Work, Stay, Play

Popular resorts in sun destinations invite Canadians to take care of business with new stay-and-work programs

By Mark Stachiew

Perhaps there’s a silver lining when it comes to COVID. For those who can work remotely, heading to a luxurious resort in a warm-weather destination while still being able to log in to the office is an enticing possibility this winter. It has become much easier, thanks to airlines, resorts and destinations themselves. Many are offering special discounts, added amenities and long-stay visas that have made packing up laptops along with bathing suits a workable option.

BOOK A WORKCATION

Swap the view from your home office for an ocean vista thanks to a hand-picked selection of resort deals that will ensure your working holiday is as productive as it is relaxing.

Each of the selected resorts has property-wide WiFi to keep you plugged in and the all-inclusive food and drink amenities will make sure you’re never doing it on an empty stomach.

Where might you set up your new office abroad? Talk to your Ensemble Travel advisor to explore the possibilities. In the meantime, here are a few options to consider:

© HYATT ZIVA CANCUN

UPGRADE YOUR OFFICE WITH ROYALTON RESORT AND SPA

Tip your work-life balance to the life side of the scale with stays of 14 to 28 days at a Royalton Resort and Spa in your choice of Punta Cana, Riviera Maya or Negril where you can take advantage of special packages for remote workers.

You won’t miss a single Zoom call, thanks to their resort-wide WiFi and portable power banks to keep your phone and laptop fully charged. Complimentary 24-hour access to the Diamond Club Lounge and the resorts’ business centres mean you’ll have quiet spaces available when real work needs to get done. Other perks include a gourmet coffee bar, sunset yoga, all-inclusive gourmet meals and nightly professional networking happy hours. For families, the resorts offer activities and educational experiences for kids, plus areas for remote students to tackle homework assignments.

© ROYALTON RESORT AND SPA

WORK FROM PARADISE WITH HYATT

Check on your tan while you check your email thanks to the Work from Hyatt program with special amenities for people on a working vacation. They’ve got you covered with free and fast WiFi. More importantly, you get a workspace that is either a separate, private space, or a complimentary second guestroom so you can work without interruption. Waived resort fees, daily food and beverage credits and complimentary laundry services are just a few of the other perks to entice remote workers to stay in one of Hyatt’s long – and growing – list of participating properties, including the spectacular Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in Dominican Republic, or the luxurious Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

HYATT ZIVA ROSE HALL

LONGER STAYS IN DESTINATIONS FURTHER AFIELD

If you’re looking for somewhere to ride out the pandemic in style, several Caribbean nations now offer 12 to 24-month visas for remote workers who want to fully immerse themselves in local cultures in ways that short-term visitors can never experience. Sun-drenched options include Anguilla, known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise seas; Cayman Islands, famous for its beloved Seven Mile Beach; Bermuda, which already has a reputation as a financial services centre; and Bahamas, which is encouraging visitors to work and study across the country’s 16 main islands.