The problem with a fixed work routine

But a fixed routine can be harmful. My creativity dried up when I worked 5 office days a week for a former company. I felt irritable, uninspired and suffocated by the same four walls. And protests against return-to-office mandates suggests I’m not alone. (See Amazon’s uproar).

Changing work environment feels natural

Changing environments is in our DNA. Before Gmail and Zoom became our closest friends, humans roamed nature for food and spent time in communities. It’s why hybrid work feels refreshing – with its mix of home comforts and office community. This buzz has inspired remote workers to dwell in Lisbon, Barcelona, Indonesia, Mexico, Mauritius, and Vancouver – checking into workspaces, beach bars, cafes and restaurants – exploring nature, sharing meals and forming friendships – all while meeting their deadlines. Put simply: we are not designed for 40 hours in the same chair.

Rejuvenating ways to mix up your workplace

“The idea that everyone needs to work rigid hours in an office is an outdated concept that no longer fits the way we live and work today.” — Richard Branson

So how can we balance this need for novelty and excitement with our work commitments? I suggest purposefully varying your workspaces to boost your zest for work, creativity and productivity. For example, I write best in the mornings (usually in silence). I like to ‘Eat The Frog’ in an uninterrupted 3-hour burst. But in the afternoons, I need to be energised; and so I exit my studio flat and go to the Residence co-working space.

Here I talk to people, listen and share ideas. Suddenly I feel a jolt of energy. (Remember we are social creatures). It’s also a perfect opportunity to reply to my emails as I’ve dedicated this time for connecting and organising, rather than a focused flow state of writing.

More than this, simply putting on a shirt, adding wax to my hair and heading out gives me a surge of positivity. A reminder that we are no longer home-bound by COVID restrictions. As another example, see this post from Stephen White of Spaced Digital.

For any bosses reading this, offering your teams flexibility to go on workcations will boost morale and improve recruitment and retention.

Crucial advice for finding your work routine

But be weary: too much variety can be counterproductive. For example, changing locations 4 times a day can leak away time, leaving you without internet connection in crucial moments. Or simply exhausted. I recommend finding what feels refreshing. Try new coffee shops. Join workspace communities and events. Tinker with your work stations. For example: can you add more plants? A 2023 field study on the effects of indoor plants on office workers revealed increased workplace satisfaction, improved air quality, reduced stress and enhanced concentration among employees.

I also recommend experimenting with different work times. I am a morning person, but my friend does his best work between 6 pm and 10 pm. If that’s your sweet spot – go for it! Alternatively, to unlock a fresh jolt of inspiration, perhaps it’s time to book a workcation.

Workcations ignite inspiration

“Remote work, workcations, and changing up your environment spark creativity, boost productivity, and bring fresh perspectives. Some of my best ideas have come from working outside the office, whether on a beach or in the air!” – Richard Branson

Workcations are exhilarating because they ignite our senses with wonder and our work reaps the rewards. If this thought energises you –  read about how a workcation in Cape Town changed my life, and pocket this workcation checklist to prepare for your next trip.

Where will you work tomorrow?

Switching up your workspace is more than a change of scene, it’s a psychological and spiritual mindset shift — and often the secret ingredient to loving your work again. In our flexible and evolving work landscape, it’s easy to feel stuck staying in one spot. So chase change and inspiration. And ask yourself: where will my next lighting bolt idea strike?

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Choosing the Right Tools

Not all video conferencing apps perform the same in different locations. If you’re on an island with sketchy WiFi, Zoom’s low-bandwidth mode might save you. Google Meet is great for browser-based calls, and Teams integrates well with Office tools. Always have a backup plan—just in case your go-to platform lets you down.

Optimising Video & Audio

• Turn off HD video if your connection is unstable.
• Use noise suppression settings (Zoom & Teams have built-in options!).
• Use a virtual background if your real one is…less than ideal (we see you, messy hotel room!).

Managing Time Zones

Nothing says “rookie remote worker” like scheduling a meeting at 3 AM your time. Use tools like World Time Buddy or Google Calendar’s built-in time zone feature to avoid those painful mishaps.

The Ultimate Workcation Video Call Setup

Best Portable Gear

• Noise-cancelling headphones – Drown out chatty coffee shop neighbours.
• A good mic – Your AirPods mic works, but a travel-sized lapel mic is a chef’s kiss.
• Ring light – Avoid looking like a silhouette in your beach bungalow.

Ideal Locations for Calls

• Co-working spaces – Reliable WiFi and minimal distractions.
• Hotels – More stable internet, but check speeds beforehand.
• Coffee shops – A gamble, but if it works, you get coffee + work vibes.

