One last Zoom call, close the laptop, take a deep breath – the workday is over. Now you’re looking forward to a visit to the spa, maybe a sauna, and a few laps in the pool. Or you could use the rest of the day to go for a short hike in the mountains or along the beach before dinner. The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll head back to the hotel’s co-working space for another day of work.

Your workation could look like this. Are you in? Perfect! Because in this blog post, we’re going to introduce you to sustainable hotels for your workation. We will also answer questions you may encounter when preparing for your trip and show you what to look for when choosing your destination.

Sustainable Accommodation for your Workation between Mountains and Sea

In theory, you can have a workation anywhere. That’s the whole idea. But before you pick a remote island and dream of a hammock on the beach, wait a minute. Or at least check to see if you can access the Internet from there. You’ll need it to stay in touch with your colleagues and, if necessary, your clients. Here are some other things to consider when choosing a work destination:

Checklist: Sustainable Workation Accommodation

• • Ideally, you already know your destination and accommodation, what is available, and what you should bring with you.
  • Stable W-LAN or other internet access (min. 4G!)
  • A desk in your room or a co-working space nearby
  • For the latter, there should be places for online meetings and phone calls
  • Kitchenette or similar, or access to drinks at the hotel (preferably included!)
  • Check in advance that the accommodation you choose is sustainable. For example, you can use our 7-Point Check for sustainable hotels.

Sustainable Workation in Erlangen, Germany

With its special atmosphere, the Hotel Luise offers just the right environment to get creative. Not only is there a desk in every room. Outside your “own” four walls, you will also find numerous places that will inspire you and provide the ideal conditions for your work.

Special feature: Room #20 Lounge has had an impressive history, evolving from the office of the hotel’s founders — which allegedly had a back room for card games — to its current incarnation as a lounge. It combines Franconian cosiness with creative vibes, featuring lamps made from old beer barrels and wine bottles. It’s an ideal place for creative sprints, deep conversations, or just a cozy evening after work.

Work with a Mountain View in South Tyrol, Italy

You will find an extraordinary workation destination in the South Tyrolean village of Sand in Taufers. The OLM Nature Escape is most notable for its unusual architecture. The curved, circular building blends gently into the landscape of the South Tyrolean Alps. In addition to a wild natural garden with a natural swimming pond, the eco-aparthotel offers flexible spaces. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. Alternatively, you can eat out at the restaurant and sample local specialities.

Special feature: Some apartments offer their own small spa and a separate or partitionable work area with a desk and a view of nature. This is ideal if you are travelling with your family but still need to work for a few hours!

Laptop in the Morning, Baltic Sea in the Evening

You’re dreaming of working on the beach, but don’t want to get on a plane? Europe has beautiful coastlines and just as many destinations to work from. Underestimated: the Baltic Sea! The inland sea offers a varied coastline that is perfect for exploring by bike. So if you like to get on your bike before or after work, the Baltic Sea is your next destination.

At the SANDnature in Timmendorfer Strand, myBoo bamboo bikes are waiting for you. You can easily rent them at the hotel. In addition to your leisure time, you will also be provided with everything you need for your working time. It starts in the morning with a delicious and balanced breakfast buffet. Every room has a desk, and some have a balcony or terrace where you can relax and work. Otherwise, the lobby invites you to spend productive hours.

Special feature: The SAND Sleeping Beach Chair promises a special night’s sleep. Spend the night on the beach, watch the stars rise and set, and start your day with the sun and the sound of the waves.

Sustainable Workation in Tyrol, Austria

After a sunrise hike to one of the surrounding peaks, you sit back at your desk with your coffee and enjoy the view of the mountains. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? That’s the reality of working in Tyrol. At the Summit Lodges, two log cabin-style vacation homes, you get two bedrooms, a living area, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a private sauna. Perfect if you are planning a workation with colleagues or friends.

Special feature: The W-LAN extends to the terrace, so you can work with the fresh mountain air in your nose when the weather is nice. Who needs fake backgrounds for online meetings when you can have real mountains 😉

Frequently Asked Questions: (Sustainable) Workation

What is a Workation?

The world of work is changing rapidly: it is becoming more digital, more flexible, and less location-based. 9 to 5 in a fixed office? For most employees, especially young people and those just starting out in their careers, it’s almost unthinkable. Maybe it’s the same for you?

A workation combines work with vacation (=workation). It is similar to working in a home office, except that it is more of a home-away-from-home office, located anywhere in the world.

Who can do a Workation?

If all you need to work is your laptop, and you don’t need to be physically present for your clients, you’re ready for a workation. To be effective on your “vacation” you need to be able to organize and motivate yourself even when you’re not in an office. Alternatively, find a co-working space at your destination. The atmosphere there will also help you get into the flow of work.

How do I prepare for a Workation?

Coordinate well with your employer. This will help you avoid discrepancies and misunderstandings during your work assignment. This includes, for example, destination, working hours, fixed dates when you have to be available, fixed times when you can be reached by phone or e-mail, duration of the work, cost coverage, etc. You should also familiarize yourself with the legal requirements, especially if you are going abroad in the EU. International insurance should also be on your preparation to-do list.

What are the Benefits of a Workation?

A workation provides variety and freedom, international networking, and fresh input and ideas for your work. It also offers the opportunity to explore more distant destinations for a longer period of time, as you are not tied to your vacation days.

How do I make my Workation sustainable?

You have already checked off the first point by choosing a workation: You will stay for a long time. Longer than most other travelers. You will also make local contacts and get to know the local conditions better. After all, you’ll be there for weeks, if not months.

So, the same rules apply to being sustainable at work and on vacation as they do at home: conserve water and energy, avoid plastic as much as possible, use public transportation or walk, buy local, and so on.

One point, of course, as with any vacation, is travel. Obviously, the most environmentally friendly way is to avoid flying. However, a vacation offers the opportunity to explore more distant destinations – and to take a flight to do so. The relative environmental impact of flying depends, among other things, on how long you stay at your destination.

Share your Experience

Have you ever done a workation before? If so, where did it take you? Did you fulfill your dream of working in a hammock on the beach, or were you drawn to the mountains? Tell us about your experience in the comments! We are curious.

This is an update from July 25, 2023.

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