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Workcations Are Now a Thing and Yes, You Can Bask in Paradise After
With safety protocols and new services in place, the team from Discovery Hospitality is now ready to accept guests in the new normal.
“Workcation” is a buzzword among many travelers and digital nomads. In fact, the website herpackinglist.com defines it as “traveling for both work and vacation in the same trip”. An amalgamation of the words “work” and “vacation,” workcation seemingly blurs the line between business and pleasure… in a good way. Very timely too, especially since we’re currently in a new normal.
If anything, the pandemic has re-defined what normal means for us. Instead of going out with friends, dining out in restaurants, or exploring the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, we’re cooped up at home for our safety. And with over a year in quarantine, it’s safe to say that it has taken a toll on everyone already.
The Hospitality Business Amid the Pandemic
It’s no surprise—the hospitality industry was one of the many business sectors that were deeply affected by the pandemic. Stuck in a limbo of ECQ, GCQ, and various other restrictions imposed by the government, they were constantly kept on their toes on whether it is truly safe to reopen and start accepting guests.
But there is a silver lining to this. Now that over a year has passed since the first country-wide lockdown, we’ve more or less gotten a better picture of how things work. The restrictions are still as sporadic as ever with the NCR+ region on Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) as of writing, but this time, the concept of social distancing, proper hygiene, and sanitation are now practically second nature to us.
And the next best thing to do? Adapt.
The Discovery Hospitality Corporation or DHC, for example, has taken the time during the pandemic to reevaluate its current business practices and services. Maintaining the same standards of excellence and care, DHC vows to learn, improve, and become better.
A homegrown brand that was founded in the year 2000, DHC is known among the Filipino hospitality and tourism circles. This company has turned prime locations around the country into dream destinations by building award-winning hotels and resorts. To date, these include hotels in the city such as Discovery Primea and Discovery Suites (located in Makati and Ortigas, respectively), along with Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan.
New Measures for the New Normal
As said by Jun Parreno, President of Discovery World Corporation and COO of DHC, “the ones who will be first to adapt and learn to live effectively in the new normal will be the winners in this new world.” Given this, DHC has implemented strict measures for everyone’s safety.
Home Safe
A program developed by DHC in partnership with Lysol. From regularly cleaning and sanitizing their rooms and spaces to offering paperless check-in options and ensuring that guests are properly tested before entering the hotel premises, DHC has taken stringent measures to ensure that their hotels and resorts are safe to stay in. Plus, they guarantee that these meet the standards imposed by both the Department of Health and Tourism.
Safe Space
Reviving the days of intimate gatherings and workspace meetings, DHC launched the Safe Space initiative that allows guests to rent their function rooms and ballrooms in its city hotels—Discovery Primea and Discovery Suites. Yes, the possibility of turning ballroom spaces into social hubs seems very likely. Plus, DHC’s partnership with Lysol Philippines with its U.S. EPA-accredited products is the program’s vital component.
Safe Care
A program pioneered by DHC, which connects guests to its hospital partner—Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Through this service, guests don’t need to worry about visiting hospitals, which puts them at risk of catching other illnesses. Instead, they may receive medical assistance and consult with hospital experts at the comfort of Discovery Suites Ortigas. In turn, each space is sanitized following the Home Safe standard, and the health and safety measures mandated by the Department of Tourism are in full effect.
Laboral
In partnership with GPA Brazil—a leading labor gymnastics company with 17 years of thought leadership in workplace ergonomics—DHC pioneered an ergonomic exercise program that focuses on work-from-home challenges. With the help of virtual exercise sessions, guests and employees now maintain better health and improved wellness. Each session targets high-tension areas from desk work, particularly the lower back, neck, and shoulders. These sessions are held once a week for 30 minutes through video conferences.
Workcations in Discovery
With DHC’s new normal measures in place, working with a view is now possible. Despite the travel ban abroad and the ever-changing quarantine measures, guests can now enjoy a slice of paradise in DHC’s hotels and resorts through workcations.
Bringing work with you while you’re on vacation may seem odd, especially since we aim for a perfect work-life balance for our mental health. But in an unforeseen twist of fate, workcations may actually be beneficial for us, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s why:
1. A Safe Workspace… with a View!
With programs like Home Space, Safe Space, and Safe Care, in place, you have the assurance that you’re staying in a safe and sanitized haven for yourself and your family. And the added bonus? The beach, the sand, and the sea are all just within reach. No need to put that beach background on your Zoom calls when you’ve got the real deal right there!
2. Excellent Service Throughout Your Stay
DHC prides itself on being a pioneer for warm service and excellence. With its core competency of giving you an authentic experience, expect on-call staff and warm smiles from the DHC team. And just as the staff is ready to take care of you, DHC also cares for their employees. Vaccines will soon be available for DHC employees, guaranteeing an extra level of safety for both you and them.
3. Work-life Balance
After work, you can relax in the resort or just take in the ambiance of a picturesque view. You can also use the amenities there—from the swimming pools to the gym, and more (but on an appointment basis). DHC also offers ecotherapy wellness and travel through scenic spots within the premises. Additionally, you can participate in virtual exercises, courtesy of their Laboral program.
4. Good Food and More
Chores are one of the many things we worry about, but a hotel getaway lets you escape that. DHC and its partner restaurants now offer individually packed meals for busy days or late-night cravings. Meanwhile, instead of the classic buffets, you’re treated to Grab and Go stations. Cutlery and dinnerware are always sanitized, too, for your peace of mind.
5. Isolation with a Bit of Connection
This island getaway allows you to relax and enjoy time for yourself without needing to leave behind your day-to-day responsibilities. You can enjoy wellness workouts, meditation spaces, nature walks, and beach therapy, among many other services in DHC’s new projects. As for that much-needed connection? The accommodating team who’s always ready to cater to your needs is there to help!
6. The Discovery Experience
Bringing all this together, you’re treated to an upgraded experience that seamlessly brings together work and travel. The Discovery experience is your ticket to an island getaway but with the comforts of a home. Thus, DHC is looking into longer stays (with special rates), from week-long to possibly monthly, half-year, or even annual stays. A bit like a serviced apartment or better yet, your second home.
Future Plans and Developments
With no clear picture of how long this pandemic will last, DHC is looking forward to changing for the better. Heralded to pivot, work hard, and to constantly be resilient, you can expect great things from this trailblazer.
Firstly, DHC is looking to diversify its guests—from micro adventurers and nature travelers to millennials and young families. Basically young and fresh people (both local and foreign) who want to enjoy themselves but still get things done. Secondly, they are looking into more long-term living arrangements of perhaps month-long stays, all the way down to a year. This will not only be safer for guests in the face of ever-changing quarantine and travel protocols, but this promises a second home with top-tier service.
DHC has new developments that they will soon be unveiling—specifically in prime locations like El Nido, Davao, Siargao, and Benguet. These signature collection properties showcase a signature style that provides a different experience—one that is luxurious, chic, and carefully curated.
DHC is foremost a future-facing brand with superior values. It sees itself growing in the near future—whether that includes expanding into diverse properties or even in skills and expertise. But even so, it stays true to the promise of delivering an authentic experience every time.
In the words of Jopet Concio, Vice President and Head of Strategic Initiatives, she says: “Please build the confidence to travel again. And we do hope to see you again soon.”
Photos provided by: Discovery Hospitality Corp.
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