The once-firm line between work and play has become rather blurred in recent years. That’s because the question of whether someone is travelling for work or pleasure has become almost redundant, according to Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
The trend of combining work and pleasure – leisure and business travel – into bleisure, i.e. add-on leisure travel to a business trip has become a lifestyle, according to Wayne Neath, National Sales Manager for Dream Hotels and Resorts.
Two thirds of professionals extend a business trip by a few hours or days to enjoy the city, while three quarters make time for leisure activities within a trip, according to recent research by Booking.com with 45% of professionals valuing the ability to blend business travel with leisure over traditional workplace benefits.
Cape Town
Best place to have a cuppa:On Cape Town’s Platinum Mile make your way to Strolla, the fun and funky stop for an on-the-go or sit-down cup of coffee, located alongside The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel. And if you happen to pass between 7am and 9am you may even be able to get a discount on your brew of choice.
Best 3rd place work spot:Catch up on some emails, or have a quick skype chat at Green Point Coworking. Located on Somerset Road in Green Point, you will have access to spacious desks, an 8-seater boardroom, break room and mini library, in a modern professional setting.
2 hours to play:For a quick bite in between meetings or on you way to the airport, consider the Grand Africa Café & Beach. Built within a restored boathouse, the Grand offers a unique blend of fun and relaxation - positioned on a private beach within walking distance of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront shopping and tourist precinct.
1 day to play:From Stellenbosch and Paarl to Franschhoek and Durbanville Hills, if you have a day to spare in the Mother City, there is hardly a better way to ‘waste’ it than at one of the world-class wine farms. Good food, great wine and breathtaking views are just a small part of the spectacular experience. Some of the top choices include Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley, Dornier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch and De Grendel in Durbanville Hills.
2 days to play: From exploring the friendly fishing village of Hout Bay to taking a boat trip to Duiker Island to see its colony of Cape Fur seals, if you have time to spare you could embark on a Cape Peninsula tour. Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and visit the historical Simon’s Town on the peninsula’s east coast, with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens if you have time.