Workations Are Here to Stay!

Work-from-home has become the new norm. This paradigm shift in work structure has created a new concept of workations that poise themselves to be the perfect solution for the experience-seeking digital nomad. Offbeat Tracks that curates personalized travel experiences for their clients’ transports you to a few select workation homes that their guests have been staying at and having the time of their lives. Take a look!

What are Workations?

Workation is a new concept of a vacation that combines business with leisure. With people working from home during this pandemic, this concept has become a much-needed escape and great opportunity to take work on a holiday.

Lagom Stay, Himachal Pradesh

Our first stop is at the tranquil and scenic town of Manali. The Lagom Stay is located in the south of Manali, away from the crowd, in an ancient, small and beautiful village called Jagat Sukh. Situated amidst lush green surroundings, Lagom Stay is a beautiful chalet with three rooms and a well-maintained garden. All rooms have scenic views of the valley and apple orchards. Common areas include a well-stocked kitchen along with a spacious dining and living area providing a perfect home away from home experience.  

What is unique about this stay is the host Gandharv who puts in a lot of effort in order to make the workation truly memorable for the guests. You can also indulge in experiences like old town heritage walks, mountain biking, overnight treks and a lot more! Watch your first snowfall while at Lagom stay or make friends for a lifetime; this is an experience you will never forget.

How to get there: Lagom stay is located in Jagatsukh village, which is a 15-minute drive from Manali.

Via Air: Bhuntar airport in Kullu is the closest airport from where Lagom stay is an hours drive
Via Road: Another option is to fly to Chandigarh airport and drive uphill to Manali which is about an 8 hour drive

Tariff: Room rates start from Rs 1,500 a night for a basic room and go up to Rs 4,500 a night for the premium duplex cottage. PS: prices vary depending on season and duration of stay.

Foxtail Eco Retreat, Maharashtra

For those who like to work in the wilderness, close to the jungle, this work-from-wilderness property is just for you! The owner of the property, Uday Krishna is a wildlife photographer and a well-known conservationist, heading the VATA Foundation. He makes sure that the property follows green practices and blends in the ecosystem and serves local cuisine to guests. 

Located in Maharashtra, the Foxtail Eco Retreat at Tipeshwar is a small eco retreat consisting of 5 luxurious tents set in the backdrop of a dry deciduous jungle. Guests looking for an experience rich workation close to nature would love this property. Spend time working in luxury tents or by a natural lagoon as you watch the sunset. For wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this property is the perfect getaway. The tiger sanctuary close by has a family of tigers that provide for ample tiger spotting. Bird watchers get to see a lot of birds that have made this property their natural habitat. 

How to get there: Tipeshwar is well connected via road. It is 400 kms from Hyderabad.

Nearest airport: Hyderabad from where the resort is a 5 hours drive

Tariff: A deluxe Swiss tent with all meals for a couple will cost Rs 10,000 per night 

The Hidden Oasis, Maharashtra

The Hidden Oasis is another slice of heaven that is just a few hours drive away from Pune. With 16 acres of wilderness right next to a lake, this property is nature’s gift to mankind! Just an hour’s drive from Pune, it is an ideal destination to rejuvenate and be one with Mother Nature. It is a perfect solo or family overnight stay destination with a beautiful lake touch eco-farm. 

At The Hidden Oasis, time slows down and every moment can be savoured, making it the perfect antidote to the ever-busy urban life. It is equipped with lovely cottages and a waterfront facing machan. Apart from working, you can learn organic farming or go trekking around the lush countryside. There are morning meditation sessions that guests can take part in for holistic wellness. Food served here is organic and vegan! This place is a detox for the mind, body and soul!

How to Get there: The property is located in Saswad which is an hours drive from Pune. 

Via Air: Nearest airport is Pune. 

Tariff: There are multiple packages. Day trips from 9am to 6pm including breakfast, lunch, tea and all activities are priced at Rs 600 per head. Overnight stay packages start from Rs 2,000 per night on twin sharing basis with all meals and the premium machan is priced at Rs 5,000 on twin sharing basis with all meals.

Palathra Heritage, Kerala

Palathra Heritage offers unique Kerala style architecture in four handpicked rooms. The property offers wellness as well as long stay workation packages. Facilities include a restaurant, Ayurvedic massages, room service etc. Offbeat experiences include local village tours, lake and canal fishing, daytime house boating, sunrise and sunset at beach (which is less than 2 kms) and cycling.

How to get there: Palathra is in Marari, Alapuzha and Kerala.

Via Air/Rail/Road: Kochi is the closest city and a 2 hrs drive from Palathra

Tariffs: Varies between Rs 5,000- 10,000 per couple bed and breakfast depending on the season and type of room.