Are you a property owner on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina? With the rise of remote work, the Outer Banks has become a hotspot for "workations" – the perfect blend of work and relaxation. There are view things better than working with a view of the ocean and plenty of exciting adventures to embark on in the evening. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been looking for ways to enjoy life and work while refocusing their energies on the things that really matter. Tapping into the remote work market can really help fill those gaps in the off-season and broaden your target audience. To attract remote workers to your vacation rental, it's essential to offer the right amenities that make their workation enjoyable and productive. In this blog, we'll explore the must-have amenities that will make your property a magnet for remote workers seeking a dreamy workation experience.
Install High-Speed Internet
This is a big one and a pretty controversial one here on the Outer Banks. The cornerstone of any successful workation is a reliable high-speed internet connection. Remote workers depend on seamless communication, video conferences, and fast uploads and downloads. However, part of the beauty of the Outer Banks is its remote nature and the relative isolation that sets it apart from other beach vacation destinations. The major residential internet providers on the Outer Banks are Spectrum and Brightspeed, though they each have their own pros and cons in terms of pricing and reliability. Fortunately, Silicon Travel has recently emerged as one of the more reliable service providers in the area. Their internet service for Vacation Rental WiFi also includes TV streaming packages with improved internet speeds (up to 400Mbps) and over 60 channels for your guests to enjoy. Check out our guide to switching to Silicon Travel for more information. Ensure your property is equipped with a robust Wi-Fi network to keep your guests connected throughout their stay.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
One of the mainstays of a work-friendly vacation rental is a dedicated workspace. This could be a cozy nook with a desk and a bookshelf, a separate study room or den, or even a covered outdoor space with a table and charging space. Be sure to include a comfortable chair, a spacious desk, and adequate lighting to facilitate focused work hours. Focus on providing comfort and functionality. Remember, it's a working vacation so we want to combine form and function into the perfect office space.
Ergonomic Furniture
Offer ergonomic chairs and adjustable workstations to ensure guests can maintain good posture and comfort during extended working hours. This investment will make your property stand out and provide guests with a comfortable work environment. Check out the New York Times' list of the best office chairs or consider one of these super cute and comfortable chairs from Amazon. Your guests are going to love this L-Shaped desk for the ultimate work experience.
Include Lots of Natural Light and an Ocean View
The Outer Banks is known for its stunning natural beauty. Ensure your property has ample windows, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in. A workspace with a view of the ocean, sound, or lush greenery will make workation guests feel rejuvenated and inspired. Guests are more likely to not only have a great time, but will also enjoy being productive and possibly spend even more time at your vacation rental when you let them work alongside the beauty and the natural wonder of the beach. Not near the ocean? Find a beautiful view and work around that or simply create one with artwork, decor, and a comforting paint scheme that wraps the whole room together.
Provide Office Supplies
Stock up on office supplies like notepads, pens, and a printer. These small touches can save your guests from running out to buy essentials and add to the overall convenience of their workation. This may seem like a small thing, but having pens or whiteboards to make working easier is sure to lead to higher guests satisfaction and better reviews. It's these small touches that make staying in a vacation rental, as opposed to a hotel, so much more personal and meaningful.
Make the Perfect Coffee Station
Remote workers often rely on coffee to kickstart their day or keep their energy levels up. A well-equipped coffee station with a quality coffee maker, a variety of coffee beans, and a selection of mugs is a welcome amenity. Consider creating a fun, aesthetic coffee bar that guests can use to keep going during their stay. Check out these ideas for making an unforgettable coffee station. Give your guests the option between using coffee pods or drip coffee, ensuring guests can have a warm and welcoming working experience.
Consider Fitness Facilities or Equipment
To help remote workers maintain a healthy work-life balance, consider including a small home gym or yoga space in your property. Yoga mats, resistance bands, and a few weights can be a valuable addition for those looking to stay active. Standing desks or treadmills can add a lot to your workout space. If your home is in a community that offers gym facilities or pools, consider paying for access to these facilities for your guests and including it as a perk for their stay.
Include Additional Tech Amenities
Whether you're offering a full computer for use or just space for guests to have their laptop, consider adding tech-savvy features such as smart TVs, charging stations, and access to streaming platforms. These amenities can enhance the overall experience for your workation guests while making them more likely to return to your space when they're looking to get away again. Also consider adding ambient music or white noise stations and make it easy for guests to adjust temperatures and lighting during their story. Extra charging cords are also always a plus.
Create an Outdoor Escape
Encourage workation guests to take breaks and unwind by offering outdoor amenities like a furnished deck, patio, or balcony. Offer comfortable seating, and perhaps even a hammock or outdoor workspace. A breath of fresh Outer Banks air can do wonders for productivity and well-being. Our guide for 5 Ways to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space can give you a few ideas on ways to offer a satifying outdoor retreat for your guests when they need a break from work. Embrace the Outer Banks atmosphere and look at a beachy theme to give your remote working guests the opportunity to take a breather with some fresh salt air.
Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your Outer Banks Vacation Rental
Offering these must-have amenities for a workation can set your vacation rental property apart on the Outer Banks. As remote work becomes more prevalent, catering to remote workers will attract a growing market of guests seeking a productive yet relaxing workation experience. By providing a comfortable, well-equipped space, you can make your property a top choice for those looking to balance work and leisure on this beautiful stretch of North Carolina coastline.
We love property management on the Outer Banks and it shows. Family-owned and locally managed for over 30 years, Seaside Vacations goes above and beyond to make sure property management is Hassle-Free, meaning that we’ll take care of the details so that you can get back to taking care of the things that matter most to you. We'll help you make the most of your vacation rental! With our unique Property Coordinator model, we're here to help you succeed.
If you’re not already working with us and you're ready to find out more about how we support YOU in your rental property business, request your Complimentary Rental Projection today! Simply fill out this form to receive a commitment-free call from Michelle Russell, our Business Development Director at Seaside Vacations, who can answer any questions you may have about how Seaside Vacations can help you make the most of your Outer Banks vacation rental property.
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
