Facilitating since 2016 ● 200+ Design Sprints ● Based in the Netherlands ● rocking it globally ●
Facilitating since 2016 ● 200+ Design Sprints ● Based in the Netherlands ● rocking it globally ●
Robert's Favorite Destinations
Balancing work and life
Robert's Favorite Destinations
Balancing work and life
Margriet and I love our work, however, we consciously choose to take longer breaks from work to recharge, get inspired, and get away from the computer.
Nowadays, we are experts in train travel and exploring locations closer to home to reduce our impact. But occasionally, we make a deliberate choice to seek our dream destinations further away. Here are a few destinations where you can always ask us for recommendations.
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Azores, Portugal
In 2016, we first visited the Azores, an enchanting archipelago in the Atlantic. It was the perfect base for remote work, blending natural beauty with tranquility.
We spent 8 weeks on two of these stunning islands. On Terceira, we had our first strategy sessions for Orange Minds during a 5-week stay. Our second visit was a 3-week holiday on São Miguel, with a few remote workdays. Each island has a unique vibe, with Terceira standing out for its slow pace and great coffee.
We loved working amidst lush green hills, volcanic craters, and the soothing ocean sounds. Calls with Nationale Nederlanden took place in a parking lot surrounded by trees, and we stayed indoors for two days during a storm.
Our mornings began with coffee in hammocks. Both islands offered a peaceful pace, ideal for focus and relaxation. We hiked, swam in natural pools, and explored local markets.
Despite its remote location, the Azores offer stable internet connectivity, allowing us to stay productive amidst the island's serenity. European SIM cards work perfectly here, making long calls and switching to 4G or even 5G easy.
The Azores' time zone, between Europe and North America, is ideal for global collaboration, eliminating extreme time differences.
For us the Azores provided a wonderful experience, blending focus strategy sessions with tranquility and amazing hikes.
Our favorite coffee spot: Verde Maçã, Terceira
Our favorite restaurant: Quinta dos Sabores, Farm to Table restuarant São Miguel
Our favorite swimming hole: Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha, São Miguel
Our favorite hiking trail: Passagem das Bestas PRC07, Terceira
Nature, Remote work
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Azores, Portugal
In 2016, we first visited the Azores, an enchanting archipelago in the Atlantic. It was the perfect base for remote work, blending natural beauty with tranquility.
We spent 8 weeks on two of these stunning islands. On Terceira, we had our first strategy sessions for Orange Minds during a 5-week stay. Our second visit was a 3-week holiday on São Miguel, with a few remote workdays. Each island has a unique vibe, with Terceira standing out for its slow pace and great coffee.
We loved working amidst lush green hills, volcanic craters, and the soothing ocean sounds. Calls with Nationale Nederlanden took place in a parking lot surrounded by trees, and we stayed indoors for two days during a storm.
Our mornings began with coffee in hammocks. Both islands offered a peaceful pace, ideal for focus and relaxation. We hiked, swam in natural pools, and explored local markets.
Despite its remote location, the Azores offer stable internet connectivity, allowing us to stay productive amidst the island's serenity. European SIM cards work perfectly here, making long calls and switching to 4G or even 5G easy.
The Azores' time zone, between Europe and North America, is ideal for global collaboration, eliminating extreme time differences.
For us the Azores provided a wonderful experience, blending focus strategy sessions with tranquility and amazing hikes.
Our favorite coffee spot: Verde Maçã, Terceira
Our favorite restaurant: Quinta dos Sabores, Farm to Table restuarant São Miguel
Our favorite swimming hole: Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha, São Miguel
Our favorite hiking trail: Passagem das Bestas PRC07, Terceira
Nature, Remote work
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LECH, Austria
Tucked away in the Austrian Alps, Lech is renowned for its royal and celebrity visitors. However, for us, it's an amazing place of stunning landscapes and quiet, offering an ideal remote work environment especially in late summer (post high season).
In other words, it was the perfect alpine office! Majestic mountains and snow-covered peaks provide the perfect backdrop for our work and online sessions and sportive relaxation after work.
