Let’s be honest — remote work was supposed to give us more freedom, right?
Less commuting, more yoga pants.
Less office birthday cake, more backyard snacks.
But somewhere between endless Zoom calls and accidentally working from bed for the third day straight, the dream got… a little stale.
Enter: the Remote Work Retreat.
A rising trend that says, “Screw the stuffy office or soul-sucking routine — I’m taking my laptop somewhere inspiring.”
And yes, you can do it without hopping a plane to Bali or blowing your budget on a “wellness lodge” in Tulum. Let’s talk Sacramento-friendly options, smart gear, and how to actually get stuff done while you’re sipping coffee somewhere prettier than your kitchen.
What Is a Remote Work Retreat?
Think of it as a working vacation… but one where you actually get sh*t done. No guilt, no wasted PTO.
The goal is to:
- Get a change of scenery
- Boost productivity
- Avoid burnout
- Maybe sneak in a hot tub session or two
You bring your tasks, your laptop, and your best “I swear I’m working” face… and in return, you get new energy, fresh inspiration, and (if you’re lucky) better Wi-Fi than your home office.
Why Sacramento Is a Great Base for a Remote Retreat
If you’re in Sacramento, you’re perfectly positioned to go almost anywhere without needing to book a 10-hour flight or sell a kidney.
1. Lake Tahoe:
Just 2 hours away — stunning views, cozy cabins, and hikes to clear your brain between Zoom calls.
Try:
Desolation Hotel in South Lake Tahoe for boutique vibes and in-room desks.
2. Napa Valley or Sonoma:
Need I say more? Great wine, peaceful countryside, and surprisingly solid Wi-Fi at most Airbnbs.
Try:
The Setting Inn for vineyard views and cheese board-ready sunsets.
3. Coastal Carmel or Mendocino:
The kind of quiet that makes your to-do list seem almost poetic.
Try:
Brewery Gulch Inn for a luxury eco-retreat feel.
4. Stay in Sacramento (yes, really):
If you’ve got kids, commitments, or just want to save money, try a weekend solo workcation at a swanky local hotel.
Try:
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel downtown — rooftop pool, quiet rooms, walk to everything.
Best Gear to Bring (or Borrow)
Want this thing to actually work? Don’t just pack your laptop and vibes. Bring the stuff that makes work flow:
- Noise-cancelling headphones (especially if your retreat partner snores)
- A mini ring light — Zoom is forever.
- Portable charger
- Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (some cabins lie about “high-speed internet”… ask me how I know)
- Notebook or journal (real pen = real ideas sometimes)
Bonus: bring a “do not disturb unless the house is on fire” sign.
Tips to Actually Be Productive
We all know how this goes: you arrive, light a candle, boot up your laptop… and next thing you know, you’re deep in Zillow listings for French farmhouses.
So, here’s the reality check:
🧠 Have a plan. Block off 3–4 hour chunks of focused work. Then take a long lunch.
📶 Check the Wi-Fi before booking. If the host says “great for unplugging,” that’s code for “you’ll tether all weekend.”
🎯 Set one goal per day. Don’t try to do everything. This is still part retreat, not corporate bootcamp.
🍷 Treat your off-hours like vacation. Reward yourself. You did good.
Want to Go Bigger? Try These Remote Work-Friendly Retreats Across the U.S.
If you’re itching to hop on a flight and go a little farther, here are a few spots people rave about:
- Asheville, NC – Creative mountain town + great coworking
- Sedona, AZ – Red rock views, spiritual vibes, strong coffee
- Santa Fe, NM – Adobe architecture, art everywhere, real peace and quiet
- Palm Springs, CA – Retro glam + sunshine + poolside Zoom calls
- Boulder, CO – Outdoorsy meets tech-savvy, with solid workspaces
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for PTO
Burnout doesn’t wait. So why should you?
Remote work retreats are more than a flex — they’re a survival tool. You’re not slacking. You’re taking your productivity on a little adventure.
Whether it’s a day at a local Airbnb, a weekend in Tahoe, or a week-long escape to the coast — your brain (and your back) will thank you.
