6 reasons this “romantic” resort in Kuantan is actually a good workcation destination

This is a workcation series where we personally visit and review hotels, resorts, and more, to find out how well they cater to digital nomads and hybrid professionals. Our whole team is fully vaccinated, boosted, and have tested negative on the first and last day of our trip. 

Perhaps the last thing on your mind when you hear the words “eco-leisure resort” is work, but one luxury accommodation all the way in Kuantan that has made it work (pardon the pun) is Mangala Resort & Spa.

After all, hybrid work is one of the newest buzzwords in the employment scene.

Anticipating the upward trend of urban professionals scattering themselves across the nation in search of workcation spots, the team at Mangala Resort & Spa knew they had to leverage the demand.

Having experienced for ourselves what workcation it is able to offer, here are the main reasons why this family and couple-focused resort actually caters to digital nomads and hybrid workers well.

1. Curated “Work from Villa” package

The team actually put effort into creating a package specifically for the working crowd, and on April 1, 2022, the “Work from Villa” package debuted.

Its core offerings include a minimum two nights’ stay in Sara Villa or Jala Villa. Sara Villa is 55 square metres and fitted with a King bed, whirlpool tub, and a spacious open-air private balcony that overlooks the Mangala Wetland.

Jala Villa is 50 square metres and has the same basics, but its balcony overlooks the tranquil Mangala Lake instead, a central feature of the resort.

Speaking from experience, the Jala Villa had 3 spots where you could get work done: the study desk in the bedroom, the loveseat with a side table, and outside by the balcony.

2. Additional offerings that boost work efficiency

Under the “Work from Villa” package, other than the usual pantry snacks, Mangala Resort & Spa stocks your mini fridge with energy snacks and drinks that are complimentary the first round.

There’s also a complimentary stationery kit that comes with a ring light (upon request) for any late-night virtual meetings where the villa’s lighting is too warm or dim (it was originally built for family and couple getaways, after all).

3. Well-equipped meeting and discussion rooms

Whether it’s for a meeting with your team or a group of clients, Mangala Resort & Spa has fully-equipped meeting and discussion rooms.

They come with a projector, widescreen TV, and ample plug points. The resort also prepares stationery for note-taking and bottles of water to help everyone stay hydrated.

Use of these rooms is complimentary for up to two hours per day with advanced booking. If you wish to extend your use of the rooms, it’ll be RM650/hour.

They’re not exactly soundproof, but they do block out the majority of external noise, and blinds can be drawn for more privacy.

4. Strong and stable WiFi

Though you’re largely surrounded by nature, the villas and common areas all boast strong and stable WiFi. We were able to get work done without a hitch, and could even quickly load HD videos for entertainment.

The only spots that you won’t get WiFi connection is out at the recreational area, where the goal is to take a break from your devices and work anyway.

5. Complimentary recreational activities

The highlight of our trip was definitely the blend of work and play we experienced at Mangala Resort & Spa. At other workcations in the city, the idea of play is often limited to board games, a swim, or a pampering spa session.

At Mangala Resort & Spa, “play” is extended to kayaking out on the large lake, testing your teamwork (and calf muscles) with paddle boarding, doing some archery, and biking solo or in tandem around the estate.

A calmer activity would be birdwatching, since the resort is home to a protected ecosystem of flora and fauna. An identified 100 species of birds call Mangala Resort & Spa home, and signs around the estate point out prime birdwatching spots.

These activities can be a refreshing way to start the day or take breaks in between work while keeping the momentum going. They’re an opportunity to rejuvenate one’s body and inspire creativity in ways that cannot be found in the city.

6. Outdoor teambuilding opportunities

The Mangala Resort & Spa team shared that previously, they had organised teambuilding activities à la Amazing Race style for companies, utilising the recreational activities available at the resort.

This is something that they can still do upon request. Whether it’s for prepping your team for a big, collaborative project or simply to celebrate some achievements, this kind of colleague-to colleague bonding in the middle of lush nature isn’t an opportunity you’d get every day.