Who says you have to travel far to experience the workation feeling? Sometimes a few days away in your own country is enough to break up your workday and move on with fresh energy. IJmuiden, less than half an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, is one such place where work and relaxation go well together. With the Leonardo Hotel IJmuiden right on the beach, you have the perfect base for a workation close to home.
Working with a sea view
Our hotel in IJmuiden is literally a stone’s throw from the beach, just what we were looking for. From some rooms you overlook the dunes or the harbor. The rooms at The Leonardo Hotel IJmuiden Seaport Beach are spacious and quiet, making it ideal for concentrated work. There is high-speed wifi, an in-room desk and several places where you can sit in peace with your laptop. You start your day right here, with a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Chef’s restaurant! There is so much choice that I eat much more than I would at home, and enjoy this extra during a work trip.
There are nice workspaces in the restaurant and on the terrace. Which I love to take advantage of, because I always treat myself to a nice lunch and good coffee during a workation. In addition, the location right on the beach is ideal for a short break outdoors. Feel like brainstorming or taking a call outside? Then walk to the promenade or find a spot in the sand overlooking 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 while or socialize with a workation buddy, anything goes. Do what you feel comfortable with or need at that moment. This time I am traveling together with my travel bestie and colleague, because we are preparing a new project together and want to spend 2 days focusing on it. Interspersed with a nice walk on the beach and drinks at a beach club after the working day. This hotel is also big enough to go with your whole team, because such a workation in your own country is also ideal for your company.
Curious about workstation options for your company? Then read more about the options for your team and get inspired by beautiful locations and example cases from other companies.
Fun activities in IJmuiden for during your workation
A workation is not just about working. It is precisely the combination of productivity and relaxation that makes it the best of both worlds. Everything is close together here so you don’t need a car. In IJmuiden there is plenty to do after your work day.
- Take a beach walk or go running along the coast
Whether you want to start your day in the early morning or end it in the evening, the beach is very close by. The vast coastline lends itself perfectly to long walks or a short run to clear your head. - Visit National Park South-Kennemerland
Around the corner is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. Rent a bike or put on your walking shoes and explore the dune area, with a chance to see Scottish Highlanders, konik horses and sand drifts. - Do a fun activity at sea
Fancy something active? Go powerkiting, blokarting or kitesurfing. You can also take surfing lessons. IJmuiden beach is the perfect place for that. For a quieter alternative, you can also join a cruise through the harbor or book a seal tour.
- Eat out at the harbor
IJmuiden harbor is full of good seafood restaurants. From classics like kibbeling or elaborate fruits de mer, there is plenty to choose from. The restaurant at Leonardo Hotel, Chef’s! Food and Drinks is also highly recommended. I had a wonderful meal here during my workation. After my work day, I ordered a delicious cocktail on the terrace in the sun and then a fantastic 3-course dinner, with a delicious pinot grigio on the recommendation of a passionate waitress. After all, you have to celebrate the vacation part of your workation a little properly. - Chilling at a beach club
Switch from work mode to chill mode and plop down at one of the beach bars, which is less than a 5-minute walk away. You immediately feel like you’re on vacation. I found Makai and Driftwood very attractive and the food is good. By the way, you sit here wonderfully behind a windbreak, so it was much warmer than we thought, which was a nice bonus.
3 tips to stay productive during your workation
A new environment is often inspiring, but it can also be distracting. You’re in a new place and there’s all sorts of things 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 keep your focus:
1. Treat your workation like a regular work day
Provide structure: get up on time, plan your tasks in blocks, and agree clear working hours with yourself. It’s tempting to go out right away, but it’s better to do that when your work is finished. I myself often go from Sunday to Wednesday. Then Sunday is your travel day and you have plenty of time to do fun things. Monday morning you get to work as normal.
2. Take advantage of “power hours.
Do you work most intently in the morning? Then plan your most important tasks for that moment. Turn off your notifications and choose a quiet place in or around the hotel where you won’t be disturbed. If you prefer to work in the evening, go surfing in the morning, for example, and then get to work.
3. Build in breaks deliberately
Just because you are in a different environment, you can make good use of short breaks. Go outside for a moment, breathe deeply, move. You’ll find that you think more clearly afterwards and the fresh outdoor air gives you an energy boost. It’s always a small moment of happiness for me, too, that I can do my work in such a beautiful place.
Time to pack your suitcase and go on workation
A workstation in IJmuiden is a wonderful way to combine work and relaxation without being far from home. With the Leonardo Hotel IJmuiden Seaport Beach at the beach, you have a comfortable place to work as well as being close to nature, the beach and a nice beach bar. Whether you are looking for focus, creativity or just a change of scenery, you will find it all here. Believe me, if you close your laptop after your workday and walk onto the beach, after 5 minutes you will have forgotten that you worked that day.
#samenwerking
