Combine Work and Play at These Top Bleisure Locations

Remember the days when work trips had to be solely about work? Luckily times are changing and, as work/life balance becomes increasingly important, more and more workers are indulging in a little ‘bleisure’ travel, otherwise known as a ‘workation’, blending business and leisure travel by adding an extended holiday before or after the work event. In fact, according to market research and consulting firm Allied Market Research, the global bleisure industry was estimated at £256.57 billion (US$315.3 billion) in 2022 and is projected to reach £595.17 (US$731.4 billion) by 2032.

In practice, this could be a businessman (or woman) who, after speaking at a conference, decides to spend a few extra days exploring the city they have travelled to. Similarly it could be a CEO or remote employee working from a luxury European hotel to eke out a little extra time in the sun.

Indeed, the rise in remote working is only expediting the trend - one post-pandemic report by Qualtrics showed that 80 per cent of employees looking for a new job listed the opportunity to live anywhere as very important – and thankfully many of the world’s best cities are catching on. Luxury hotels with fast WiFi? Check. An abundance of co-working spaces? Check. Plenty of extra-curricular activities to enjoy once the laptop has been slammed shut for the day? Check.

Fancy giving it a go yourself? These five vibrant cities are currently ruling the roost.

Where to Work From: Fairmont San Francisco

Set in the heart of the city in the upscale neighbourhood of Nob Hill, staying at the Fairmont you’ll have easy access to the Financial District, Fisherman’s Wharf and China Town. Heck, you may even recognise it as the filming location from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. It is also home to a number of meeting rooms, many of which lay claim to fame (Tony Bennett first sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco on stage in the Venetian Room, while there’s also a huge selection of fitness classes if you need to blow off some post-meeting steam.

How to Enjoy Your Downtime

Rent a car and drive two-and-a-half hours to Big Sur. Check into the Post Ranch Inn which, perched on a cliff edge, makes for the perfect place to switch off. Kick off the morning with a little yoga before heading out on a guided nature walk. Back at the hotel reward yourself with a relaxing massage before enjoying a dip in one of its many picturesque pools. Most certainly not your average business trip.

Where to Work From: Hotel Toranomon Hills

With seamless connectivity, fun dining and local immersions quite literally on your doorstep, this luxury new hotel in the hip Azabudai-Toranomon Hills business district was made for a workation. Take the 11th floor lounge, for example. Not only does the Hotel Toranomon boast panoramic city views framed by six-metre-high windows, it’s also home to well-appointed shower rooms and cosy sleeping pods for departure day. Then there’s the deluxe rooms which, calmingly designed in earth tones and muted palettes, offer a couch and desk alongside all the luxury amenities you could expect from a five-star hotel. You only want to leave to dine in Le Pristine Tokyo which, part casual fine-dining restaurant and part all-day café, serves up delicious brain food.

How to Enjoy Your Downtime

Ranked as the top international travel destination for 2024, Tokyo is made for bleisure. Take Japanese street food tour, stroll the peaceful paths of the Feudal Lord’s Gardens and splash some cash at Yanaka Ginza, a quaint shopping street that preserves the “shitamachi” atmosphere of the Tokyo of yesteryear, before sitting down to eat in one of the city’s many Michelin starred restaurants – try L'Effervescence for starters.

Where to Work From: Four Seasons Ritz

For both luxury and history combined (and super fast WiFi, of course), you can’t go wrong with the Grand Dame of Lisbon. Overlooking Parque Eduardo, it is one of the most recognisable monuments in the city, while rooms come complete with impossibly big beds, oversized bathtubs and well-stocked desks.

How to Enjoy Your Downtime

Eating. It’s no surprise that Lisbon is regularly regarded as one of the best cities in the world for remote workers (the Portuguese government was one of the first to implement a scheme that lets freelancers and remote workers live in the country for up to 12 months). After all, over 90 per cent of its restaurants are rated over four stars (be sure to try the rice-based speciality arroz de marisco), while you have to check out the famous Mercado do Ribeira, where you can browse fresh fruits, veggies and traditional fare.

Where to Work From: Kimpton Vividora Hotel

Barcelona is one of the best cities for co-working spaces (try Attico, WeWork and OneCoWork Plaça Catalunya), but if you’d rather crack on in the comfort of your hotel, the Kimpton Vividora Hotel in the Gothic Quarter is an excellent choice. Combining luxury with functionality, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces in rooms and a dedicated guest experience team to cater to business travellers’ needs, this boutique hotel is also in a prime close to key business districts and cultural attractions.

How to Enjoy Your Downtime

After wrapping up work, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. You could explore the historic Gothic Quarter, visit the iconic Sagrada Familia or take a leisurely stroll through Park Güell, while digging into the city's culinary delights by dining at local tapas bars or savouring seafood at beachfront restaurants is a must. For relaxation, the hotel's rooftop terrace offers panoramic city views, perfect for unwinding with a cocktail in hand.

Where to Work From: The Langham

For a seamless blend of productivity and indulgence, The Langham is a top pick for bleisure travellers. Overlooking the Yarra River, this five-star hotel offers elegant in-room workspaces, high-speed internet and a serene atmosphere perfect for focused work sessions, while its exceptional business facilities, including private meeting rooms and concierge services, ensure you stay connected and efficient while enjoying luxurious surroundings. Be sure to check out the tranquil spa and riverside dining options to reward yourself after a productive day.

How to Enjoy Your Downtime

Explore the vibrant laneways adorned with street art, visit the National Gallery of Victoria or enjoy a performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne. Once night falls, dive into the city's renowned culinary offerings by dining at local favourites like Lona Misa, a plant-based eatery by celebrated chefs Shannon Martinez and Ian Curley before enjoying a night cap at one of the city's rooftop bars offering panoramic views.