Who says you have to travel far to experience that workation vibe? Sometimes, just a few days away within your own country is enough to break up your workday and recharge your batteries. IJmuiden, less than a half-hour drive from Amsterdam, is one such place where work and relaxation go hand in hand. With the Leonardo Hotel IJmuiden right on the beach, you have the perfect base for a workation close to home.
Working with a view of the sea
Our hotel in IJmuiden is literally just a stone’s throw from the beach—exactly what we were looking for. Some rooms offer views of the dunes or the harbor. The rooms at the Leonardo Hotel IJmuiden Seaport Beach are spacious and quiet, making them ideal for focused work. There’s fast Wi-Fi, a desk in the room, and several spots where you can sit in peace with your laptop. You start your day off right here with an extensive breakfast buffet at the Chef’s restaurant! There’s so much to choose from that I end up eating way more than I would at home, and I really enjoy this extra treat during a work trip.
There are some great spots to work in the restaurant and on the terrace. I love taking advantage of them, because I always treat myself to a delicious lunch and a good cup of coffee during a workation. Plus, the location right on the beach is perfect for a quick break in the fresh air. Feel like brainstorming outside for a bit or making a quick call? Then walk down to the boardwalk or find a spot in the sand with a view of the waves. The fresh sea air does wonders for your focus.
Choose your workation buddy
Whether you want to get away on your own for a bit or enjoy some time with a workation buddy, anything is possible. Do whatever feels right or what you need at the moment. This time, I’m traveling with my travel bestie and colleague because we’re laying the groundwork for a new project together and want to spend two days fully focused on it. We’ll mix it up with a nice walk on the beach and a drink at a beach club after the workday. This hotel is also big enough to bring your whole team, because a workation like this in your own country is ideal for your business, too.
Curious about the possibilities for a workation for your company? Learn more about the options for your team and get inspired by beautiful locations and case studies from other companies.
Fun things to do in IJmuiden during your workation
A workation isn’t just about work. It’s the combination of productivity and relaxation that makes it the best of both worlds. Everything is close by here, so you don’t need a car. There’s plenty to do in IJmuiden after your workday.
- Take a walk on the beach or go for a run along the coast
Whether you want to start your day early in the morning or wind down in the evening, the beach is right nearby. The expansive coastline is perfect for long walks or a quick run to clear your head. - Visit Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Just around the corner lies one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. Rent a bike or put on your hiking boots and explore the dune area, where you might spot Scottish Highland cattle, Konik horses, and shifting sand dunes. - Try a fun activity at sea
In the mood for something active? Try power kiting, blokarting, or kitesurfing. You can also take surfing lessons. IJmuiden Beach is the perfect spot for all of this. For a more relaxed alternative, you can join a harbor cruise or book a seal-watching tour.
- Dine out at the harbor
The port of IJmuiden is full of great seafood restaurants. From classics like kibbeling to an extensive seafood platter, there’s plenty to choose from. The restaurant at the Leonardo Hotel, Chefs! Food and Drinks is also highly recommended. I had a wonderful meal here during my workation. After my workday, I ordered a delicious cocktail on the terrace in the sun, followed by a fantastic three-course dinner, paired with a lovely Pinot Grigio recommended by a passionate server. After all, you have to celebrate the vacation part of your workation a little bit. - Chilling at a beach bar
Switch from work mode to chill mode and settle in at one of the beach bars—it’s less than a 5-minute walk. You’ll instantly feel like you’re on vacation. I thought Makai and Driftwood had a great atmosphere, and the food is delicious. By the way, you sit behind a windbreak here, which made it much warmer than we expected—that was a nice bonus.
3 Tips for Staying Productive During Your Workation
A new environment can often be inspiring, but it can also be distracting. You’re in a new place, and there’s plenty to do. Especially when the sun is shining, it’s tempting to close your laptop and head to the beach. These three tips will help you stay focused:
1. Treat your workation like a regular workday
Create a routine: get up on time, schedule your tasks in blocks, and set clear working hours for yourself. It’s tempting to hit the road right away, but it’s better to do that once your work is done. I often go from Sunday to Wednesday. That way, Sunday is your travel day, and you have plenty of time to do fun things. On Monday morning, you get to work just like usual.
2. Take advantage of the “power hours”
Are you most focused in the morning? If so, schedule your most important tasks for that time of day. Turn off your notifications and find a quiet spot in or around the hotel where you won’t be disturbed. If you prefer to work in the evening, you could, for example, spend the morning surfing the web and then get to work.
3. Make a point of taking breaks
Precisely because you’re in a different environment, you can make the most of short breaks. Step outside for a moment, take a deep breath, and move around. You’ll find that your mind clears afterward, and the fresh air gives you an energy boost. For me, it’s always a little moment of happiness to be able to do my work in such a beautiful place.
Time to pack your bags and go on a workation
A workation in IJmuiden is a wonderful way to combine work and relaxation without traveling far from home. With the Leonardo Hotel IJmuiden Seaport Beach right on the beach, you’ll have a comfortable workspace and be just steps away from nature, the beach, and a great beach bar. Whether you’re looking for focus, creativity, or just a change of scenery: you’ll find it all here. Trust me, when you close your laptop after a day’s work and walk onto the beach, you’ll have forgotten you even worked that day within five minutes.
#samenwerking
