Instead of fighting with colleagues on Zoom from the four corners of their bedroom, quite a number of people have taken remote working to more pleasurable heights.
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Before the pandemic, working from home was a foreign concept for a lot of us. But as this arrangement became widespread to maintain public health and safety, it has become the default and not the exception. But instead of completing their duties from their own houses, a growing number of fortunate people have started heading for the beach nearest them, laptop in tow, ready to be productive with their toes buried in the sand.
And why not? The ocean can work wonders for one’s health and can possibly counteract stressors from work. Clinical psychologist Richard Shuster says in the The Daily Helping podcast that staring at the ocean can actually change our brain waves. “The color blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace,” he points out.
We’ve listed five of the islands you can consider booking long-term stays in— including activities you can do on the weekends and the prime resorts for each location. Of course, protocols are still in place everywhere for good reason, and you should only attempt this when it is deemed safe by health officials and the government.
El Nido, Palawan
It’s known for: The island located in the Northern part of Palawan boasts of crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and majestic coral reefs.
Resort Recommendation: Karuna El Nido Villas
Karuna’s Tumpang Sari Villa offers panoramic views of Bacuit Bay, and so you’ll have a view of the ocean 24/7. Ethnic artworks and wood carvings embellish the villa, and a private pool is there for you to take a midday swim in.
You Can Book At: karunaelnido.com
Siargao Island
It’s known for: Siargao referred to as the “surfing capital of the Philippines,” has a laid-back beach lifestyle. Cloud 9 was dubbed one of the world’s best surfing spots, which piqued travelers’ interest locally and globally.
Resort Recommendation: Nay Palad Hideaway
The resort offers four varieties of villas to suit your requirements. The interiors of each are minimalist, composed of clean lines, and made with sustainable materials. You are to have the meals made of the freshest ingredients for your lunch breaks— in place of set menus, Nay Palad’s resident chef creates unique selections daily, working around the fresh catches of the day and available produce of the season.
You Can Book At: naypald.com
Panglao Island, Bohol
It’s known for: The southernmost town of Bohol is its most visited island. In pre-pandemic times, Alona Beach was flocked by tourists all year round—especially by divers because of the rich biodiversity in its waters.
Resort Recommendation: Eskaya Resort and Spa
The boutique hotel prides itself on “thoughtful service and personalized experiences” for guests. After a long day on Zoom, you can let yourself unwind at Eskaya’s Hunduraw Spa— which offers a fusion of traditional healing therapies with modern spa technology.
You Can Book At: eskayaresort.com
Boracay Island
It’s known for: Once known to be a crowded party island, Boracay has gone through rehabilitation in 2018. Since its reopening, the local government set beach cleanups and mandated implementations to maintain its pristine status.
Resort Recommendation: Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay
Crimson is situated on Boracay’s Station Zero. Solenn Heussaff vacationed there this year and shared the experience on her blog. “It’s a more private part of Boracay, and it felt like we were on a small island. Though there’s a big beach, it still feels very cozy because it isn’t as big as Boracay’s main White Beach,” she wrote.
Crimson provides accommodations of villas and suites that include private plunge pools (a great way to cool off on these hot summer days). Personalized service is available, allowing you to have all your work from beach needs attended.
You Can Book At: crimsonhotel.com
La Union
It’s known for: La Union is another ideal destination for surfers, it’s known to be the Surfing Capital of the North, as the closest surf spot to Manila. This beach is full of quaint cafes and restaurants serving everything from burgers to fresh and healthy cuisines.
Resort Recommendation: Thunderbird Poro Point
The resort settles on a 100-foot cliff, the highest point of the Poro Peninsula, overlooking San Fernando Bay and the West Philippine Sea. Thunderbird Poro Point’s architecture is modeled with inspiration from Mediterranean themes, especially from Greece. The 65-hectare property was built to emulate a beach town in Santorini with its blue and white buildings and a replica of the city’s recognizable domes.
You Can Book At: thunderbird-asia.com
Banner photo by Cris Tagupa on Unsplash
