Remote work became a reality during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of us learned that you really can do business from just about anywhere. And now that companies like Twitter and Square are giving their teams the option to work from home even after we return to normalcy, remote employees are looking for a cool places travel and do their work. So, what can STR hosts do to capitalize on this opportunity?
Robert Nunez is the vacation rental expert behind Work in Paradise, a STR villa on the island of Aruba that caters to remote workers. The Work in Paradise suites are minutes away from the beach, affording guests the opportunity to snorkel or enjoy a SeaBob adventure when their work day is done. Robert has been hosting on Airbnb since 2013, and in addition to his Aruban villa, he manages a portfolio of 76 units in Philadelphia, Miami, New York and New Jersey.
On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Robert joins me to explain how he came up with the idea for Work in Paradise, describing what Aruba has to offer remote workers and why he chose to open a new business during the pandemic. He offers insight on attracting remote workers on social media and providing both private and community workspaces (with reliable Wi-Fi) throughout the villa. Listen in for Robert’s advice to STR hosts on seeing the opportunity in a crisis, learning from other operators and challenging yourself to grow every day.
How Robert ended up in Aruba
How Robert came up with the idea for Work in Paradise
What Aruba has to offer remote workers
How Robert attracts remote workers to his STR
How Robert caters to remote workers in his units
How Robert profited from staying the course in COVID
Robert’s advice for aspiring STR entrepreneurs
Robert’s advice for current STR hosts
“Twitter Announces Employees Will Be Allowed to Work from Home ‘Forever’” in The Guardian
Email jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com