How to Work from Anywhere

A multi-week change of scenery could, according to a recent study, increase creativity, energy and efficiency without diminishing productivity. All hail the workcation.

Experts suggest before you head out of town, it’s important to make sure your temporary locale comes equipped with the infrastructure you need to do your job, including reliable WiFi, a quiet dedicated space to work, and a comfortable desk and chair. Exclusive Resorts takes the guesswork out of the equation with an on-the-ground team of experts who can not only ensure you have what you need but have the local knowledge to quickly get broken cell phones repaired, printers and extension cords delivered, hard copies transported, and headphones replaced.

BEFORE YOU GO

Farryn Weiner, social media influencer and former Marketing VP of SweetGreen, has spent the last several months working remotely and traveling across the U.S. and Mexico—including a weeklong stay at Exclusive Resorts’ La Costa residence in Real del Mar. Here’s what she’s learned about how to make the most of your time away from the office.

• Be ready to work. “It’s easy to get distracted when you’re working in paradise,” notes Farryn. “To stay focused, arm yourself with the tools you need to maintain your essential work routine.” Farryn, for example, travels with a mouse for her computer because, mentally, she finds it transforms any table into a work space.
• Create a routine that allows you to take advantage of your locale. “Never in history have we had this kind of opportunity, so it’s important to make the most of it,” says Farryn. “I found the desire to do something special, like watch the sun set motivated me to work smarter during the day.”
• Allow your locale to enrich you. “When you first arrive, seek out special spots—a walking path, a tiny beach or a perfect café—and carve time out of your work schedule to enjoy them,” says Farryn. “You’ll come away feeling like you’ve really experienced a place.”
• Select a location that supports your work schedule. “Part of having a successful working vacation is being accessible to coworkers and clients,” says Farryn. “Choosing a time zone that puts you in sync with your job will take a lot of stress out of the equation.”
• Time it right. “We’ve found three weeks is about right for a workcation,” says Farryn. “It gives you enough time to settle in and create a work routine, and three weekends to explore your surroundings.”

WHERE TO GO

Ready to stop dreaming and start planning? Switch up your home office view and refresh your routine from four of our favorite destinations. Pack up your laptop—and a swimsuit or pair of skis. Here’s what your days could look like when you choose to work from anywhere, plus activities to keep the rest of the family happily entertained.

Kohala Coast, HI

Start your day with a stroll in the sand before posting up in your villa at the Pauoa Beach Club on the Big Island of Hawaii. Set up at a quiet desk in the sun-drenched bedroom, staying alert and energized with natural light pouring in from floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. Take a refreshing dip in the private pool during your lunch break and nosh on fresh pineapple before afternoon meetings commence.

After quitting time, head out for a snorkel before sunset—the beach is mere minutes away—and fill your weekend with a round of golf on the scenic championship Mauna Lani North and South Courses, or simply relax by the water with a good book in hand.

Amenity Highlights
WiFi is accessible throughout the residences, allowing you to take your Zoom meetings out on the lanai. If needed, a fully equipped Business Center in nearby Fairmont Orchid offers high speed cable and wireless Internet access, and hotspot WiFi is available throughout the resort lobby and Gold Concierge floor.

For the Kids
Older kids will stay entertained with a variety of activities from surfing lessons to kayaks to SCUBA lessons and may also take advantage of the Pauoa Beach Club pool—or simply splash around in your villa's private pool. Your Concierge can arrange childcare to keep younger kiddos happy and occupied.

Real del Mar, Mexico

With a panoramic ocean view from every room in your villa, your Zoom meeting background is sure to leave your coworkers jealous. WiFi throughout the villa allows you to take your laptop wherever the view inspires. Set up on one of the private balconies, outside under the shade of the airy pergola, or inside at the sprawling kitchen table.

Dip into fresh guacamole and ceviche for lunch, and cheers to a productive day with margaritas while taking in the sunset from your private infinity pool. Weekends are best spent near the beach—charter a boat for deep sea fishing, watch for whales, or catch waves on a surfboard.

Amenity Highlights
Each villa has high speed WiFi available throughout the home. If you’re staying in Casa Abanico, a tucked-away desk in the master bedroom allows you to work undisturbed.

For the Kids
A private infinity pool and state-of-the-art media room complete with Apple TV at your villa entertains older kids, while your Concierge can arrange childcare to keep younger kiddos happy and occupied.

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it the ideal basecamp for your remote work setup. Take calls on the private balcony and spread out at the kitchen table. Slide open the floor-to-ceiling glass doors to let in fresh air and sunlight, and wave to visiting monkeys. Cool off midday in the private infinity pool or take a stroll to the private members’ only beach at Poro Poro Beach Club. By night, dine on freshly grilled seafood prepared by a private chef while you were finishing up your last project.

Catch a thrill on the weekends while zip lining through the jungle or cruising amongst the islands on a yacht. If you prefer to unwind after the workday is done, your Concierge can arrange for a massage at the nearby Four Seasons spa.

Amenity Highlights
Select bedrooms are equipped with desks. Complimentary WiFi is available not only at the residences, but at Poro Poro Beach Club, as well. For a more robust business center option, The Four Seasons is a short golf cart ride away.

For the Kids
The Discovery Junior program at nearby Prieta Beach Club offers the ultimate camp experience with a balanced focus on environmental science, arts, and local culture. Seasoned guides, educators, and naturalists lead children of all ages through various outdoor activities from land to sea.

*Note: As of March 2, 2021, while no negative PCR test is required for entry, a completed Health Form including proof of COVID-related health insurance is required. Return to the U.S. requires proof of a negative PCR test. For more details, please refer to the destination’s Know Before You Go page on The Source.

Deer Valley, UT

Ski bums rejoice—recently updated WiFi in our Deer Valley, UT at Ironwood residences means speedy connectivity when work beckons. But that’s not all you’ll do while staying in your ski-in/ski-out chalet. Wake up to fresh powder on Utah’s award-winning alpine terrain and carve first tracks before opening up your laptop for the day ahead. Get in a run or two for lunch or end the day by taking the last chair up for just one more.

When the night falls, cozy up by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa or hot toddy in hand before sleeping soundly in your mountain paradise.

Amenity Highlights
Select bedrooms in your residence feature desks for your workplace setup while recently upgraded WiFi keeps connections quick.

For the Kids
While you’re at work, send the kids out on the slopes—half- and full-day ski and snowboard lessons are available for all ages.

Grand Cayman

With crystal blue waters, pure white sand beaches, and laid-back Caribbean vibes, you’ll want to plan for an extended stay on Grand Cayman. The Club’s residences at The Ritz-Carlton offer spacious villas with access to the award-winning amenities of the resort for a complete work-cation experience the entire family will enjoy.

Set up your workstation across any of the expansive indoor and outdoor spaces from the kitchen table to a chaise on the terrace. Take a plunge in your private pool during lunch and end the day with fresh seafood prepared on your villa’s grill. On the weekend, be sure to explore the rich underwater world while swimming among sealife at Stingray City.

Amenity Highlights
WiFi connects you to the Internet throughout the residence, and a business center is available at The Ritz Carlton Resort—a mere seven-minute golf cart ride away.

For the Kids
Ritz Kids and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program introduce young guests to the natural wonders and cultural traditions of the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman becomes a living classroom where kids learn about responsible living and respect for nature.