Top Tips for a Productive Coworkation Experience in the Mountains

In today’s remote-first world, more professionals and teams are swapping office walls for open skies and mountain views. The idea of a “coworkation” — a mix of coworking and vacation — is gaining popularity for all the right reasons. It offers a refreshing way to work, think creatively, and reconnect as a team in a relaxed setting.

But a productive coworkation doesn’t happen by chance. Without the right planning and setup, it can turn into a distraction-filled holiday. To help you make the most of your mountain work getaway — whether you’re going solo or with your team — here are some essential tips to blend productivity with peace.

1. Structure Your Day with Purpose

The freedom of remote work can be empowering, but it can also lead to disorganized days. Having a simple structure helps bring clarity and focus. Here's how you can create a productive daily flow:

Start with a morning routine — walk, stretch, or sip tea while enjoying the view
Block your mornings for deep, focused work
Use afternoons for lighter tasks or collaborative calls
Take short breaks between work sessions to refresh
Wind down with a sunset stroll, journaling, or a casual team debrief

A consistent rhythm helps you stay balanced while enjoying the freedom of the mountains.

2. Create a Comfortable Work Zone

Comfort is key to getting work done, especially when you're in a new environment. Set up a dedicated workspace that includes:

A proper desk and ergonomic chair
Natural lighting or good indoor lighting
Quiet zones for calls or deep work
Outdoor nooks (like garden tables) for a change of scene

If you're with a team, set up zones for solo work, meetings, and breakouts.

3. Ensure Fast and Reliable Connectivity

Stable internet and consistent power are non-negotiable when working remotely. Before booking, check if the place offers:

High-speed Wi-Fi (200 Mbps or more is ideal)
Backup internet options (dongles or routers)
24/7 power backup
Strong mobile network coverage

Also, carry a mobile hotspot or SIM card as a personal backup and download heavy files in advance.

4. Use Smart Tools to Stay Organized

Managing work remotely requires the right set of digital tools. Here are some essentials:

Slack or Microsoft Teams – for team communication
Trello, ClickUp, or Asana – for task tracking
Google Drive or Notion – for collaboration and file sharing
Zoom or Google Meet – for virtual meetings
Calendly – for scheduling across time zones

If you're on a retreat, maintain a shared team schedule so everyone knows the flow of the day.

5. Don’t Forget to Disconnect (Sometimes)

While staying connected is important, stepping away from screens is just as valuable. Try to:

Take short breaks every 90 minutes
Go for a walk or breathe fresh air between calls
Journal or read in the evenings instead of scrolling
Encourage digital-free hours in the team schedule

This balance helps recharge your focus and creativity.

6. Fuel Your Body with Real Food

Food has a huge impact on energy and clarity. Look for stays that offer:

Healthy, home-style meals
Locally sourced ingredients
Hydration stations with herbal teas and clean water
Quick snacks like fruits and nuts to refuel

Nutritious meals keep the team focused and prevent post-lunch slumps.

7. Embrace Nature for Brain Breaks

The outdoors can boost your creativity and calm your mind. Use nature to your advantage:

Go on short nature walks between tasks
Host brainstorming sessions outdoors
Practice yoga or meditation with a mountain view
Spend quiet moments just observing the surroundings

These simple pauses can do wonders for mental clarity.

8. Schedule Unstructured Time

Not everything needs to be planned or productive. Give yourself (and your team) permission to:

Explore local spots spontaneously
Relax without an agenda
Chat over tea, play a board game, or take a nap
Let creativity flow in downtime

Unstructured time leads to deeper connections and creative breakthroughs.

9. Keep the Team Engaged with Mini Adventures

When you're traveling with a team, make space for fun. Some light and simple activities include:

Friendly volleyball matches
Treasure hunts around the campus
Storytelling or talent nights
DIY workshops like painting or local cooking
Stargazing or movie screenings outdoors

These shared moments create memories and strengthen team spirit.

10. Choose the Right Mountain Retreat Spot

Not every place in the hills is coworkation-friendly. Choose a space that offers:

Easy accessibility from the nearest airport or city
High-speed internet and reliable electricity
Dedicated coworking spaces with meeting rooms
Comfortable accommodations with good hygiene
On-site food and nature access for breaks

Locations like Dharamshala, Bir, Tirthan Valley, Manali, and Jibhi have grown in popularity for remote work retreats, offering a great mix of nature, peace, and essential infrastructure. A good location makes the difference between a smooth retreat and a frustrating one.

AltSpace, Dharamshala – A Perfect Spot for Your Team Retreat

If you’re considering a mountain work retreat, AltSpace in Dharamshala checks all the right boxes. Located just 20 minutes from the airport and well connected by smooth roads, it offers everything a team needs for a productive and enjoyable offsite. The campus features high-speed Wi-Fi with speeds over 200 Mbps and 24/7 power backup, ensuring seamless work without interruptions. The coworking space is equipped with ergonomic furniture and includes private meeting rooms for focused collaboration. Guests stay in beautifully designed rooms that open up to calming mountain views. Meals are healthy, home-style, and keep the team energized throughout the day. In downtime, there’s a cozy lounge with games, movie setups, and relaxed corners for conversation. The spacious campus is also ideal for outdoor activities like volleyball, treasure hunts, and peaceful nature walks. With its thoughtful setup and natural charm, AltSpace stands out as one of the best destinations for a team retreat in Himachal.

Final Thoughts: Work from Mountains, the Right Way

A mountain coworkation is more than just a change of scenery — it’s a powerful reset for how we work and connect. With the right space, structure, and mindset, it can help teams align, innovate, and return to work refreshed.

So whether you're a solo professional looking for clarity or a team planning your next offsite, pack your bags, plan smart, and let the mountains do the magic.