For most Americans, those sunny days when you can leave your home office for an hour or two to re-energize with a walk along the beach or amid nature are fading as fast as Daylight Savings Time. But with remote work a reality for the winter season, there is a silver lining: You can book a “workation” in tropical locales where Americans are allowed to travel—albeit while cautiously following health and safety protocols such as testing, mask wearing and social distancing—to enjoy packages featuring free Wi-Fi, in-room amenities, rentable cabanas, food and beverage discounts and more.
Here are 12 “workations” in eight beach destinations to consider.
Aruba
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino: Three weeks in sunny Aruba? With the “One Happy Workation” package at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, guests who book a minimum 21-night stay can Zoom or create or problem solve from the comfort of a one-bedroom suite while enjoying a 10 percent discount on the best available rate, free Wi-Fi, a 25 percent discount at seven resort-operated restaurants, a 15 percent discount on a selection of spa treatments, and a complimentary day pass to the private Renaissance Island (with a cabana for up to four people plus snorkel gear and non-motorized watersports equipment).
This offer is bookable through December 31, 2020 for travel through March 31, 2021. Starting rates range from $248-$409/night; use promo code S8366.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on Palm Beach has also embraced Aruba’s “One Happy Workation” promotion with a Relaxation Package that lets you choose the number of nights (minimum of four) as you enjoy a stay in a Premium Ocean View room, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 50-minute couples’ massage and private yoga class (both on the beach) and a private cooking class with the resort’s executive chef.
Room rates vary by length of stay but start at $372/night and are bookable through December 31, 2020 for stays through October 2021. Use promotional code SPA.
Travel to Aruba: Aruba re-opens to all Americans on November 1, with the option of providing a certified negative COVID-19 PCR test taken before arriving or take at PCR test upon arrival on the island. Everyone must also fill out on an online Embarkation/Disembarkation Card. Resorts practice social distancing and require guests to wear masks when indoors in public spaces.
Costa Rica
Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel: Start 2021 off with a three-week (or longer) jungle-meets-sea escape to 14-room Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel in Nosara on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. With the “Vacation Home Office” package, you’ll get 30 percent off nightly room rates, in-room Wi-Fi, Spanish classes three times a week, open-air dining and complimentary morning yoga, as well as personalized amenities such as made-to-order breakfast, afternoon appetizers, personal laundry and access to Beach Club at The Gilded Iguana.
Rates start at $365/night plus tax (before discount) and the package is valid for stays from January 4, 2021 to December 1, 2021.
Travel to Costa Rica: Costa Rica reopens to all American travelers November 1 and no COVID-19 test or quarantine is required. Visitors will need to fill out an online health form and show proof of international health insurance. Hotels are open at 100 percent capacity, but only 50 percent capacity in public spaces. Masks are required indoors in public spaces and when using public transportation; social distancing practices are in place.
Florida
The Brazilian Court: Sunshine also beckons domestically—and chicly. The Brazilian Court—a circa-1926 boutique hotel in the center of Palm Beach—has a “A Key to Paradise” offer (from November 2020 to April 2021) for long-term guests featuring an array of on-site and in-room amenities. These include an exclusive discount at Café Boulud (plus a specially curated menu of comfort foods), an in-room mini-bar converted to a personalized refrigerator and a countertop Breville Smart Oven, access to private beachfront cabanas, a 20 percent discount on spa services, in-room Wi-Fi, complimentary valet service and once-a-week complimentary laundry, a “business butler” and a medical concierge.
For rate information, full details and restrictions contact Edwin Muniz at [email protected].
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach: Because parents need a break and kids could use a change of scenery too, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast has partnered with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to offer “Study Hall in Paradise.” This remote learning program for kids aged five and older is set in dedicated pods in the aquarium’s socially distanced classrooms, with each child bringing their own laptop, headphones and learning materials.
Daily class times are 8:30am-11:30am and 12:00pm-3:00pm with aftercare sessions (aquarium tours and learning activities) from 3:00pm-5:00pm—allowing parents to work without distraction at the hotel. The offer includes an upgraded room with a private balcony, waived resort fee, complimentary parking, boxed lunches and snacks for the kids and two spa treatments per stay for the adults. Rates start at $479 per night, excluding taxes and services, and are valid for stays through December 28, 2020 with rate code HSUM25.
Travel to Florida: Florida has no travel restrictions, but social distancing protocols are advised resort guests may be required to wear face masks when in indoor public spaces or moving though outdoor public spaces.
Cayman Islands
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: As part of the destination’s recently-launched Global Citizen Concierge Program, digital nomads can arrange long-term stays at the only five-star resort on the island, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, which overlook the white sands of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. Set on 144 acres, the property features 369 rooms and residential units, six restaurants, a spa and a Greg Norman-designed golf course.
Monthly rates for residential units start at $20,000, while ocean front rooms start at $10,000/month. For additional details, contact the resort directly.