One highlight was the Lech Pass, included with our apartment rental, granting free access to all gondolas and ski lifts to take us high into the mountains for wonderful hikes.
Another great thing was that we took our gravelbikes and were able to drive into valleys where no cars were allowed. At the end, after an amazing ride, there was a mountain refuge serving a deserved food and drinks. On the way down you pass a fabulous recently renovated outdoor swimming pool that you can access for free with the Lech Pass.
Remote work meets mountain vibes—Lech is calling .🏔️💻✨
Our must do hikes and places to visit:
Cycling to Freiburger Hutte, 15 km 500m ascent. And of course a cold beer at the Hutte.
Lunch at Restaurant Klösterle
Hiking to Butzensee and Mohnenfluh
Nature, Remote work
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LECH, Austria
Tucked away in the Austrian Alps, Lech is renowned for its royal and celebrity visitors. However, for us, it's an amazing place of stunning landscapes and quiet, offering an ideal remote work environment especially in late summer (post high season).
In other words, it was the perfect alpine office! Majestic mountains and snow-covered peaks provide the perfect backdrop for our work and online sessions and sportive relaxation after work.
One highlight was the Lech Pass, included with our apartment rental, granting free access to all gondolas and ski lifts to take us high into the mountains for wonderful hikes.
Another great thing was that we took our gravelbikes and were able to drive into valleys where no cars were allowed. At the end, after an amazing ride, there was a mountain refuge serving a deserved food and drinks. On the way down you pass a fabulous recently renovated outdoor swimming pool that you can access for free with the Lech Pass.
Remote work meets mountain vibes—Lech is calling .🏔️💻✨
Our must do hikes and places to visit:
Cycling to Freiburger Hutte, 15 km 500m ascent. And of course a cold beer at the Hutte.
Lunch at Restaurant Klösterle
Hiking to Butzensee and Mohnenfluh
Nature, Remote work
→
PATAGONIA
At the end of 2022 we left our laptops in the Netherlands and packed our bicycles to cycle for 4 months through Patagonia.
Patagonia is renowned for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. Located at the southern tip of South America, this remote region features towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. No asphalt, but unlimited gravel roads make this an unforgettable area (especially on the bike ;).
Patagonia was not a remote working location for us. It was a place we wanted to visit as a way to balance an intense period of working. No laptop, no phone, just adventure and active travel.
We cycled the Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt to Ushuaia. Besides cycling we took a big backpack and our hiking sticks to hike the famous and less famous multi-day hikes in the area, such as the 10 day O Trek in Chile.
Patagonia truly is all about nature. We have eaten much better in other places in the world but many things taste excellent after a 70km gravel ride and a 1000 meters up a mountains with a heavy packed bicycle.
If you are not into cycling a 4x4 or Motor will get you to the same places. Also if you are into photography, you will find endless inspiration in the dramatic landscapes. We found it was a combination between Iceland and New Zealand, but then even more remote.
Our favorite place: Cougar spotting in Parque Nacional Patagonia.
In the end, Patagonia was the best choice for a grand break and a life saver of our work-life balance. Highly, highly recommended!
Call us for tips if you want to make the trip because there are too many highlights to list on a short article here.
Nature, Sabbatical
→
PATAGONIA
At the end of 2022 we left our laptops in the Netherlands and packed our bicycles to cycle for 4 months through Patagonia.
Patagonia is renowned for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. Located at the southern tip of South America, this remote region features towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. No asphalt, but unlimited gravel roads make this an unforgettable area (especially on the bike ;).
Patagonia was not a remote working location for us. It was a place we wanted to visit as a way to balance an intense period of working. No laptop, no phone, just adventure and active travel.
We cycled from Puerto Montt to Ushuaia. Besides cycling we took a big backpack and our hiking sticks to hike the famous and less famous multi-day hikes in the area, such as the 10 day O Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile.
Patagonia truly is all about nature. We have eaten much better in other places in the world but most things taste excellent after a 70km gravel ride and a 1000 meters up a mountains with a heavy packed bicycle.
If you are not into cycling, a 4x4 or motorcycle will get you to the same places. Also if you are into photography, you will find endless inspiration in the dramatic landscapes.
