer convenient access to properties with full kitchens, good WiFi, and amenities to make workation both relaxing and productive. There’s an extensive selection of monthly apartments, hotels, and co-living spaces in Bali’s most popular neighbourhoods. Bali boasts of mild climate, which can be enjoyed all year round (rains are frequent from October to April).

BERMUDA | There’s a good chance you will be enchanted by the beauty of this remote island while enjoying remote work. Just give proof of health insurance, as well as proof of a “continuous source of income” (no minimum), then you can avail of a 12-month visa for $263. Its fascinating pastel-coloured buildings, endless turquoise shorelines and some pink sand beaches, a workation deal in Bermuda is akin to escaping from reality and into unspoilt paradise.

BORACAY | You may opt to working from one of the most popular beaches in the world. Check out the 14-day “workation” package, complete with roundtrip flights and accommodation. If you’ve been dreaming of working on the beach, this is your big chance. Boracay, an island in central Philippines, has been rated as one of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world. Its accessibility (with daily flights) and pristine shores have made it a popular digital nomad destination. There are accommodation packages that include daily breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, unlimited WiFi access and amenities. Check out if there are free seafood lunch, island hopping tours, too.

ESTONIA | Here’s where you can enjoy enchanting natural scenery and medieval cities. The nation’s capital, Tallinn, is rated as an up-and-coming city, with a thriving arts scene and distinct, UNESCO protected, orange-roofed houses. This Eastern European destination offers a new “Digital Nomad Visa” for visitors from around the world to come and stay — for up to a year. The country requires a minimum income of €3,504 ($3,886) per month. The visa itself costs only €110.

GEORGIA | Those who have a remote work gig may opt for this beautiful country, which straddles between Europe and Asia. Georgia offers free visas to those wishing to come and stay in a remote work mode. The rules are rather simple: Simply fill out an application, get travel insurance, then you’re good to go for unrestricted access to life in Georgia. Explore the fascinating cave city of Vardzia, and the ruins of Narikala Fortress, the country bursts with cultural treats and natural beauty. The cost? It’s a lot cheaper than major European cities, making daily living a fraction of the cost compared to most western destinations. 

PATTAYA | In a bid to help stimulate the tourism industry, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is urging people to go on working holidays as part of the “Workation Paradise Throughout Thailand” campaign. The new drive is being launched as the Asian country eases travel restrictions and push tourism. There are long-stay “workation” options, offered by many hotel or property chains in Thailand, including in Phuket, Samui, Krabi and Hua Hin.