Culture & Living
Secluded resorts to city hotels–9 stays for a socially distanced ‘workation’
If you need a change of scene from your WFH desk, bookmark these properties that let you work remotely while enjoying a staycation
Weary of working from home while juggling household chores? If you’re dreaming of a vacation but cannot get away from work, why not bring your work along for a holiday? After more than three months of lockdown, hotels and resorts across India have started opening up cautiously. From contactless check-ins and face mask handouts to pre-plated meals, hotels are following stringent pandemic protocols. Good internet connectivity and high standards of hygiene are, of course, a given. We round up nine stays where you can work remotely from a room with a view with occasional breaks for leisure and luxury.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Contactless technology is one of the many things that The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, has put in place at the resort, beginning with digital check-in, QR code scanning to avail concierge services and dining options, and digital invoices at check-out. The resort also offers socially distanced experiences such as private yoga and meditation sessions, nature walks in the hotel’s 30-acre estate, interactive sessions with an in-house historian, a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, and in-room dinner in your private courtyard.
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amã Stays & Trails, Coorg
Planning to take the extended family along for a workation? The four-bedroom amã Stays & Trails Pollibetta Bungalow nestled in a vast coffee plantation in Coorg is the perfect hideaway. Run by The Indian Hotels Company Limited, the bungalow’s old-world charm is coupled with modern amenities, including seamless WiFi (which is usually spotty in secluded resorts). You'll also have a dedicated housekeeping and kitchen staff at your service. All of this is, of course, combined with the signature warmth and “Tajness” you can expect from any Taj property.
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RAAS Jodhpur, Rajasthan
An urban oasis in the Old City, RAAS Jodhpur’s 40-room property is an ideal home away from home. The restored 18th-century nobleman’s haveli comes with well-designed public spaces that make for 'mobile work desks' with gorgeous backdrops, like the swimming pool in the central courtyard where you can work on a pool lounger. Or take your Zoom meeting to the rooftop bar where the historic Mehrangarh Fort can be your live screen saver.
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Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, Maharashtra
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa has launched an Extended Stay Offer, which includes accommodation, meals, yoga and wellness sessions, and complementary WiFi in all villas. The resort has also rolled out safety measures under the Hilton CleanStay program created in collaboration with Reckitt Benckiser (makers of Lysol and Dettol) and Mayo Clinic.
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Ahilya by the Sea, Goa
Need some Vitamin Sea and the Goa susegaad? Tucked away in a quiet corner of Dolphin Bay, the exquisite Ahilya by the Sea comes with five rooms, two swimming pools (one of which is a stunner of an infinity pool), a home office setup, and direct beach access. Enjoy all the worry-free perks of being in a hotel, like a clean and safe environment, dedicated housekeeping, professional kitchen and staff, etc. You can even take over the entire property and create your own private and secluded sanctuary.
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JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
Can’t leave the city? Check in at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, which offers a chic office area with multiple spacious cabins, individual workstations, and creative collaborative spaces. If you don’t want to work indoors, there are plenty of outdoor venues to choose from. Work by the poolside, take a stroll on the beach during your brainstorming session or find the hotel’s Secret Spot—tranquil spaces designed to help you focus. To soothe your fears about the virus, the hotel also has in place Marriott International’s We Care program that follows extensive hygiene and cleanliness protocol.
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The Leela Palace Bengaluru
The Leela Palace Bengaluru's ‘Work from Hotel’ package includes priority access to its business centre facilities, complementary WiFi and streamlined IT support. There’s a focus on your wellbeing too with contactless yoga, meditation, and an immunity drink to start the day. Plus, you have the assurance of the hotel's ‘Suraksha’ program, an enhanced hygiene and cleaning system designed in partnership with Bureau Veritas India.
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ibis Kolkata Rajarhat
Accor’s Work@ibis initiative is perfect for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. You can work out of the hotel’s well-appointed common spaces, with access to high-speed internet connectivity, office essentials, tea/coffee station, and dining options. All of these areas are stringently sanitised as per Accor’s ALLSAFE global cleanliness and prevention standards, as well as the Indian government norms.
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Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Pune Hinjewadi
Looking for an alternative to the crowded weekend getaway locations like Lonavala, Khandala, and Lavasa? Located on the Pune-Bengaluru highway, the recently opened Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Pune Hinjewadi is ideal for a ‘workation’ close to the city. The hotel offers high-speed WiFi and dedicated workspaces, all of which follow stringent cleaning protocols.
Book here
Also read:
Taking a flight during the COVID-19 pandemic? These are all the steps to keep in mind
Can I travel internationally this summer? These are the countries beginning to reopen for tourists
Rajasthan, New York, Tokyo: 9 movies that will take you on a virtual vacation
