We all know it by now: remote work has changed how and where we do our jobs. If you have a laptop and connectivity, your office is wherever you need (or want) it to be. That can be beach resorts, mountain retreats, or luxury resorts.
But is it possible to work from a luxury resort as a long-term reality, or an unrealistic fantasy fueled by Instagram influencers and tourist ads?
Let’s dissect the reality of working from a luxury resort, and whether it’s all it’s cracked up to be.
The Allure of the “Workcation”
Luxury resorts love to bill themselves as remote work utopias. Imagine starting the day with sunrise yoga, answering emails poolside, and ending with a sunset beachside cocktail.
With high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, and promotional “workation” packages, resorts are now targeting digital nomads and corporate escapees.
For employees worn down by traditional offices who are just tired of staring at the same walls, this seems like the ideal way to balance work and play… But it’s not always that simple.
Can You Actually Work from a Resort?
Technically? Yes. Comfortably and productively? It’s a mixed bag. Below are five significant concerns to consider before relocating your career to a luxury retreat:
1. Internet Reliability and Security
Despite what you may think, luxury doesn’t always mean fast or reliable tech. Many resorts offer high-speed internet, but performance can be spotty, especially in remote areas. Unstable Wi-Fi during calls or uploads can quickly kill productivity – and performance.
Security is also a concern. Public networks put your data at risk, so using a VPN is smart. Some even use a double VPN – and if you’re wondering, “what is a double VPN?”, it’s essentially when your connection passes through two encrypted servers instead of just one, adding a whole other level of protection.
2. Time Zones and Schedules
Remote work from paradise sounds heavenly, until your 3 p.m. meeting is at midnight local time. Time zone disparity can wreak havoc on your schedule and sleep patterns if real-time communication is necessary for your job.
Verify prior to booking if your schedule matches your team’s workday and meetings. Otherwise, you may suffer through sleepy days or miss important updates, which can drastically affect your productivity.
3. Distractions and Focus
A luxury resort is, at its core, designed for relaxation – not deadlines. With pools, excursions, and drinks on demand, it’s harder than expected to stay focused and resist vacation mode.
You’ll need strong discipline to clearly separate work time from leisure time. If you’re easily distracted or have trouble staying motivated, the resort environment may make it even harder to focus.
4. Workspaces and Comfort
Some resorts offer business lounges or coworking spaces, but many expect guests to “work” from daybeds or small patio tables. That might be fine for an hour, but not a full workday.
If posture, comfort, or video call quality matters to you, be sure to check what workspaces are available in advance. Having an ergonomic chair and a quiet, well-lit space can significantly impact your productivity and focus throughout the day.
5. Budget and Sustainability
Luxury comes at a cost, despite long-stay discounts. Tack on food, services, transportation, tips, and it adds up fast – especially for trips over a week in duration.
Unless your income liberally accommodates the added cost, a resort workcation is typically only affordable as a short-term treat rather than a long-term arrangement.
When It Works
Working from a luxury resort can be ideal in the right circumstances. If you’re your own boss, freelancing, or have flexible working hours, you control your schedule and location. A short workcation (a week or two) is an excellent mental reboot without productivity loss.
Some people work better in luxurious settings. Being in a different setting can spark creativity, reduce burnout, and enhance satisfaction. If the resort is well-equipped and has noise-free working spaces, it might enhance your workflow.
When You Probably Shouldn’t
If your job involves tons of video calls (with clients or colleagues), cross-time-zone collaboration, or ultra-high-pressure deadlines, working from a resort might deliver more stress than relaxation. Time zone coordination, internet reliability, and distraction concerns could negate the positives.
Likewise, if you’re easily distracted or tend to fall into vacation mode, you’ll struggle to be productive. Offices exist for structure and separation – blurred boundaries will hurt your work.
Final Verdict: Worth It, With Caveats
Yes, you can work from a luxury resort, but whether you should depends on personality, profession, and wallet (you’ll probably still need to pay rent back home!). Working in paradise is great, but it’s not always simple or glamorous.
A “hybrid workcation” may be the most sensible option of all: you have a schedule for work in the mornings and afternoons, and you play in the after-hours.
Choose a resort that encourages remote workers, prioritizes tech conveniences, and be honest about your own habits.
And finally, working from an upscale resort is not impossible – it’s all about balance.
