3 Slow Living Digital Nomad Destinations I’ve Lived In (and Truly Loved)
2022 was the year a dream I’d been replaying in my mind for years finally came true ~ me on a balcony, with my laptop, a fresh coconut to my right and a jungle view straight ahead.
The years leading up to that moment had looked the exact opposite. Living on a main road of a big city, working far too much and often hovering dangerously close to burnout. First in a 9–5, I eventually walked away from, and then in building a business I hoped would give me the freedom I was wishing for. It was a season defined by doing… a lot.
And then, somewhere in the middle of COVID, life slowed down ~ at first by force, naturally, given the circumstances, and then by choice.
And it was in that space, that I found myself drawn to a different way of living and a different definition of success. One where travel, work, wellness, and personal growth could exist in parallel ~ and where I actually had peace and joyful experiences to show for it.
My season of hustle came to an end (and hasn’t yet returned!), and in its place blossomed a desire to take things slow, to enjoy life and to just be. You can see my very first ever instagram post about that here.
As a newly-found digital nomad, I began consciously choosing places that naturally encouraged this new slow living lifestyle I wanted to embody. And over the next years, I would spend months in different places and find a handful of beautiful destinations that were especially nourishing. Here, I would like to share with you, my top three.
So if you too, value peace, beauty, creativity, and connection ~ these places are well worth considering for you next digital nomad base.
Ubud, Bali: The slow, Spiritual Spot
There’s a reason why Ubud comes from the Balinese word ubad, meaning “medicine.” Yoga, meditation, massages, juice cleanses, sound healing, shamanic breathwork, Balinese healers, palm readers, cacao ceremonies, conscious talks, non-alcoholic “heart-opening” parties, nature… and so much more.
Come to Ubud with the intention to heal ~ and heal, you will. This was my very first destination as a digital nomad, and it proved to be full of peaceful places to stay, work from, lean into and lean on. It was everything I’d hoped for and more…
Not only did it rebalance my work-life scale in favour of the living side of things, but it also set the tone for how I would choose to live from that moment on. A life where success felt less about doing more, and more about creating space ~ for slow moments, peace and the deeper aspects of life. Beyond the life stages we’re so often told about from a young age: to study, work, find a partner, marry, have children and then retire.
It was, and still is, one of the most nourishing places I’ve ever lived and worked from. There’s a certain frequency and energy in Ubud that is inspiring and attracts the kind of people who’ve also stepped away from the conventional path and are choosing to live life on their own terms.
My first six month stay here was spent 90% in solitude (on purpose). And yet the people I still came into contact with and conversations I had on a daily basis while simply sat working in cafes were some of the deepest and most meaningful I’ve experienced anywhere. It’s for that reason (and many others) I’ve returned several more months since and will no doubt continue to do so.
If you’re planning to make this your next destination and want to experience more than the same recommendations that appear everywhere online, I’ve created a digital guide with 33 of my favourite hidden gems after my time living in Ubud that will give you the best head start.
Cafés to work from, spiritual experiences (including an incredible balinese healer with a true gift I 100% recommend experiencing for yourself), rice field spots, experiences, and lesser-known spots that became part of my everyday life.
You can download it here.
Hoi An, Vietnam: The “Peaceful meeting place”
Two years after my first trip to Ubud, I found myself somewhere in the middle of Vietnam in a small town that goes by the name of Hoi An. When translated, it literally means “peaceful meeting place” ~ and as soon as you arrive, you understand exactly why.
Aside from the Ancient Town (where hoards of tourists walk the streets in the day and bars with high-volume karaoke turn the energy way up at night), Hoi An is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending a few months in.
I loved it so much that I ended up extending my stay for three months the first time and then returning again for another month the following year.
Most digital nomads choose to base themselves in the city of Da Nang next door as there are more things ‘to do.’ More bars, more events, more activities more people to mingle with. And while I can absolutely understand the appeal, I’ve realised over the years that I’m naturally drawn towards places and rhythms that feel slower, calmer and a little less externally stimulating (something I actually reflected more on in this post about the Eastern vs Western mindset). Hoi An is quite the opposite, which is exactly why I preferred it.
My days here were simple in the best way. Riding my scooter from one cute café (with excellent WiFi) to another. Working for a few hours in one, reading for a few more in the next. Yoga classes, regular massages, and long, peaceful days that passed by entirely stress-free.
What I loved most is that, for such a small place, it offers so much variety. I lived between the rice fields (would def recommend) ~ and within a seven-minute scooter ride, I could be in the Ancient Town in one direction, or at the beach in the other, passing rivers along the way.
The rhythm is definitely slow. Perhaps even too slow for some. But for those who know they love this kind of pace, and especially if you have a project to focus on, it really does offer everything you need.
Thinking back now as I type these words, the months spent here remain one of my most joyful “feel good” moments in life. And I plan to return again and again.
Over four months exploring, I created a digital guide to Hoi An too, including where I stayed for those months and of course 33 of my favourite places ~ from hidden cafés and tailors to THE best massage spot and authentic street eats you won’t find on other blogs.
Most tourists when they visit spend their time in the Ancient Town (and that’s what you’ll mostly see on social media), but honestly… when I lived there, I didn’t go in often at all.
The real gems lie just beyond it. If you’re planning a trip, you can get a head start and explore my favourite peaceful spots here.
Oaxaca City, Mexico: For Culture, Colour and Creative Flow
Every time I’m heading somewhere new, there’s always that moment right before arriving where I hope the energy between myself and the place will be a match. It’s never about its size, beauty, or the list of things to do and see…. really, it always comes down to a feeling.
Uncontrollable, but undeniable. And in Oaxaca City it only took one day. Twenty-four hours of watching a man sing softly to himself, guitar in hand, as I ordered a juice at the local market. Of hearing more holas and buenos días than I could count, accompanied by smiles.
Of seeing older couples dancing in the park, cars slowing down to let you cross the street, and colour and art wrapped around every corner… To know this was a place I could stay a while.
And living here for three months, I can confidently say Oaxaca City is a dream for digital nomads who love slow living. It’s walkable, authentic, and artsy (definitely one for the creative souls).
You can start your day with memelas or fresh fruit from the market, settle in at quiet open-air courtyard café to work for a few hours, and spend your afternoons wandering colourful streets or dipping into mezcal tastings, salsa dancing, rooftop sunsets, or little artisan boutiques.
With it being a city, this is the more ‘lively’ suggestion of the three, but even so, working here felt creatively inspiring, unhurried and enjoyable.
Again, I’ve gathered my 33 favourite places into a digital guide to Oaxaca City to give you a great head start with planning.
Perfect if you want to skip the obvious and go straight to the tried and tested spots of someone who’s already spent some time exploring it. It includes all my favourite cafes to work from, restaurants, street food spots, shops, and places that aren’t even on Google Maps yet.
You can access that one here and feel free to send me an email any time should you have any questions!
Final Thoughts: The joy of building a life that works for you
There’s something really special about each of these places ~ Ubud, Hoi An, Oaxaca City ~ that goes well beyond good Wi-Fi and cute cafés. They offer something deeper. A reminder to yourself of a life you’ve created and the choice you’ve made to live freely, softly, slowly, in a way that feels good to you. Bring that gratitude to the forefront of your mind every day you’re there.
These three destinations have become places I know I’ll return to, laptop in hand. And I have a feeling… you might just fall in love with them too 🤍
