Nanay Eustiquia — a digital nomad’s haven or hassle? Unplug, unwind, and maybe even work a little in this secluded paradise.
When I stepped onto the rocky terrain of the Nanay Eustiquia Complex Beach Resort in Moalboal, Cebu, I felt like a character from an old Alex Garland book, but without the psychedelic dread. Situated among verdant foliage, the freshly constructed cottages offered a picture-perfect getaway. However, being an experience digital nomad, I was aware that there is never a free lunch. Would this remote sanctuary be the stuff of dreams, or would it become a connectivity nightmare?
I slid down the concrete stairs towards the beckoning waterfront. All the while wondering, “Could I keep up with my work while being surrounded by such beautiful nature?” Would the temptation of turquoise waves take my mind off my deadlines? Or, could this be the right chance to enjoy slow travel and find a good balance between work and fun?
I’d like to share my experiences and thoughts on working remotely in this secret gem with you so that you can decide if Nanay Eustiquia can be your little paradise or a technological purgatory.
Full transparency – a few of the links within this post might lead you toward booking sites or product pages. I may earn a small commission if you choose to use these links. Of course, there’s never any pressure, and it doesn’t affect the price. I include these links because these services or products can add something special to your Cebu experience. I consider them carefully, always aiming to help you plan the most enriching trip possible.
Is Nanay Eustiquia a Dream Destination or a Connectivity Nightmare?
Working in Nanay Eustiquia’s natural splendour is like stepping into a Monet artwork. There is no Spotify playlist that can compare to the soft hum of the waves and the rustling of the leaves. It’s like Thoreau’s Walden Pond for digital nomads. A chance to get away from technology and connect with nature. It’s not at all like the dull hum of a co-working space. But it’s surprisingly good for getting work done.
Imagine having a bamboo hut as your “office” with a view of the blue sea. Your coworkers are chirping birds and the odd gecko. You can relax while listening to the calm sounds of nature. A digital nomad’s dream, right?
But, like Thoreau’s social experiment, it has certain challenges.
The most glaring problem is the connectivity. Imagine failing to upload a huge file as the gentle crashing of the ocean waves taunts you. It’s a test of patience worthy of a Buddhist monk. The weak signal is like a moody muse—it can make you feel creative one minute and not at all the next.
This drawback does have a certain charm, though. In our always-connected world, there is an idea that is often talked about but rarely put into practice. It’s a chance to appreciate “deep work,” a term created by Cal Newport in his book “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World,” which means focusing on a mentally challenging job without any other thoughts.
I had to become a digital MacGyver to get around the slow connections. I got offline versions of Google Docs, planned uploads for peak hours (which were still painfully slow), and when nothing else worked, I used my phone to connect to the internet. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me how to be flexible, which is a skill that every digital nomad should have.
Is Nanay Eustiquia a dream place to visit or a nightmare? It’s both. A paradox wrapped in a beach towel.
It’s not always easy to work in Nanay Eustiquia. The glare from the sun can make it hard to see my screen, and the tropical rain can mess up my outdoor office setting from time to time. It’s a spot where you can find peace and rage, activity and inactivity. It tests how tough you are, how creative you are, and how much you love being a digital nomad.
How to Find a Balance Between Work and Leisure in Nanay Eustiquia
Nanay Eustiquia presents a fascinating challenge in achieving work-life balance. It’s as if you’re Alice in Wonderland, faced with the Hatter’s tea party as a perpetual temptation and the White Rabbit as a persistent reminder of your deadlines. The secret is to go with the flow, much like the tides, and enjoy the island’s rhythm.
Nanay Eustiquia offers various ways to unwind and recharge. Crystal clear coral reefs make snorkelling feel like swimming in a rainbow. Kayaking along the coast is a relaxing activity that lets you connect with nature. There is also a common area at the lodge where you can meet other travellers and share stories. More daring people can always go hiking to Lambug Beach or Kawasan Falls.
I made an organised but flexible schedule to get the most out of my time in Nanay Eustiquia. The mornings were my time to work. I took advantage of the peace and quiet to be as creative as possible. The afternoons were free for me to do whatever I wanted. I explored the resort and took beautiful pictures during golden hour. This balance, which Aristotle might have called the “golden mean,” is where work and pleasure meet in the middle.
There were days when the beach’s call was too strong to ignore. Even more so since my room was a stone’s throw away from a secluded spot where I could swim and day-dream. I let myself be spontaneous and reminded myself that sometimes the best work is done when we take our eyes off the screen and let our thoughts wander. To quote Winnie the Pooh, “Doing nothing often leads to the very best kind of something.”
Is Nanay Eustiquia the perfect getaway for you?
Does Nanay Eustiquia sound like the ideal vacation spot for digital nomads? I thought about that question as I watched the sun go down and colour the sky orange and pink.
It wasn’t easy to get to this hidden haven. Travelling on an unpaved road away from the town centre was an ordeal that tested my patience and backbone. The difficulties were part of the fun, though, like any good adventure.
Unreliable internet was also definitely a problem. There were nights when I worked until midnight, hooked on caffeine and determined to finish everything I had to do. There was, however, a surprising bright side. Not having anything else to do let my mind roam and my creativity flow. As though the island were speaking directly to me, sharing its wisdom.
Would I recommend Nanay Eustiquia to other digital nomads ? The answer is “sort of yes.” This might not be the best place if you have to make a lot of Zoom calls or work with big files for your job. But if you’re a writer, an artist, or someone whose job can be done offline, Nanay Eustiquia is a one-of-a-kind chance to get away from technology and connect with your creative side.
If you’re thinking about going on a similar trip, here are some useful tips. First, keep your goals in check. Don’t expect super-fast internet or a personal service that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Enjoy the natural ambience and the slower pace of life. Furthermore, make sure to arrive with every item you need. Get tools that you can use offline and buy a Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router. Finally, be ready for the unexpected. You might realise that the difficulties you experience provide unforeseen opportunities for learning and self-exploration.
Parting Thoughts
The time I spent at Nanay Eustiquia taught me that there is no one perfect place to work. It’s about finding a place that fits your values, the way you work, and your own idea of paradise. That could be a busy co-working place in a lively city for some. For others, it could be a beach hut that is far away and has a view that makes them feel both amazed and motivated. In the end, it’s your choice. But Nanay Eustiquia might be the secret gem you’ve been looking for if you want to get away from technology and spend time in nature.
Read Next: Is Moalboal Worth Visiting… If You Really Hate Crowds?
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