Deadline looming? Annual report to write? Inspiration running low? Or is your partner desperate for a holiday while you’re equally desperate to clear that never-ending to-do list?

The answer: a work-cation! As the name suggests, it’s a blend of work and vacation—and a rapidly growing travel trend. Research shows that a work-cation can boost productivity and creativity while reducing stress. So, is it any wonder that more and more of us are choosing to combine work with a staycation?

Thanks to modern technology, it’s now possible to hold virtual meetings from a chic cottage on the banks of a loch, with golden eagles soaring overhead and red squirrels scampering through the treetops. A stay in a stunningly converted bothy high on a hillside might provide the creative spark you need to start that long-promised novel. Or why not tackle those spreadsheets from a cosy harbourside retreat, where the wind howls and waves crash outside, while you stay snug behind 200-year-old walls and a top-of-the-range heating system?

Making Work and Relaxation Work for You

Every spring, health and safety executive Lyndon Wilson combines work with a luxurious self-catering break in the Highlands.

“Since Covid, I’ve enjoyed flexible, hybrid working, so going on a work-cation isn’t an issue with my employer,” he explains.

“When I’m on a work-cation, I make a point of being in front of my laptop by 7:30 am. My wife and our two teenage children amuse themselves during the day while I benefit from a stylish, comfortable work environment. And when I need a breather, an energising walk in beautiful surroundings does the trick.

“Colleagues and clients can contact me by phone, email, or Teams—just as they would if I were working from home. I sometimes meet my family for lunch, but if not, I wrap up work at 4 pm.

“After work, we might head to a nearby pub for supper, watch the sunset from the top of a hill, or go surfing or paddleboarding. By the end of the week, we all return home with our batteries recharged—and I still have my full allowance of annual leave to enjoy later.”

One of the biggest advantages of a work-cation is that it allows you to escape the daily grind without using up precious annual leave. For freelancers and the self-employed, it also means the chance to earn while enjoying a change of scenery.

A Work-cation is Not a Holiday

“However, a work-cation isn’t a substitute for a proper, work-free holiday,” stresses Kirsti Wilson of Unique Cottages. “No matter how much fun you have in your free time, a work-cation shouldn’t be counted as part of your annual leave.”

Mags North and her partner Sam recently went on a five-night work-cation to a cottage in the spectacular northwest of Scotland.

“I work part-time for a charity, so with my boss’s permission, I squeezed my working week into four mornings,” Mags explains. “That left us with afternoons and evenings free to explore stunning beaches, incredible mountains, and utterly fabulous roads to nowhere.

“I returned to the office feeling like I’d had a holiday—but without a mountain of unread emails waiting for me.”

A Solo Work-cation for Focus

“I treated myself to a work-cation for one at the end of summer,” says freelance copywriter Janey Swanson. “I’d landed a great contract providing content for an oil-related website, but I knew I’d struggle to find the focus required.

“Sitting in my tiny home office, with children needing picked up from school and my husband popping in for a chat whenever he felt like it, was never going to work.

“So, I booked a small cottage by the beach, packed my suitcase, my laptop, my printer, and my dog into the car, and headed off for a week of hard work and long walks to shake off writer’s block.

“The dining room had a large table with a sea view, there was a woodburning stove to keep me and my dog cosy, and the only distractions were diving gannets and the ever-changing weather. Thanks to the cottage’s high-speed broadband, I stayed in regular touch with my client—and my family!”

Corporate Work-cations: The Ultimate Team Retreat

A work-cation doesn’t have to be a solo adventure—it can be the perfect way for a team to escape the office, reset, and refocus. More and more companies are opting for corporate working breaks, combining productivity with a refreshing change of scenery.

For larger groups, Bemersyde House, set in the heart of the Scottish Borders, offers an exceptional setting for a corporate work-cation. With superfast broadband, spacious work areas, and accommodation for up to 23 colleagues, it’s an ideal choice for teams looking to collaborate in a relaxed but inspiring environment.

After a productive day of strategy meetings or creative brainstorming, the team can unwind with a range of country pursuits, including fishing, clay pigeon shooting, and scenic woodland walks. Whether it’s for a week of planning, team building, or simply working in a stunning location, a corporate work-cation at Bemersyde House offers the perfect balance of work and relaxation.

Top Tips for a Successful Work-cation

“If you’re going to be working, always check the broadband speed and stability of a property before booking,” advises Kirsti Wilson of Unique Cottages.

“In addition, make sure there’s a quiet space where you can work undisturbed, whether it’s a dedicated office or just a well-lit desk or table. Set clear boundaries with your work-cation companions so they understand you’ll be working. And plan ahead to ensure you’re balancing work with relaxation.

“Finally, it may sound obvious, but don’t forget to pack your laptop, printer (if needed), power cables, and chargers!”

Special Rates for Longer Stays

One of the great advantages of a work-cation is that many properties offer special rates for extended stays. Whether you’re planning a week of focused work in a scenic setting or a month-long escape from the daily grind, longer stays often come with discounted rates—making it an even more cost-effective way to balance work and relaxation.

So why not swap your usual workspace for somewhere truly inspiring? Whether it’s a solo retreat, a family getaway with remote work in mind, or a team work-cation in a stunning setting like Bemersyde House, there’s never been a better time to embrace the work-cation lifestyle.

For your perfect work-cation property, visit www.uniquecottages.co.uk.