Workation: how to adapt your holiday rental for remote working

A workation in a holiday rental combines remote working with a temporary stay in another destination. To attract this type of guest, the property needs to offer a stable internet connection, a comfortable work area, good lighting, privacy for video calls and conditions suited to longer bookings.

The services and changes needed to attract remote workers and long-stay guests.

If you manage a holiday rental, it is a good idea to know the different types of traveller who might stay in your property so you can spot business opportunities, and so-called digital nomads can be an interesting audience. Here we explain in more detail how to adapt your flat for digital nomads. However, if you want your property to appeal to this type of guest, you need to understand their needs and adapt your property so that their stay is pleasant and lives up to their expectations.

What do digital nomads look for in accommodation?

You have probably guessed already: WI-FI. One of the most important features of your property for guests looking for somewhere to spend their workation is, without a doubt, a good internet connection. They are going to work remotely, which means video calls, emails and any other task you can think of. That is why it is essential that your property offers a very good Wi-Fi connection.

What is more, it is essential that your holiday rental is comfortable and welcoming for someone who is going to spend time working in it. Do you have a pleasant work corner? Is there good lighting? If not, make sure you change that if you want your property to become an oasis for digital nomads. And how comfortable is your furniture? The bed, the sofa, the chairs… are they designed for short stays, or are they comfortable enough for someone staying for a longer period?

Of course, it is very important to offer privacy. It is true that many holiday properties are open-plan, with few walls and a sparse feel. That can be a good idea for short leisure stays, but it may not make them the best option for a traveller keeping office hours. Do you have a private corner that can be used for meetings or video calls? This can certainly make the difference for the guest who chooses your property.

How do I adapt my property to their needs?

Once you have identified the needs of your potential guests, you need to make whatever changes your property requires to turn it into the perfect place for their stay. You can take into account the requirements we have just explained and look at which aspects of your property need changing. Not 100% sure how to go about it? Don't worry, at beBalmy we assess the current state of your property and advise you on how to get the most out of it.

In any case, if you think your property is already adapted for this type of guest, you may be interested in a few recommendations to finish getting it ready:

1. Create an outdoor relaxation/work area

If your holiday rental has a balcony, patio or terrace, make sure it becomes the perfect place for your guest to switch off, or an open-air office in the months with better weather. With plants and garden furniture you can create a comfortable, pleasant space. Is the space very small? With a few pots and a seat you can turn the balcony into an ideal spot for a coffee and some fresh air before getting back to work.

2. Offer office supplies

It is not compulsory, but including some office supplies in the property can be a nice gesture towards your guest. A whiteboard, a calendar, sticky notes, pens… These are not very expensive items, but they can make your guest feel more welcome.

3. Review your listings

Now that you have decided to attract this type of guest, make sure your listings highlight the most important aspects. Give details of the internet connection, the work area and anything else about your property that makes it an oasis for digital nomads. Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words, so as well as updating the descriptions, don't forget to post photos of your new spaces! It may also be a good idea to review your rates and offer discounts for long stays.

Start attracting workation guests

Aiming your holiday rental at digital nomads or workers who want to change location temporarily has several advantages. They are usually guests who tend to stay longer in your property, and they use the property more calmly, since they will be spending hours working. They also tend to travel alone or with family, so you will avoid, for example, groups of friends celebrating a stag party. This profile also ties in with the rise in business travel and holiday flats.

Attracting guests who are willing to stay longer and, as a result, spend more on your property is always a good idea to keep your holiday rental sustainable over time, so don't think twice and turn your property into a paradise for digital nomads. Need a hand? Contact us through this form so that we can assess your property and help you get it ready. While you are at it, take a look at other holiday rental trends.