Travel to Grand Cayman: The Cayman Islands has taken a phased approach to re-opening, with testing and quarantine restrictions in place for many international visitors. Guests seeking long-term stays can apply via the islands’ Global Citizen Concierge Program.
Hawaii
Andaz Maui: One of several Hyatt resorts in Hawaii offering “Work from Hyatt” packages, Andaz Maui offers plenty of indoor and outdoor work or learning space, so families or couples traveling in a COVID-19 bubble can spread out and focus—but also enjoy the sun and fun that Maui offers.
Set on 15 acres at Wailea on the island’s southwest coast, the resort features free Wi-Fi, four restaurants and lounges and a cabana-lined pool. The offer must be booked by December 31, 2020 and is valid on stays of seven nights or more through March 31, 2021. Rates start at $589/night and include a $50 daily food and beverage credit, waived resort fees, complimentary self parking and other perks; use code WFHYAT when booking.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: Prefer the quieter, Old-Hawaii ambience of Kauai? The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa also has a “Work from Hyatt” package. The property is set on 50 acres in Poipu on Kauai’s sunny southern coast and features three restaurants (plus room service), lush gardens and multiple pools.
The offer must be booked by December 31, 2020 and is valid on stays of seven nights or more through March 31, 2021. Rates start at $479/night and include a $50 daily food and beverage credit, waived resort fees, complimentary self parking and other perks; use code WFHYAT when booking.
Travel to Hawaii: Hawaii re-opened to American tourists on October 15 and you can now visit without a mandatory quarantine by presenting an approved COVID-19 negative test result by a Trusted Testing and Travel Partner taken no more than 72 hours before taking off on your flight to Hawaii (only the Island of Hawaii requires a secondary rapid test upon arrival, while Maui and Kauai offer voluntary tests). You most also register with the state’s Safe Travels program. Hotels have adopted health and safety protocols that include wearing masks in indoor public areas and when moving through outdoor public spaces.
Jamaica
Royalton Negril: If two weeks (or more) enjoying the golden sand, relaxing vibe and stunning sunsets of Negril sounds like a winning work-life mix, there’s the “Upgrade Your Office” package at the all-inclusive Royalton Negril. Couples working remotely or families with kids involved in remote learning can enjoy resort-wide Wi-Fi, quiet locations for video conferencing, portable power banks, supervised and socially distanced learning spaces for kids (and a kids club for younger ones), along with an assortment of international restaurants (plus room service) and complimentary watersports. Rates start at $1,330 per person (double occupancy for 14 nights). Book by February 28, 2021 for stays through June 30, 2021.
Travel to Jamaica: Americans can visit Jamaica by following the pre-travel protocols on the Jamaica Tourist Board website, which include obtaining and presenting a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result (taken less than 10 days ahead of check in for a flight) from a lab with CLIA registration or ISO 15189 certification. Travel authorization is also required via this portal.
Mexico
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: Located on a 400-acre nature reserve on Riviera Nayarit north of Puerto Vallarta, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita has set up a “Knowledge for All Seasons” schoolcation program designed with a tech hotline, study buddy program and after-school learning to make distance schooling and remote work more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
Parents can spend the day in beachfront or poolside Study Cabanas outfitted with Wi-Fi, a TV monitor, headphones, a portable charger and energizing snacks such as fresh fruits, smoothies and popsicles. The property also features villas and private beach houses for easier social distancing. Rates start at $760/night.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa: Cancun is a quick flight from most East Coast and Midwest cities and the luxurious JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is embracing remote workers with beach work stations: typical beach cabanas modified to accommodate remote workers and supplied with a brunch basket filled with energizing foods, snacks coffee and bottled water.
The property also has six restaurants (plus 24-hour room service) and separate family and adults-only pools. “Work From Anywhere” packages for stays of seven nights or longer include free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast daily, a 20 percent discount on food and beverage, and more. Rates start at $162/night (bookable through December 31, 2020 for stays through June 30, 2021), while cabanas can be reserved starting at $130 per day and an additional $95 for the brunch basket.
Travel to Mexico: Cancun has been welcoming visitors for several months without major restrictions (for FAQs, see here). At many resorts, face coverings are required in all indoor public areas. Riviera Nayarit is also open to tourists, with hotels operating at limited capacity.
The Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives: For remote workers who want to go the distance—and check this Indian Ocean paradise off of their must-see travel list—Vakkaru Maldives is offering a “Work Well Package” (for 21 nights or longer) that includes a complimentary upgrade to a bigger villa with a special study equipped with a printer and office supplies, and supplemented by work-friendly benefits adapted to their needs.
The resort, located on Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport, features 113 luxury villas—and 2,300 coconut trees. Rates start at $18,000 for 21 nights to $25,000 for a month-long stay for two adults. For reservations and general information, contact [email protected].
Travel to The Maldives: The Maldives re-opened to international tourists in July. All arriving visitors must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to the time of departure. There are also health and safety guidelines in place for resorts and others within the tourism infrastructure.
