In today’s ever-evolving work culture, a new trend is quietly reshaping the way teams collaborate and connect: the workation. No, it's not just working remotely from the beach—it's a thoughtfully curated experience where teams come together in a refreshing location for 7 to 10 days (sometimes more, sometimes less) to co-create, strategise, and simply get things done—all while soaking in the local culture.

And yes, it’s every bit as exciting as it sounds.

So, What’s a Workation, Really?

A workation is an immersive team experience where companies bring their entire crew to a destination that allows for both focus and fun. Picture your product, tech, or leadership teams collaborating on strategic projects, closing open loops, ideating fresh solutions, and even launching new initiatives. But instead of the same four walls, the setting might be a mountain lodge, a beachside resort, or a culturally rich city steeped in tradition.

Unlike traditional offsites, workations combine intense collaboration with rejuvenating downtime—think hackathons by day, local festivals and cuisine by night.

Why Workations Are More Than Just a Trend

Here’s why more Indian and global companies are embracing this hybrid model of work and play:

• Boosted Productivity: A change of scenery energises the mind. Away from daily distractions, teams often accomplish in a week what would normally take a month.

• Stronger Team Bonds: Living, working, and laughing together builds deeper trust and camaraderie—especially in distributed or hybrid teams.

• Enhanced Work-Life Integration: With structured work hours and space for exploration, teams experience a natural rhythm of work and leisure.

• Creative Breakthroughs: New surroundings stimulate innovative thinking. It’s amazing what fresh air and a new view can do for your problem-solving skills.

• Employee Well-being: The emotional and mental recharge from immersive local experiences can dramatically reduce burnout and improve morale.

• Talent Attraction & Retention: Today’s workforce values flexibility and experience. Offering workations positions your company as progressive, people-first, and future-ready.

Making the Most of Every Moment

It’s not all work. From exploring local crafts, trying authentic regional cuisine, to celebrating festivals like Holi or Pongal, workations often double as cultural deep-dives.

You might find your team participating in a garba night in Gujarat, kayaking in Kerala backwaters, or engaging in sustainable tourism in Bhutan. Leisure activities like nature walks, art workshops, or folk music evenings help relax the mind, deepen connections, and make the experience unforgettable.

Top Workation Destinations You Should Consider

Based on what's trending in the world of global MICE and experiential retreats, here are a few incredible spots perfect for your next team workation:

• Jaipur, India – Perfect for a blend of royal heritage and modern luxury. Ideal for teams who’d enjoy desert safaris, palace stays, and vibrant bazaars.

• Udaipur, India – Known as the ‘City of Lakes,’ it’s tranquil, charming, and perfect for deep work and meaningful conversations.

• Bali, Indonesia – A global remote work haven with a spiritual vibe, lush landscapes, and plenty of cowork-friendly spaces.

• Tbilisi, Georgia – An emerging hotspot with rich history, great wine, and affordable living—ideal for both EU and Indian teams.

• Rishikesh, India – For teams seeking inner balance. Combine project planning with yoga, meditation, and riverside bonfires.

• Goa, India – A perennial favourite that blends laid-back beach vibes with thriving coworking culture. Whether you're hosting daily standups by the sea or exploring Portuguese heritage by night, Goa delivers the perfect balance of productivity and play.

The Future of Work Is Intentional—and Beautiful

With portable devices, high-speed internet, and a global mindset, work no longer needs to be confined to offices. As more organisations build remote-first or hybrid models, workations are evolving from novelty to necessity—especially for mission-critical, cross-functional alignment.

We foresee more companies integrating workations into their corporate culture—not just for productivity, but to nurture creativity, deepen bonds, and create shared memories that last far beyond the project cycle.

Ready to Reimagine Work with a View?

At ICE India, we specialise in curating transformative workations tailored to your team’s goals, culture, and vibe. From organising logistics to local experiences, we’ll help you plan a retreat that feels less like a meeting and more like magic.

Let your next big breakthrough come with a side of mango lassi, a sunset over the mountains, or the rhythms of folk drums.