A different kind of desk job: My weeks working from our sea-view luxury apartment
- Steve & Jackie Osborne
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The alarm clock. The commute. The same four walls of the home office. For many, including me for most of my working life, this is the reality of modern work. But what if your backdrop was the endless blue of the ocean, your soundtrack the rhythm of the waves, and your commute a short, blissful stroll to the kitchen? This was my reality for two weeks, and it completely transformed my work-from-home experience.
I was fortunate enough to do a "workcation" from our stunning luxury apartments with their glorious sea views. Whether it was the iconic beauty of staring across Swanage bay to the iconic Old Harrys Rock or the panoramic view across Porth bay watching waves smash against the island, it wasn't just a change of scenery; it was a total recalibration of my worklife balance. Here's what I learned.
Productivity with a purpose
It's easy to lose motivation in the day-to-day grind. But waking up to sunlight streaming in and the promise of a glorious sea view gave me a renewed sense of purpose. My mornings started with a cup of green tea and watching the sun rise before my first online meeting. That simple, beautiful ritual set a positive tone for the entire day.
Mindful breaks: Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media during my breaks, I'd wrap up warm and step out onto the balcony, or into the courtyard A few minutes of breathing in the salty air and watching the waves was a powerful reset button, helping me return to my tasks with a clearer head.
A new perspective: The vastness of the ocean served as a powerful reminder of the bigger picture. Problems that felt insurmountable in my normal routine seemed to shrink in comparison, and I found myself approaching challenges with greater clarity.
The perfect blend of work and play
The beauty of this arrangement was the seamless integration of work and leisure. As soon as I closed my laptop for the day, I was already on vacation.
Evening decompression: My post-work routine was transformed. Instead of just "zoning out," I'd take a walk along the beach, have dinner overlooking the sunset, or just sit and listen to the waves crash. It was a more fulfilling and restorative way to end the workday.
Local connections: This experience pushed me to engage with my surroundings more intentionally. I explored local cafes and restaurants and got to know the community, which added a rich, social layer to my remote work.
The luxury wasn't just in the apartment
Of course, our luxury apartments themselves were a huge part of the experience. But the real luxury was in the feeling of being completely unburdened. Comfortable furnishings, good internet, and a fully equipped kitchen meant that all the details were handled. It freed up my mental energy to focus on my work and my well-being, rather than on logistics.
Is this the future of work?
For digital nomads, freelancers, and remote employees, working from a beautiful location is becoming more than a dream, it's a viable reality. My two-week stints in our sea-view apartments has convinced me that the best work can happen when you are in an environment that inspires and refreshes you. While it may not be feasible for everyone to do this full-time, even a short "workcation" can provide the creative and mental boost needed to reenergise your career.
So, if you have the chance, consider trading your usual office for an ocean view. Your mind, and your work, will thank you.