Our favorite place: Parque Nacional Patagonia.
In essence, Patagonia was our best choice for a great break and a life saver of our work-life balance. Highly, highly recommended!
Nature, Sabbatical
→
PATAGONIA
At the end of 2022 we left our laptops in the Netherlands and packed our bicycles to cycle for 4 months through Patagonia.
Patagonia is renowned for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. Located at the southern tip of South America, this remote region features towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. No asphalt, but unlimited gravel roads make this an unforgettable area (especially on the bike ;).
Patagonia was not a remote working location for us. It was a place we wanted to visit as a way to balance an intense period of working. No laptop, no phone, just adventure and active travel.
We cycled the Carretera Austral from Puerto Montt to Ushuaia. Besides cycling we took a big backpack and our hiking sticks to hike the famous and less famous multi-day hikes in the area, such as the 10 day O Trek in Chile.
Patagonia truly is all about nature. We have eaten much better in other places in the world but many things taste excellent after a 70km gravel ride and a 1000 meters up a mountains with a heavy packed bicycle.
If you are not into cycling a 4x4 or Motor will get you to the same places. Also if you are into photography, you will find endless inspiration in the dramatic landscapes. We found it was a combination between Iceland and New Zealand, but then even more remote.
Our favorite place: Cougar spotting in Parque Nacional Patagonia.
In the end, Patagonia was the best choice for a grand break and a life saver of our work-life balance. Highly, highly recommended!
Call us for tips if you want to make the trip because there are too many highlights to list on a short article here.
Nature, Sabbatical
→
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
In the heart of the Atlantic, Madeira was our sweet escape for remote work. We were happily surprised by the lush green mountains, dramatic cliffs, and a vibe that dances between work and play.
We visited in December/January and the mild climate helped us to be both focused behind the laptop as well as with outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming.
Madeira has steep streets, some great small bakeries and restaurants with stunning views over the ocean.
Our favorite place for a cocktail: Pukiki, Estreito da Calheta
The island is filled with cozy co-working spots, and accommodations have reliable internet. We loved having calls with waves as your background music.
So, if you're looking for a remote work haven that's both chill and vibrant, Madeira is your island escape – where work and play do the tango. 🏝️💼✨
Our favorite hike: Pico Grande
Our favorite car rental agency: Madpoint
Nature, Remote work
→
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
In the heart of the Atlantic, Madeira was our sweet escape for remote work. We were happily surprised by the lush green mountains, dramatic cliffs, and a vibe that dances between work and play.
We visited in December/January and the mild climate helped us to be both focused behind the laptop as well as with outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming.
Madeira has steep streets, some great small bakeries and restaurants with stunning views over the ocean.
Our favorite place for a cocktail: Pukiki, Estreito da Calheta
The island is filled with cozy co-working spots, and accommodations have reliable internet. We loved having calls with waves as your background music.
So, if you're looking for a remote work haven that's both chill and vibrant, Madeira is your island escape – where work and play do the tango. 🏝️💼✨
Our favorite hike: Pico Grande
Our favorite car rental agency: Madpoint
Nature, Remote work
in 2019 we spend our summer in the Balkans. This wasn't a remote work destination for us, it was pure holidays and enjoying 7 weeks of stunning nature, hiking and amazing hospitality.
We started our trip in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Una Valley, Sarajevo and touristy Mostar were on our list. We fell in love with Bosnia the year before. We love the relaxed vibes, green grass and nature all around. The friendly locals make it a pleasant area to take a holiday.
We drove to Montenegro, where driving and hiking in Durmitor National Park felt like we were in the unexplored Alps. We did hikes that we never imagined doing in Montenegro. The national park was a real surprise and gem according to us. It was time to move on to Kosovo. The place where packed our backpacks and left the comfort of the car.
We spend 10 days trekking the Peaks of the Balkans. A trekking circuit, taking you on a wild ride through the raw and untamed beauty of the Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo with dense forests and alpine meadows. Each day there were long steep ascents and descents (usually 1000+ meteres each way) that'll make your heart race, all while treating us to some mind-blowing panoramic views of the rugged mountains.
