Escape the cubicle: Work remotely, live freely

Research shows that proximity to nature boosts creativity, reduces stress and improves focus. It’s no wonder digital nomads and remote workers are trading offices for forest canopies, coastal cliffs and tranquil lakes. The key ingredients? Decent internet, inspiring views and enough space to disconnect when the workday’s done.

Why nature and remote work are a perfect match

As more people embrace location-independent careers, the hunt is on for places that combine reliable Wi-Fi with wild beauty. Whether you’re writing code from a forest cabin, brainstorming beside the beach, or editing spreadsheets in a mountain hideaway, these remote work spots promise the best of both worlds: productivity and peace.

Forest escapes

Knysna – South Africa

Surrounded by ancient Afrotemperate forests and calm lagoon waters, Knysna is ideal for those craving quiet and green. Many forest lodges offer fibre Wi-Fi, and you’re never far from a hiking trail or sunset canoe paddle.

Best for: Writers, solopreneurs, creatives.
Highlight: Drupkelders trail or Jubilee Creek picnic spot.

Ubud – Bali, Indonesia

Known for its lush rice terraces and spiritual vibe, Ubud blends wellness and work in a tropical jungle setting. Coworking spaces like Outpost offer reliable Wi-Fi, healthy cafés and networking events.

Best for: Remote teams, wellness seekers.
Highlight: Daily yoga + a desk at Outpost coworking.

Hogsback – Eastern Cape

With Hobbiton charm and thick indigenous forests, Hogsback is perfect for writing, reflecting and wandering barefoot.

Highlight: A midweek waterfall hike or labyrinth walk.

Monteverde – Costa Rica

This cloud forest town has become popular with remote workers who want to balance eco-living with birdwatching and coffee.

Highlight: Zipline before your deadline.

ALSO READ: Winter staycation ideas to consider

Coastal calm

Coffee Bay – Eastern Cape

Remote, rugged and rich in Xhosa culture, Coffee Bay offers sweeping coastal views and laid-back energy. While limited in infrastructure, a few well-connected lodges and backpackers cater to digital nomads seeking nature over nightlife.

Best for: Nature lovers, digital detoxers.
Highlight: Hike to Hole in the Wall after your morning tasks.

Lagos – Algarve, Portugal

This beachy town offers sunny days, sea cliffs and a growing digital nomad scene. With coworking cafés and plenty of accommodation like Outsite, it’s easy to plug in and zone out (on the beach).

Best for: Freelancers, tech nomads.
Highlight: Paddleboarding after your pitch deck.

Jeffrey’s Bay – Eastern Cape

J-Bay blends surfing and working with strong Wi-Fi in several beachfront lodges and coffee shops. Coworksurf and Green Room JBay are some of the spaces that blend what you are looking for.

Highlight: Catch waves before your 09:00 Zoom call.

Canggu – Bali, Indonesia

A mix of beach clubs and open-air workspaces. Surf at dawn, slack at noon.

Highlight: Co-work all morning, sunset at Echo Beach.

Mountain hideaways

Clarens – Free State

This art-filled town near the Golden Gate Highlands is perfect for mountain air and peaceful routines. With a good selection of guesthouses and boutique stays offering Wi-Fi, you’ll have everything you need to work and wander.

Best for: Creatives, photographers.
Highlight: The Golden Gate Highlands hike before inbox zero.

Bansko – Bulgaria

Europe’s affordable mountain town has transformed into a digital nomad hotspot, with coworking hubs, mountain views and seasonal snow. You can hit the slopes at lunch and finish that pitch by dinner.

Best for: Coders, entrepreneurs.
Highlight: The Nomad Fest if you’re there in June.

Semonkong – Lesotho

This highland village offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and a peaceful retreat from notifications — bring your own mobile Wi-Fi.

Highlight: The 192m Maletsunyane Falls nearby.

Wanaka – New Zealand

Nestled between mountains and a lake, Wanaka is ideal for focused work followed by hikes or paddles. The island town also has excellent internet and co-working spaces like The Cell.

Highlight: Roy’s Peak hike for perspective.

Desert and dramatic landscapes

Cederberg – Western Cape

Cederberg’s dramatic rock formations, hiking trails and crystal-clear skies deliver if you’re looking to unplug without going off the grid. Many cabins use solar power and satellite internet.

Best for: Focused solo retreats.
Highlight: Stargazing after spreadsheets.

San Pedro de Atacama – Chile

The Atacama desert might feel like another planet, but it’s increasingly connected — ideal for writers or remote workers seeking total solitude with cosmic inspiration.

Best for: Writers, remote researchers.
Highlight: El Tatio geysers at sunrise.

Karoo towns (Prince Albert or Nieu-Bethesda)

Off-the-grid yet artistic, with long silences and longer horizons.

Highlight: Visit the Owl House or a Karoo art gallery.

Joshua Tree – California, USA

Home to quirky cabins and desert cabins with surprisingly good connectivity — perfect for meditative days and productive bursts.

Highlight: Work mornings, explore boulders and Joshua trees by dusk.

Lakeside serenity

Stanford – Western Cape

Nestled along the Klein River, this peaceful village is perfect for deep work and weekend wine tastings. Birdwatchers, canoeists and freelancers will all find their rhythm here.

Best for: Content creators, birders, academics.
Highlight: Klein River picnic after a full writing day.

Lake Atitlán – Guatemala

Volcanoes ring this high-altitude lake, where every village has its vibe, and many have coworking spots. It’s spiritual, scenic and surprisingly well-connected.

Best for: Slow travellers, social impact entrepreneurs.
Highlight: Ferry-hop between San Pedro and San Marcos.

Dullstroom – Mpumalanga

South Africa’s fly-fishing capital has crisp air, calm lakes and cosy cottages with Wi-Fi.

Highlight: Whiskey tasting or fly-fishing break.

Annecy – France

Work beside a turquoise lake with Alpine peaks in view — complete with cheese, croissants and coworking.

Highlight: Cycle around the lake after the meetings.

Tips for remote working in nature

 

• Check Wi-Fi speeds in advance: Ask hosts for screenshots or reviews.
• Invest in a backup: Mobile data, solar chargers or UPS devices can save the day.
• Set boundaries: Nature is a gift — don’t work through it all. Block off time to explore.
• Consider time zones: If you’re working globally, plan your nature walks around meetings.
• Pack light, pack smart: Noise-cancelling headphones, a good camera and a journal go far.

The beauty of remote work is that the world becomes your office — and your sanctuary. Whether you’re perched above a lake in Guatemala, hiking in South Africa’s highlands or breathing in desert stillness, these destinations prove that productivity and peace can share the same view.

ALSO READ: Best countries for digital nomads in 2025

The post Where to work remotely with the best nature access appeared first on Getaway Magazine.

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