Workcations are a relatively new and still rising trend at the intersection of wellness, work, and travel. According to an article published by Forbes, working from leisure destinations not only boosts productivity, but improves well-being. It’s a way to break your routine, prioritise travel and create balance.
Whether you’re planning a company conference or retreat, extending a family holiday with a week of remote work, or pursuing the lifestyle of a digital nomad, there are plenty of reasons to include a workcation in your annual planning. What better place to work away from home than a magnificent Big Five Game Reserve? Change up your routine, breathe in plenty of fresh air, and enjoy the luxury of having your day-to-day needs taken care of.
‘You may not be able to unplug completely, but when it comes to feeling rested, a little can go a long way. Simply having someone to prepare your meals, clean your space, and look after your laundry can reduce your mental load and allow you to truly relax when you’re not at your desk. The benefits of being close to nature are too many to count,’ advises the CEO of Lalibela Game Reserve, Johann Lombard.
Lombard is well-versed in bleisure – a portmanteau of business and leisure – travel, as Lalibela has played host to remote workers with a range of requirements. He has understood the benefits of having varied accommodations in strategic spots across the reserve, so that there are options to suit different types of travellers and budgets. Lalibela has also added conferencing facilities to its mix in order to cater to team trips and breakaways.
‘You can shape your stay to suit your needs. Travel solo and recharge your social battery in nature, or take your partner along for a romantic escape that isn’t limited by the number of leave days left on your calendar. Line up your trip with the school holidays and take the whole family along for a trip to remember,’ he says.
Having hosted diverse bleisure guests with distinct working styles, Lombard has ready advice for those who are planning a workation and wish to get all the benefits of a working holiday. ‘Set your working hours and try to stick to them,’ he says, ‘That way you can maximise your off-work time accordingly. Pre-planning means you can relax more when you get here.’
‘Those early morning game drives, slow weekends in nature, and sundowners overlooking the watering hole are what will make or break your experience. The purpose of a workcation is to improve your sense of balance and vitality, and firm boundaries are an essential ingredient in making this happen.’
Lalibela’s various accommodation options have been designed to facilitate that connection. There’s Mills Manor, Mark’s Camp, Tree Tops, Kichaka, Inzolo and Lentaba Lodge to choose from.
Accommodating up to 10 guests, the 5-star Mills Manor is well-suited to families and groups. With fast reliable Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, you can set up your remote desk in your room, in the lounge, or even outside, where you’ll get to peek over your screen to see game throughout the day.
Tree Tops tented camp and Mark’s Camp are immersed in the bush, with Wi-Fi limited to the communal areas. If you’re looking to unplug in your room, and set up your remote desk during the day, this is the best place to do so.
At Kichaka Lodge, you can work from your private deck, or set up a spot in the communal library. Each five-star room offers panoramic views of ‘Hippo Hollow’ below, and a communal swimming pool overlooks a watering hole. Bookend the day with a spa treatment and a dip in your own heated plunge pool. With only 10 suites, solo travellers and couples can enjoy optimal privacy and comfort, visit the cocktail bar and connect with other visitors, and dine al fresco at the fire-lit boma. They will also be able to sustain their fitness routine at the lodge’s well-equipped gym.
If you’re seeking something a bit more secluded and you’ve budgeted for something luxurious, book a chalet at Inzolo Lodge where you can soak up your surroundings from your own private balcony. Each chalet was designed with panoramic views built in, and you’ll even be able to look out at the bush beyond from your bathroom.
Lentaba Lodge offers a choice of luxury or classic en-suite chalets immersed in the bushveld. Each has its own private viewing deck and there is an al fresco dining area spotlit for nighttime game viewing. Set yourself up to work beside one of three fireplaces and plan your day around morning and evening game drives.
The first workcations happened when remote workers simply decided to extend their holidays and work from their destination. If not wanting to leave is an essential ingredient behind this new style of travel, Lalibela is certainly the place for it.
Book your stay today at https://lalibela.net/.
Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2023/06/20/workation-balancing-work-and-vacation-for-optimal-career-performance/.
