Cape Town has been embracing the ‘bleisure’ trend for several years now, where business travellers extend their trips to enjoy leisure activities. This reflects the city’s growing popularity as a destination for blended work and play. Beyond serving as a popular base for digital nomads, the lines between work and play have fast become more blurred. “Bleisure travel” has crept in as a sweet spot for those looking to level up their work-life balance.
The Rise of Blended Work and Travel
As professionals straddle the lines between work and play, the continued global popularity of remote and flexible work has allowed travellers to stay long after the festive season ends. They remain connected and operating while also exploring new destinations.
Hotels are now adapting to meet that demand.
Hotels Adapting to the Bleisure Traveller
“As travel and the meaning of life-work balance evolve, we are seeing many guests now opting for longer stays that allow them to weave work into a more enriching experience,” says Leonie Andereya, General Manager of Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town.
“They’re seeking environments that support productivity while allowing for meaningful moments of rest and inspiration — places where they can start the day with their laptop open and end it watching the sun set overlooking the Ocean.”
The Bleisure Boom
Industry data backs up the shift. According to recent reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council, more than 60% of travellers now add extra days for leisure when possible. Locally, Andereya has noted a clear sign that travellers are extending their trips beyond business commitments at The Radisson Collection Hotel. For employers, the appeal is just as strong. Encouraging bleisure travel supports work-life balance, helps staff recharge, and can even improve retention.
“We’re seeing more companies build flexibility into corporate travel policies,” says Andereya. “It’s about recognising that travel can be a powerful tool for sparking creativity and refreshing the mind.”
Designing for Dual-Purpose Travel
Modern travellers expect seek seamless, personalised, and experience-driven stays. They want a sense of place that goes beyond the boardroom.
Andereya explains: “The modern business traveller is looking for more than just a meeting room. We’re curating unique experiences that bring work and leisure together, making every stay a chance to recharge and refocus.”
The Future of Bleisure Travel
As global work culture continues to evolve, Cape Town’s lifestyle-led hospitality is setting the tone for the future of travel. The city’s blend of natural beauty, connectivity, and cosmopolitan energy makes it uniquely suited to the bleisure movement.