Background & Lighting Hacks

• Face the light – No one wants to talk to a shadowy figure.
• Use a blurred background – That way, nobody knows you’re actually poolside.
• Avoid movement in the background – A passing parrot is cool, but also distracting.

Internet Troubles? Here’s How to Stay Connected

Best Travel-Friendly WiFi Solutions

• Mobile hotspots – Skyroam, GlocalMe, or a local SIM card.
• Tethering from your phone – Works in a pinch but drains battery fast.
• Check your hotel’s WiFi before booking – Don’t assume it’s good!

Testing Your Connection

Before a big meeting, do a speed test (Speedtest.net) and check for lag. If all else fails, turn off video to save bandwidth.

Quick Fixes for Laggy Video

• Move closer to the router.
• Kick others off the network (sorry, Netflix-streaming roommate!).
• Switch to audio-only mode.

Staying Professional While Calling In From Paradise

What to Wear on Zoom

• Above the waist: Business casual.
• Below the waist: No one needs to know (but be careful if you stand up!).

Managing Distractions

• Hotel noise? Use noise-canceling apps like Krisp.
• Beach waves too loud? Move inside (sad, but necessary).
• Unexpected interruptions? Roll with it—people love a good “exotic location” moment.

Handling a Call Cut-Off

If your call drops mid-meeting, don’t panic. Rejoin ASAP and have a backup way to message the team (Slack, WhatsApp, email).

Meeting Etiquette While Traveling: Don’t Be That Person

Mute/Unmute Wisely

Nobody wants to hear “Can you hear me now?” every 5 minutes. Mute when not talking, but don’t forget to unmute when it’s your turn.

Be Mindful of Backgrounds

• No messy hotel beds.
• No random strangers walking behind you.
• No distracting motion (yes, we’re talking about those palm trees swaying beautifully).

Time Zone Awareness

Respect your global team. Avoid scheduling calls at crazy hours for others!

Balancing Work and Leisure on a Workcation

Set Meeting Boundaries

Just because you’re in paradise doesn’t mean you’re always on call. Block out your work hours and stick to them.

Communicate Availability

Let your team know when you’re online. A simple “I’m available from X to Y” message works wonders.

Say No to Unnecessary Meetings

If it can be an email, make it an email. Protect your workcation time!

Must-Have Apps for Smooth Remote Meetings

• Krisp – Blocks background noise.
• Otter.ai – Live meeting transcription.
• VPN – Keeps your work data secure while using public WiFi. (e.g. NordVPN) 

Emergency Protocol: What to Do When Your Video Call Fails

Backup Plans

• Have a dial-in number ready.
• Switch to a different app (if Zoom fails, try Google Meet!).
• Use mobile data if WiFi goes out.

Recovering From a Tech Fail

If something crashes, own it. A simple “Sorry, my connection dropped!” keeps things professional.

Setting Expectations

Before travelling, let your team know your situation. Transparency goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

Workcations are the best of both worlds—if you do them right. With a solid setup, good etiquette, and backup plans, you can Zoom from anywhere without a hitch. Now, go enjoy that sunset… after your last meeting, of course!

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Getting Started in Mauritius

I must admit that growing up in Mauritius has given me the advantage of knowing the island very well and understanding how to kick-start a workcation. Having spent half of my life there, it wasn’t difficult to adjust to a workcation.

Settling Down in Moka

I had to decide where to stay in Mauritius. Despite Mauritius being famous for its beaches I chose to stay in the lush greenery of Moka, which is in the centre of the island. Moka is also known as the ‘Coeur de L’ile’ by the locals, literally meaning the ‘heart of the island’ and it’s a very special place with lush greenery, majestic mountains (like Le Pouce), rivers and a lot of colonial history which can be seen in the many ancient houses, such as the famous ‘Eureka – La Maison Creole’.

I chose to stay in Moka firstly because it’s the place where I used to run in the fields with my hand-made kite as a child. It was also a good opportunity to reconnect with the people of Moka but also to finish a flat I started building years ago but never had the chance to complete. So while workcationing I made it a side project to finish the flat and I ended up living in the unfinished flat until it was completed.

So I didn’t have to rent a place, but if you are interested in workcationing in Mauritius there are plenty of places to rent in the centre, near the beaches, especially on the north (e.g. Grand-Baie) and west coast of the island (Flic en Flac). You can easily find self-catering accommodations on Booking.com, Airbnb and other platforms, from one-bedroom apartments to 5-star hotels and everything in between. It all depends on your preference, the type of accommodation and your budget!

