Mumbai has earned a place among Asia’s leading workcation destinations, according to the 2025 Work from Anywhere Barometer by International Workplace Group (IWG). The city, which ranked 36th globally, emerged as India’s highest-ranked entry, joining the likes of Singapore, Seoul, Beijing and Jakarta. Tokyo claimed the top position worldwide, surpassing Rio de Janeiro and last year’s winner, Budapest.
The study evaluated 40 cities across 12 criteria, including climate, broadband speed, transport, accommodation, flexible workspace availability and new categories such as the cost and availability of digital nomad visas and proximity to nature. Tokyo’s win was attributed to its exceptional broadband speeds, transport efficiency, cultural vibrancy and new digital nomad visa offering stays of up to 12 months.
Mumbai’s Unique Appeal
Scoring 73 out of 120, Mumbai impressed as a rising workcation hub that blends productivity and cultural richness. The city’s extensive network of flexible workspaces and reliable broadband make it an attractive base for hybrid workers. Beyond work, professionals can explore its Art Deco architecture along Marine Drive, enjoy its celebrated food scene and immerse themselves in a thriving arts culture. Its affordability compared to other Asian metros and easy access to getaways like Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar further enhance its appeal.
The Rise of Workcations
The IWG report highlights a sharp increase in the popularity of ‘workcations’—combining leisure travel with remote work—since hybrid working became the norm. This year, 60 per cent of hybrid workers said they are more likely to extend holidays to work remotely, while 87 per cent believe the ability to work from anywhere boosts productivity. The report also found that flexible work policies reduce burnout and improve work-life balance for over 85 per cent of employees surveyed.
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, noted that the shift towards flexible and hybrid work is reshaping how and where professionals choose to live and work. “For many, the days of long daily commutes are over,” he said. “Companies that embrace flexibility not only retain talent but can also boost productivity by up to 11 per cent over the next five years,” he highlighted.
Global Trends and New Entrants
This year’s top 10 cities also welcomed fresh entrants, including Seoul, Rome, Paris and Valletta, each offering a distinct combination of infrastructure, culture and natural surroundings. The growing emphasis on proximity to nature reflects changing worker preferences, with three-quarters of respondents saying access to outdoor spaces influences their destination choice.
With hybrid work here to stay, Mumbai’s rise in the rankings signals its growing relevance as a work-life destination, offering professionals the rare mix of cosmopolitan energy, cultural depth and quick escapes into nature.
Source – https://www.bwpeople.in/article/mumbai-ranks-among-asias-top-workcation-hotspots-567608