What would you trade for bottomless mojitos, gun barrel views; world-class caviar? Some of the world’s better resorts are enough to inspire even the most well-adjusted citizens to consider selling their kidneys. However, typically these thoughts pass, and you head back to the grindstone, settling for Club Med and Economy (and sheets with no ‘thread count’).
Speaking of regrets, one Maldives resort has recently launched a package that may prompt you to reconsider your life choices – and which is part of a broader industry pivot, as lusted after destinations adapt to an increasingly mobile global workforce.
Offering those with brimming bank accounts the chance to flee their home offices and work from one of the world’s most idyllic island paradises, The Nautilus Maldives has announced an offer too good to refuse, at an eyewatering price.
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The package includes, among many other things, a desk with an ocean view, a personal assistant, “non-stop” refreshments and a complimentary laundry service.
The Nautilus Maldives reopened on September the 1st and its “Workation Package” gives you the chance to work remotely from the Baa atoll UNESCO biosphere reserve for up to 21 days.
“Work remotely from paradise your private Nautilus Beach Houses with our exclusive workation package; have the ultimate zoom call background from our castaway sandbank that will be your office for a day, have a private PA on hand 24/7 and continue your corporate errands whilst your children engage in a bespoke educational programme by Young Wonderers,” the hotel website’s blurb reads.
“Available from seven nights or longer if you decide you simply can’t leave your new paradise office!”
A seven-night stay for two at one of its 26 beach and ocean houses costs US $23,250 (AU $32,869), while a two-week or three week stay will set you back US$37,850 (AU $53,510) or US $52,000 (AU $73,515) respectively.
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As well as soaking up the “incredible seclusion” of the private island, guests will enjoy daily yoga, fitness and meditation sessions and private sunset dolphin cruises (on board one of Nautilus’ luxury yachts).
As CNN reports, “those who book the package also have the option to work on a secluded sandbank with their own personal desk and a shaded sun canopy for a few hours a day – a scene that’s bound to create a stir on any work video call.”
Sound tempting? It gets better: according to CNN, Nautilus says it will handle immigration “and other processes” on guests’ behalf while they relax in a private lounge at the airport.
Who needs something like this in their lives right now? 🙋♂️https://t.co/LjMgj0GlE1
— Daniel Milligan (@danielrmilligan) September 17, 2020
“The Maldives is currently open to all tourists provided they have proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departing from their original destination,” CNN has also reported.
This latest package also raises questions around the future of luxury travel (and remote work). The Maldives is far from the first destination to launch tasty offers to digital nomads this year, with Sardinia, Japan, Bermuda, Georgia and Estonia all danging hooks in recent months, and travellers’ responses on Twitter suggesting plenty of interest.
So is there a new remote work policy coming for our office?
— Roy Berman (@Mutantfroginc) July 25, 2020
It must be said that The Nautilus Maldives is the most lavish of the lot.
All that remains for rich home workers is to check they are allowed to leave (and re-enter) their home countries and make a booking.
The escape awaits.