For many professionals, the freedom to work from anywhere presents an opportunity to swap home offices and urban apartments for more inspiring and tranquil surroundings.
Remote work, in some way, shape or form, has become the norm rather than the exception, and with it, a new kind of travel has emerged: The workcation. This hybrid getaway blends the best of both worlds. On workcation, the idea is to work productively and enjoy the perks of being on holiday.
With its historic atmosphere and surrounding open landscapes, Graaff-Reinet is fast becoming a popular choice for remote workers looking to recharge while staying connected. As more people embrace the possibilities of remote working in South Africa, our charming Karoo town offers a refreshing alternative to city-based routines. At the centre of it all is the Drostdy Hotel, a refined yet relaxed retreat that offers everything you need for an unforgettable workcation.
Why Work From Graaff-Reinet?
Graaff-Reinet is the perfect antidote to the hustle and noise of city life. With its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, charming town centre with eateries and shops, and friendly, unhurried pace, it offers a rare kind of stillness that fuels focus and creativity.
When our work keeps us deskbound, it’s important to factor some movement into our days. Luckily, Graaff-Reinet also offers safe and easy access to the great outdoors, like Camdeboo National Park, where you might like to go for a walk after a morning of meetings or deep work. Alternatively, you might prefer strolling down jacaranda-lined streets (our town is famous for these beauties) or watching the sun set over the Valley of Desolation in the late afternoon.
For those looking to explore more of the Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is close enough to small surrounding towns like Jansenville, Adendorp, Cradock and Aberdeen, to name but a few, to make day trips convenient while still enjoying the luxury of our hotel.
No matter your preference, we’re certain you’ll find an inspired work-leisure balance that feels as good as it does sustainable.
Note: Graaff-Reinet is easily accessible by road and is a scenic five hour drive from Cape Town or a two-and-a-half hour drive from Gqeberha. Regional flights into nearby airports like George or Gqeberha, followed by a rental car drive, make arrival simple and scenic for those travelling from further afield. You could also opt to charter a flight from the Cape Winelands directly to Graaff-Reinet. Discover more about this exclusive option here.
Graaff-Reinet is:
141 km from Cradock
263 km from Gqeberha
380 km from East London
434 km from Bloemfontein
665 km from Cape Town
821 km from Johannesburg
969 km from Durban
Why Work From Drostdy Hotel?
You’ll find the Drostdy Hotel in the historic heart of town, where we strive to blend five-star luxury with authentic Karoo character. There’s something about an old-world feel (think dark wood furniture, plush finishes and roaring fires) that make one want to settle in and tick some tasks off the list!
Refreshments are always available in the form of coffee, wonderful food from De Camdeboo Restaurant or room service, and later, the bar area and library become cosy spaces from which to order a glass of red while wrapping up the last of the day’s emails. Even better: Why not finish the day with a wine tasting at De Camdeboo Wijnkamer?
We have everything you need, from fast and reliable Wi-Fi – powerful enough for interruption-free Zoom calls and large file transfers – to in-room facilities, like writing desks and coffee stations, that can make your suite double as the ideal workspace.
When it’s time for a break, guests can unwind at the Africology Spa or get some movement in at our on-site gym. Quiet nooks around the property, like the terrace or shaded courtyards (weather dependent), are ideal when you need a small change of location to keep motivation high!
You also won’t have to worry about laundry or cooking for the duration of your stay, and we don’t need to tell you that it’s the small spoils that count for the most when it comes to a feasible work-life balance.
Note: With regard to conferencing, our hotel features a well-appointed board room equipped with audiovisual capabilities. We also have various corporate event venues that are ideal for small to medium-sized business gatherings, strategy sessions, executive retreats and launches. You could also use our hotel for more informal gatherings, like braais, birthday get-togethers, buffets or special wine events.
Browse our Conferencing & Meeting Brochure here.
Extend Your Stay With Us
Once deadlines have been met, why not linger a little longer? Extend your weekday workcation into a weekend retreat. Nearby gems like Nieu-Bethesda with its famous Owl House, or the many attractions of Graaff-Reinet, offer plenty of entertainment for the curious traveller!
Ask the Drostdy Hotel team about long-stay packages or tailored itineraries by emailing reservations@drostdy.co.za – they’ll gladly help you turn your productive escape into a well-rounded getaway.
Alternatively, browse our beautiful stay options and get those dates locked in via our online booking platform.
They say a change is as good as a holiday, but with workcations, there’s no reason you can’t have both!
