Shifting work patterns across the globe are impacting more than just the employee; they’re prompting a transformation in the travel industry as well. Hybrid work models that demand neutral destinations for in-person collaboration, plus a focus on employee well-being, have seen a rise in bleisure travel as corporates seek more blended business and leisure experiences.
Globally, the bleisure travel market is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating growth from $685 billion in 2024 to $1.7 trillion by 2032, according to Forbes. Locally, Thomson’s Travel notes that South Africa’s corporate travel sector is also gaining momentum, expected to reach approximately $3 billion by 2026. This reflects not only increased demand but a fundamental shift in how professionals approach travel.
“Bleisure is no longer simply about adding a day or two onto a business trip. We’re seeing a much broader shift in how people think about work and travel,” explains Fiona Broom, Group Marketing Executive at the Beekman Group, a leader in hospitality management and vacation ownership in Southern Africa.
“Business travellers are looking for places that allow them to be productive, but that also offer a more tranquil, holiday-like environment where they can unwind and recharge between meetings. At the same time, many leisure travellers still need to stay connected to work while they are away with their families. Then there is the growing remote and online workforce, who are realising the value of working from somewhere that feels inspiring and restorative, rather than from the same home office every day.
“For us, this means creating resort environments that support both productivity and relaxation — where guests can take a call, answer emails or spend a few focused hours online, but still step out into a setting that feels like a true break.”
The Rise of Blended Work and Travel
Flexible and remote work has enabled professionals to extend business trips into more enriching experiences. From digital nomads to corporate teams, travellers are increasingly choosing accommodation that supports both productivity and downtime.
“Recent hikes in airline travel have also encouraged smarter planning,” notes Broom. “By combining work and leisure into a single trip, travellers maximise value while reducing the need for separate holidays.”
South Africa, she notes, is particularly well suited to this trend: “Our combination of established business hubs, strong conferencing infrastructure, and proximity to world-class leisure destinations allows travellers to move seamlessly between meetings and meaningful downtime.”
What Defines a Bleisure Stay?
“For businesses, bleisure travel is an opportunity to improve employee experience, and meet operational goals while still providing a leisure experience for guests to wind down at the end of the day,” says Broom. “This form of accommodation goes beyond what traditional hotels can offer, forcing an evolution in resort offerings.”
Bleisure features:
- Flexible, apartment-style living for short- and long-term stays.
- High-speed connectivity and reliable infrastructure.
- On-site meeting spaces and business hubs at select resorts.
- Lifestyle amenities that support wellness and relaxation.
- Convenient access to business districts and leisure attractions.
- Spacious accommodation with comfortable lounges and outdoor living areas, making it easy to work in comfort
South Africa Responds to the Bleisure Shift
With more than five decades of experience, Beekman Group continues to develop its corporate and conferencing footprint to meet this demand.
This has seen the launch of Menlyn Mix, an urban apart-hotel located in Pretoria’s Menlyn precinct. Designed for business travellers, it offers self-catering apartments, dedicated business hubs, meeting rooms and high-speed connectivity, alongside lifestyle features such as rooftop spaces, a gym and a pool. Located near Menlyn Maine, Menlyn Mix is ideally located for seamless transitions between work and downtime.
Complementing this is Dikhololo Resort, a long-established conferencing and events destination near Brits in the North West. Set in a natural bushveld environment, Dikhololo combines fully equipped conference facilities with team-building activities, wildlife experiences and spacious accommodation.
“Bleisure is not a short-term trend. It reflects a permanent shift in how people work, travel and connect. Businesses that embrace this change will create more productive, engaged and satisfied teams, while destinations that adapt will become increasingly competitive. Beekman Group is committed to helping shape that future.” Says Broom.
FAQs: Bleisure Travel in South Africa
Q: What is bleisure travel?
Bleisure travel combines business and leisure, allowing travellers to extend work trips with personal downtime, exploration or relaxation.
Q: Why is bleisure travel growing in South Africa?
South Africa offers a unique mix of business hubs, conferencing venues and nearby leisure destinations, making it easy to combine work commitments with travel experiences.
Q: What should businesses look for in a bleisure destination?
Key features include reliable WiFi, flexible accommodation, meeting spaces, a convenient location, and access to leisure amenities that support relaxation and wellbeing.
Q: What is the best bleisure hotel in South Africa?
Leading bleisure accommodation options include integrated destinations like Menlyn Mix in Pretoria, which offers urban convenience, business infrastructure and lifestyle amenities, and Dikhololo Resort near Brits, which provides large-scale conferencing facilities within a natural bush setting. These destinations are designed to support work, meetings and relaxation in one seamless stay.
Book Your Stay!
For bookings and corporate enquiries, visit www.menlynmix.co.za or www.dikhololo.co.za | Call 0861 269 846 | Email [email protected]. Follow @Dikhololo on Facebook!
Beekman Group’s Vacation Ownership includes The Holiday Club and Private Residence Membership, while Leisure Services include Beekman Holidays, iExchange, Body Bliss, and Private Residence Collection.