The route zigzags through remote villages, it's not just about the trail; it's a backstage pass to the diverse cultures of the Balkans. We spend hours with a family in a small hut waiting for a storm to pass. Expect warm vibes and an authentic experience in every village you pass.
Peaks of the Balkans lets you walk in the shoes of old shepards. Tourism is taking over rapidly in this part of the Balkans. The accommodations rise in price, but also in quality and comfort.
The 10 day hike, Peaks of the Balkans isn't an average trek. We didn't necessarily like the daily long (very long) ascents and descents, but it was made up for by relatively uninhabited and the natural elements and friendly locals.
After 10 days, we very much enjoyed Pristina for it's city vibes and coffee shops. We ended the Balkan tour on the Beach in Albania before taking a ferry to Italy where we (of course) mainly enjoyed the food! We stopped by Modena and Bologna before heading home ready to work again.
Nature, Holiday, Hike
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(Peaks of the) Balkans
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(Peaks of the) Balkans
in 2019 we spend our summer in the Balkans. This wasn't a remote work destination for us, it was pure holidays and enjoying 7 weeks of stunning nature, hiking and amazing hospitality.
We started our trip in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Una Valley, Sarajevo and touristy Mostar were on our list. We fell in love with Bosnia the year before. We love the relaxed vibes, green grass and nature all around. The friendly locals make it a pleasant area to take a holiday.
We drove to Montenegro, where driving and hiking in Durmitor National Park felt like we were in the unexplored Alps. We did hikes that we never imagined doing in Montenegro. The national park was a real surprise and gem according to us. It was time to move on to Kosovo. The place where packed our backpacks and left the comfort of the car.
We spend 10 days trekking the Peaks of the Balkans. A trekking circuit, taking you on a wild ride through the raw and untamed beauty of the Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo with dense forests and alpine meadows. Each day there were long steep ascents and descents (usually 1000+ meteres each way) that'll make your heart race, all while treating us to some mind-blowing panoramic views of the rugged mountains.
The route zigzags through remote villages, it's not just about the trail; it's a backstage pass to the diverse cultures of the Balkans. We spend hours with a family in a small hut waiting for a storm to pass. Expect warm vibes and an authentic experience in every village you pass.
Peaks of the Balkans lets you walk in the shoes of old shepards. Tourism is taking over rapidly in this part of the Balkans. The accommodations rise in price, but also in quality and comfort.
The 10 day hike, Peaks of the Balkans isn't an average trek. We didn't necessarily like the daily long (very long) ascents and descents, but it was made up for by relatively uninhabited and the natural elements and friendly locals.
After 10 days, we very much enjoyed Pristina for it's city vibes and coffee shops. We ended the Balkan tour on the Beach in Albania before taking a ferry to Italy where we (of course) mainly enjoyed the food! We stopped by Modena and Bologna before heading home ready to work again.
Nature, Holiday, Hike
→
Warsaw, Poland
Poland's capital was our base for 2 weeks in February 2024. It was a delight. We love city life. We rented an Airbnb with a good table to work from close to an area with cafe's. Warsaw treated us to bustling cafe's, some really nice bars, interesting museums and large parks to take a stroll or go for a run.
Warsaw has a real coffee culture, and the app European Coffee Trip helped us to find some of the best places. Besides coffee Warsaw has a nice weekend brunch culture, something that Berlin used to be famous for.
Restaurants are plentiful and also many vegetarian and vegan options along with the traditional cuisine that is more meat based. For us it was a true surprise to find a mix between new, modern and old and traditional.
Favorite restaurant: TOAST, Targowa 76
Favorite vegan restaurant: Peaches Gastro Girls, Mokotoska 58
Best coctails: Aura, Hoza 27
Apart from the rich restaurant and cafe culture, Warsaw has a good public transport system which allowed to move between the different parts of the city.
We could escape the touristy areas easily finding some great spots on the other side of the river in upcoming Praga.
A small downside of Warsaw, we found out that most cinema's only play Polish movies.
