The term ‘workation’ has increasingly gained traction in recent years. This fusion of ‘work’ and ‘vacation’ describes a growing trend where businesses combine retreats with productivity. The primary dilemma faced by companies planning such ventures is accommodation: the classic hotel or the more recent trend of workation villas. With a price tag of approximately 5000 euros for a week in a workation villa and additional flight costs, many might immediately lean towards the familiarity of hotels. However, for a group of 10, the villa option isn’t just competitively priced; it offers a multitude of other benefits.
1. The Clear Cost Comparison
When breaking down the costs of accommodation for 10 participants:
• Workation Villa: A week’s stay would average at 500 euros per person (5000 euros/10 participants).
• Hotels: The average cost per night in a decent hotel can range from 100 to 250 euros per room. Assuming two individuals share a room, that’s 50 to 125 euros per person per night. For a week, the cost ranges between 350 and 875 euros per person. For 10 people, this totals to 3,500 to 8,750 euros.
This rudimentary calculation indicates that even at the higher end for villas and the lower end for hotels, the prices are competitive. Factor in fluctuating hotel prices during peak seasons, and the scales tip even more in favor of the fixed pricing of a villa.
2. Food and Amenities: The Hidden Costs
• In Villas: They come with a fully-equipped kitchen. Buying groceries and cooking as a team can be both a bonding experience and a money-saver. If we budget, say, 150 euros per person for a week’s groceries (totaling 1500 euros for 10), the costs are still lower than daily hotel meals.
• In Hotels: Hotel meals, especially in tourist spots, can be pricey. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee breaks can easily sum up to 50-100 euros per person per day. For 10 people over a week, this amounts to 3,500 to 7,000 euros.
Furthermore, villas include amenities like private pools, sauna, whirlpool and Wi-Fi at no extra cost. Hotels often add fees for Wi-Fi, access to business centers, or conference rooms.
3. The Intangible Benefits
• Privacy: Villas offer an unmatched level of privacy. Teams can discuss projects, brainstorm, or relax without interference from other guests.
• Bonding: Living together in a villa fosters camaraderie. Cooking, casual chats by the pool, or movie nights in the living room can solidify team bonds.
• Flexibility: Villas offer freedom from hotel schedules, allowing teams to work, rest, or play at their pace.
• Authentic Experience: Villas, located away from bustling tourist centers, offer a more genuine local experience.
4. Sustainability and Health
• Environmental Impact: Our villas are eco-friendly, have a much lesser carbon footprint than large hotel chains.
• Safety: In the era of health concerns, villas minimize exposure to large crowds, making them a safer choice.
Conclusion
A workation is not just a business trip; it’s an investment in team growth, productivity, and well-being. While the initial price tag of a villa might raise eyebrows, a deeper dive into the costs and benefits makes it evident that it’s not only a more economical choice for groups but also a richer, more rewarding experience. As businesses continue to innovate in how they work and collaborate, the workation villa stands out as a frontrunner in combining work and relaxation.
