Work from Anywhere? 4 Surprising Hotel Perks That Turn Break Time into Playtime

As the remote work environment continues to evolve, people who are free to “work from anywhere” are eschewing the four walls of a cubicle or even a home office to instead work from hotels around the world. After all, hotels serve as dynamic hubs for those who work remotely and seek a change of scenery.

Since the nature of work has changed, the lunch break — traditionally just a simple respite from the daily grind — is also changing for working guests. Now, for those embracing the workcation trend, a lunch break at a hotel can be so much more: a time to savor, recharge and indulge.

Whether you enjoy golf, yoga, basketball or winter sports, below are some exciting hotel amenities and activities to punch up your workday. So go ahead and book that bleisure trip, take those much-needed screen breaks and embrace fun and fitness throughout the day.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Hit the Links

If spending an hour on the driving range or whizzing through three different nine-hole courses on your lunch break sounds like a dream, you’ll want to consider these golfcentric hotels. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is in the heart of the golf mecca that is Scottsdale, Arizona, with incredible mountain views and lots of sunshine most of the year.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, has a driving range and putting green if you’ve only got an hour, plus two weekend-worthy courses.

You won’t have to go far after a break on the driving range at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, as the Honors Grill serves a full menu of lunch fare to fuel the rest of your day.

Find Your Zen

If a little clarity is what you seek after back-to-back Zoom calls, unclench your jaw and stay for the savasana at these hotels offering yoga classes at midday.

Outdoor yoga classes surrounded by the Palm Springs desert and a grove of olive trees take place at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells. Make a reservation and strike a pose, since your class fee is included in your stay.

Find solace in the Philly skyline at the W Philadelphia, where underwater “hydroyoga” classes take place in the heated pool at the hotel’s WET Deck.

Heading to Sarasota? Book a stay at Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection and sign up for a sunset yoga session on the rooftop — the perfect way to cap off or break up a workday, depending on your usual hours.

Shoot Some Hoops

Hitting the court with a few other hotel guests is an excellent way to blow off some midmorning steam. Basketball is an excellent workout, burning 600-plus calories in an hour — plus, it increases endurance, improves balance and coordination, and builds muscle and concentration.

Practice your layup at the exclusive rooftop basketball court at the W South Beach, which has hosted members of the Miami Heat. Private coaching is available through the hotel’s Whatever/Whenever program, too.

Moxy hotels are all about play, and the indoor half-court at the Moxy NYC Downtown is an all-weather spot where you can perfect your shot in New York City.

Other hotels where you can shoot hoops include SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab and Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Midlothian at Midlothian Conference Center.

Pound the Powder

Working from Vail? Obviously you’re going to look for a ski-in/ski-out hotel where you can spend an hour on the slopes before your post-lunch email deluge. At The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley, the hotel’s gondola, just 20 steps from the Ski Valet, will take you directly to Beaver Creek Mountain.

Just up the road from the Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel, the ski resort at Big Sky hosts plenty of outdoor ski and snowboard opportunities in Montana’s winter-white mountain country.

If your vibe is more Park City posh, set up your desk in Utah at Marriott’s MountainSide at Park City, a Marriott Vacation Club Resort, where ski villas are fully equipped for rest and recovery after you’ve cleared your head on Park City Mountain’s iconic slopes.

And in the Northeast, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites North Conway in New Hampshire is conveniently situated just down the road from Cranmore Mountain.