A true discovery of Warsaw: the city doesn't remove Christmas Decorations until March. We even met Santa on the streets. It made the evening strolls super cosy.
All in all, Warsaw was for us a the perfect remote work spot in a city environment. Not many tourists, amazing coffee culture, enough museums and parks to keep the balance between focused work and some relaxation and exploration.
Remote work, City Life
→
Warsaw, Poland
Poland's capital was our base for 2 weeks in February 2024. It was a delight. We love city life. We rented an Airbnb with a good table to work from close to an area with cafe's. Warsaw treated us to bustling cafe's, some really nice bars, interesting museums and large parks to take a stroll or go for a run.
Warsaw has a real coffee culture, and the app European Coffee Trip helped us to find some of the best places. Besides coffee Warsaw has a nice weekend brunch culture, something that Berlin used to be famous for.
Restaurants are plentiful and also many vegetarian and vegan options along with the traditional cuisine that is more meat based. For us it was a true surprise to find a mix between new, modern and old and traditional.
Favorite restaurant: TOAST, Targowa 76
Favorite vegan restaurant: Peaches Gastro Girls, Mokotoska 58
Best coctails: Aura, Hoza 27
Apart from the rich restaurant and cafe culture, Warsaw has a good public transport system which allowed to move between the different parts of the city.
We could escape the touristy areas easily finding some great spots on the other side of the river in upcoming Praga.
A small downside of Warsaw, we found out that most cinema's only play Polish movies.
A true discovery of Warsaw: the city doesn't remove Christmas Decorations until March. We even met Santa on the streets. It made the evening strolls super cosy.
All in all, Warsaw was for us a the perfect remote work spot in a city environment. Not many tourists, amazing coffee culture, enough museums and parks to keep the balance between focused work and some relaxation and exploration.
Remote work, City life
→
Warsaw, Poland
Poland's capital was our base for 2 weeks in February 2024. It was a delight. We love city life. We rented an Airbnb with a good table to work from close to an area with cafe's. Warsaw treated us to bustling cafe's, some really nice bars, interesting museums and large parks to take a stroll or go for a run.
Warsaw has a real coffee culture, and the app European Coffee Trip helped us to find some of the best places. Besides coffee Warsaw has a nice weekend brunch culture, something that Berlin used to be famous for.
Restaurants are plentiful and also many vegetarian and vegan options along with the traditional cuisine that is more meat based. For us it was a true surprise to find a mix between new, modern and old and traditional.
Favorite restaurant: TOAST, Targowa 76
Favorite vegan restaurant: Peaches Gastro Girls, Mokotoska 58
Best coctails: Aura, Hoza 27
Apart from the rich restaurant and cafe culture, Warsaw has a good public transport system which allowed to move between the different parts of the city.
We could escape the touristy areas easily finding some great spots on the other side of the river in upcoming Praga.
A small downside of Warsaw, we found out that most cinema's only play Polish movies.
A true discovery of Warsaw: the city doesn't remove Christmas Decorations until March. We even met Santa on the streets. It made the evening strolls super cosy.
All in all, Warsaw was for us a the perfect remote work spot in a city environment. Not many tourists, amazing coffee culture, enough museums and parks to keep the balance between focused work and some relaxation and exploration.
Remote work, City Life
Facilitating since 2016 ● 200+ Design Sprints ● Based in the Netherlands ● Rocking it globally ●
Facilitating since 2016 ● 200+ Design Sprints ● Based in the Netherlands ● Rocking it globally ●
What else kept us busy the past years?
Margriet loves to read and to write reflective reviews. Check her favorite business books and the tips & learnings from those books.
We facilitated many workshops, programs and Design Sprints. Want to read some of our stories from the past years?
We've been busy collecting new memories, during and off work — and when we have a new one, we stick it on the Yellow Wall.
How can we help you?
Based in the Netherlands, rocking it globally. We love to travel, preferably by train when within Europe.
Based in the Netherlands, rocking it globally. We love to travel, preferably by train when within Europe.
What we do
Email Us
Based in the Netherlands, rocking it globally. We love to travel, preferably by train when within Europe.