Finding a Reliable Internet Connection

For my daily work in SEO and digital marketing, I needed fast and reliable internet. Luckily there are several good internet service providers on the island. For example Emtel’s Prepaid Airbox Packs offer unlimited internet access through a simple plug-and-play device. This is very convenient as it doesn’t require any technical intervention from the supplier. You simply prepay for your internet, plug in your device and you’re ready to go. These packages start from Rs1,050/month which is approximately £14 (pounds) or 22$ (US dollars) per month. I chose Emtel but there are other good providers to meet your internet needs, such as My.T and Chili Box.

Getting Around the Island

Public transport in Mauritius is not the best. Buses are not very dependable and although a new tram line was recently introduced it only connects a few stations in the main cities. And no Uber! So you have to rely on local taxis, especially at night. But I recommend renting a car, it will make life much easier. There are plenty of options from small cars to 4×4 vehicles. I was driving a Nissan Micra and it was perfect for the size of the island and very economical. Trust me having your own mode of transport is essential in Mauritius.

My Usual Workcation Day

One of the best perks of working from Mauritius is the small time difference from the UK. In the summer it’s 3 hours and in the winter it’s 4. With most of my projects in Europe, scheduling Zoom meetings at convenient times was easy. I usually start my day at 9 am, so I have 3 hours of solid, productive work before anyone in the UK has even started. By the time they check their emails, they are greeted with a bunch of completed tasks and updated project statuses, setting a very positive tone for the day. At lunchtime I like to take a stroll in Moka which is full of green spaces, walking paths and fields. I particularly like to wander around the Minissy area for its calm and refreshing atmosphere. I always return to my desk feeling rejuvenated for the rest of the afternoon.

My workday usually ends around 4:30 pm. After that, I head out for a run in the fields or go hiking around ‘Le Pouce’ mountain which by the way has the shape of a thumbs up! And that’s how it got its name! Sometimes I drive to Flic en Flac Beach to catch the sunset. It’s only a 30-minute drive and one of my favourite places to unwind. I take a quick dip in the turquoise lagoon and then chill with a cold beer on the golden beach. Speaking of beer, if you are a beer lover you have to try Phoenix Beer, the most popular brew in Mauritius and winner of several beer competitions around the world! Recently new brands like Flying Dodo, Thirsty Fox and Manawa have become popular. My favourite is the Manawa Golden – it’s an absolute beauty of a beer, perfect for that tropical vibe!

Coworking in Mauritius

I found working from home in Mauritius very convenient as it saved me time in the mornings and I didn’t have to deal with traffic. But I sometimes liked to go to coworking spaces for a change of scenery. These spaces had great amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms and good coffee.

In Moka, there were many options for coworking spaces. One of my favourites was Workshop 17 which also had multiple locations on the island including one at Telfair, Moka Centre. This particular location was built on the site of a former sugar factory (Mont Desert Alma) surrounded by century-old trees which was very inspiring. I also liked the food at Zakadi and MokaZ which had a nice mix of European and traditional Mauritian food.

From time to time, I spent my working days at cafes near the beach for a change of pace and to be able to take a quick dip in the turquoise lagoon during lunchtime or after work. Kuumba Coffee and Vanilla Cafe in Tamarin on the west coast of the island were among the best I found. In the north of the island, The Hive was another great coworking space in Grand Baie, right in the middle of one of the most beautiful tourist places in Mauritius.

Weekend Fun!

The island has plenty of activities to suit every taste, from beach sports to hiking, trails, sailing, paragliding, parasailing and more. Personally, I like snorkelling, body-board surfing and paddle boarding.

On Saturday mornings I like to snorkel in Blue Bay, home of the National Marine Park, one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The water there is incredibly clear and blue, allowing you to observe colourful fish and coral. It’s a paradise for divers.

Or I paddle board at Le Morne Beach, near one of the most iconic mountains on the island. The lagoon and the history make it the perfect spot for paddle boarding and a great place to recharge and connect with nature.

Sometimes I just relax on the beach with a good book. Flic en Flac is one of my favourites, with a long golden beach and plenty of street food stalls serving traditional Mauritian food. An absolute must-try is the ‘rotis’ from Aka Vinoda, a very popular spot. Flic en Flac also has great opportunities for scuba diving, kayaking and even horse riding on the beach, like Sea-Horse Adventure, a unique experience!

