Taking time off to rest and recharge is crucial to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We’re serious, and there’s evidence to support this. In July 2023, the Harvard Business Review published an article about the positive effects of vacationing to avoid burnout and why unplugging, even for a short time, can give your body the refresh it needs.

However, some U.S. employees who might be unable to spare the time have taken advantage of their remote working setups and ventured on “workcations.” Let us explain. According to Wander, a company that provides luxury vacation rentals, half of American workers have reported hesitancy in using their paid time off (PTO) despite being offered. They also found that one in three millennial professionals have confessed to “quiet vacationing,” in which they jet off on a trip without informing their employer or submitting PTO requests (via Forbes ).

While employees are still logging in hours during their “workcations,” the trend gives them the opportunity to revel in hotel amenities or local attractions during their breaks, so they get a little bit of the relaxation they’re craving. Per Wander, searches for “workcations” have seen a 49 percent increase since February, and many are considering them as “quiet vacationing,” as the term was searched 3,000 times in the last month based on Google Trends data.

If you’re hoping to hop on the movement, Wander rounded up a list of the most breathtaking home office rentals with impeccable waterfront views, poolside oases, and outdoor escapes for the “workcation” of your dreams. Note: “Workcations” shouldn’t substitute for true time off, but they’re favored and encouraged at times when completely distancing from work isn’t an option.

Ocean-View Offices

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Wander has many rentals available that provide a change of scenery from your typical at-home work setting. One with beautiful oceanfront views, allowing you to work while listening to the crashing waves, is in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Wander’s 2,916 square-foot Jacksonville suburban property includes a direct pathway to a stretch of Florida’s white sandy beaches, where you can lounge or go for a swim immediately when the workday ends.

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house also features a beachfront hot tub and is quiet, minimizing disruptions while you’re on the clock or relaxing on your break. Additional photos of the home, a virtual video, testimonials, and availability can be found on the listing via Wander’s website. Rentals start around $715 per night.

Bandon Beach, Oregon

If you’re looking for a retreat away from home where you can keep up with your work duties and enjoy the beach or golfing, Bandon Beach in Oregon might be the best selection. This Wander hotspot is 1,965 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There’s a lot to immerse yourself in onsite, with many amenities like a fire pit, sauna, and hot tub.

Look out your window, and you’ll also see an incredible view of the beach, which renters have a private pathway to, as well as world-renowned golf courses. Interested takers will have to hop on this one soon as it’s booking up fast, with prices starting at $635 a night in springtime to $805 in summer. And if you need another reason to consider working out of this home office, it’s fully equipped with a standing desk, LG Ultrawide Monitor, Logitech Webcam, and other accessories to make your workspace the most comfortable.

Poolside Offices

Sonoma Vineyards, California

Perhaps a house that has office space and a secluded pool is more your speed. Say no more, as Wander’s Sonoma Vineyards in California might be the ideal match. The 3,433 square foot property sleeps eight people with its four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, which means you could bring the family or friends along for the getaway.

It’s located right inside the wine country of Sonoma County, although you might not even care to venture to the vineyards as there’s plenty to do at home. That consists of a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, a movie projector, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and eye-catching panoramic views. It also has ample Wi-Fi connection (100+ Mbps as opposed to average vacation rentals, which have 20 Mbps, according to Wander’s website), a standing desk, a computer system, and even a blue Yeti microphone. Book this luxury for about $895 a night.

Hudson Ridge, New York

Got your heart set on vacationing on the East Coast? Wander’s Hudson Ridge in New York is a gorgeous option and truly a one-of-a-kind as you nestle in a glass house with a pool and views of the Catskills.

It’s situated within the hills of New York’s Hudson Valley and has 1,322 square feet of space to occupy. There’s also a hot tub, fire pit, exercise equipment, and a fully equipped home office so you can get a balance between work and rest. Rentals start at $865 a night.

The Great Outdoors Offices

Black Mountain, North Carolina

For those desiring a location where they can admire the great outdoors, including the nearby hiking and biking trails, consider this Wander rental in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The 4,037 square-foot home is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only a 30-minute drive from the bustling downtown Asheville, offering multiple options for spending the evening. However, staying in is just as satisfying with the hot tub, arcade machine, and forest to admire from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Up to a dozen guests can sleep in this beautiful property if you’d like some company outside of work hours. Otherwise, the home is also perfect for a solo stop as you wind down on the backyard hammock, indulge in a glass of wine in the barbecue area on the patio, and make the entire property your workspace. Bookings start at $495 per night.

Yellowstone Valley, Montana

Imagine waking up to sunrise views in this marvelous Wander rental in Yellowstone Valley, Montana. The 3,082 square-foot property defines a secluded oasis with nothing but the mountains surrounding you, helping you stand focused and fruitful while working. Just bring your laptop, and everything else you need to zero in on work is provided, including anything you’d desire for when the workday is complete.

Despite the three-bedroom, four-bathroom house having everything you’d want for a self-focused retreat, it’s also just a 45-minute drive to the famed Yellowstone National Park and other nearby entertainment. But who needs to go out when you can relish in the spacious kitchen and snuggle in the cozy seating area in front of the gas fireplace? We know we wouldn’t. This property is ideal for families or those who want the ultimate “workcation,” and it costs about $895 a night.

Expert Advice for a Successful ‘Workcation’

Wander’s Chief of Staff, Matt Kowalewski, knows how important it is to have a pleasant environment while you work, which can be obtained outside of your usual work structure. The expert offered five tips for having a successful “workcation” that you can do before and during your trip to get the most out of your time away.

Prioritize Work

It’s tempting to blow off your responsibilities when you’re partly in vacation mode, but when it’s a “workcation,” work is still your priority. Kowalewski recommends ensuring you plan your work schedule to get the most eminent tasks done first. This way, you’re keeping ahead of your to-do list and are not worrying about getting things done during your downtime.

Check the Wi-Fi Connectivity Beforehand

The worst thing that could happen in a “workcation” is that your rental has poor Internet connectivity, making it difficult to do your work. Kowalewski suggests checking before you go that your rental has good cell service, a reliable Internet connection, a desk, a chair, and anything else you’d need to stay productive. This will ensure that your trip is stress-free and that you’re not constantly dealing with issues during work hours.

Maintain Focus Within Your Workspace

Having a dedicated workspace that’s quiet and where you can take calls and meetings without disturbances is especially earnest when traveling away from your usual setup. The whole idea of a “workcation” is to remain constructive and savor the locations you’re in, so having a designated area where you can continue on assignment is key. Kowalewski advises picking a site with a desk and an inviting arrangement, separate from others, to better your focus.

Stick to a Routine

Lastly, Kowalewski stresses that anyone traveling on a “workcation” should stick to a routine that isn’t far off from the one you have at home. Your regular regimen, including mealtimes and getting enough sleep and exercise, shouldn’t change just because you’re away. Try maintaining the same lifestyle; you’ll be much more accomplished during your trip.

You Don’t Have to ‘Sacrifice Comfort or Style to Stay Productive’

Kowalewski also shared his final thoughts about incorporating “workcations” into your busy schedule and noted that visiting one of these Wander rentals could be the hideaway you need.

“As the workcation trend takes off, people are realizing they don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style to stay productive on the road,” the expert said. “At Wander, we’ve created spaces that blend high-end design, inspiring scenery, and built-in workstations—so you can log off and instantly unwind in luxury. It’s not just about where you work anymore; it’s about how beautifully you live while doing it.”