Hanging Out

I love live music and as a guitarist myself I prefer bars with live music over clubs, especially in the north of the island around Grand Baie. N-Joy is one of the best on the island, with live music 4 days a week with different music styles. They have an amazing bar and restaurant serving local and international food. The tropical vibe and beachside location at La Cuvette make it a great spot for lunch or dinner. As a music connoisseur, I am very picky with live sound and in my opinion, N-Joy has one of the best live music sounds on the island. It’s the perfect spot for a Saturday night and the crowd is very cool! Banana Beach Club is another cool bar with a similar vibe but if you prefer nightclubs there are many options around like OMG or Imsonia.

On the West Coast Big Willy’s in Tamarin is also a great spot to hang out. Live music and a DJ at the end of the night, a cool beer garden and tasty local and international food. Enso Bar in ‘La Gaulette’ has a surf-style vibe whereas Nomad is famous for one of the best coffee and burgers on the island!

A few activities to enjoy while on Workcation in Mauritius

1. Dive in Blue Bay Marine Park or on the West Coast

Snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of Blue Bay Marine Park or head to the West Coast for the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots. The coral reef and marine life will take your breath away.

2. Hike ‘Le Morne’ or ‘Le Pouce’

Easy and rewarded trails for a great view and some exercise by hiking up Le Morne or Le Pouce, the latter being one of the easiest climb on the island. The view of the Moka range of mountains and the view over Port Louis (the capital) from the top is worth the effort.

3. Just chill on the beach with a book

Spend the day on one of Mauritius’ many sandy beaches. Flic en Flac and Mont Choisy are perfect for a relaxing read and sunbathing. There’s something very soothing about it.

4. Try beach sports

For the adventurous try your hand at wind-surfing, kite-surfing or kayaking. The gentle waves and warm water make it perfect for water sports. The best spots are around Le Morne where the wind is ideal.

5. Try Mauritian food and drinks

Don’t miss out on the local food! Try Gateau Piment, Dholl Puri, Samosa, Boulette and Napolitaine and our famous local rhums. Each bite is a taste of Mauritian culture which is a mix of all its origins.

6. Visit Black River Gorges National Park

Explore the scenery and wildlife of the Black River Gorges National Park. Scenic trails and great views, a must for nature lovers. You might even see some very cool monkeys there…

7. Visit the Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses

Take a walk in the botanical garden in Pamplemousses, home to many tropical plants and beautiful lotus ponds. A very peaceful escape.

8. ‘Ile aux Cerfs’ for beaches and views

Take a trip to ‘Ile aux Cerfs’ and enjoy its pristine beaches and picturesque scenery. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll love the island’s world-class golf course.

9. Dolphin and Whale watching

Go dolphin and whale watching for an experience of a lifetime. Seeing them in their natural habitat is the highlight of the trip.

10. Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth

Make sure to visit the Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth, a geological park with seven distinct colors of sand. It’s a unique and mesmerising sight that you won’t want to miss. Also, be sure to try Chamarel Coffee while you’re there – it’s a unique aromatic experience!

Here are some tips to plan a workcation in Mauritius:

1. Get Ready for Your Workcation: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including reliable technology like a good laptop, chargers etc.
2. Research and choose the right location: Make sure the location fits your work needs and has a peaceful environment to relax, e.g. beach or mountains. Also consider your workspace (home, co-working, coffee shops, etc.) and proximity to services. Being close to supermarkets like Super U, Intermart or Winners is very convenient.
3. Research your internet requirement: Fast and reliable internet is key to your workcation, so ensure you are well connected.
4. Plan your work schedule: Align your work schedule to the local time to be productive and have a good work-life balance. If you have Zoom meetings at odd hours, ensure you are in a place where you won’t be disturbed. E.g. Mauritius has many dogs and their night activities can be noisy sometimes.
5. Take time to explore: Take advantage of the flexibility of remote working to visit beaches, nature reserves and cultural landmarks during off-hours or weekends. Find your way to get around, e.g. rent a car, scooter, bike, etc.
6. Take care of your health and well-being: Include physical activities like morning walks, afternoon runs or yoga in your daily routine to stay energised.
7. Connect with new people: Meet the locals and connect with other remote workers to find the best places to visit, eat, work and relax. Connecting with fascinating locals or other workcationers can be very inspiring. 
8. Budget Smart: Look for affordable accommodation and local eateries to enjoy Mauritius without burning a hole in your pocket. The food range is very wide, from gastronomic food in 5-star hotels to typical local food in restaurants and tasty street food. You’ll be sure to find something that you like and fits your budget.

So there you go: I had a fantastic workcation in Mauritius and can’t wait for the next one! I hope this inspires you too!

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