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Due to the novel coronavirus, many workers are working from home. Even as states slowly begin to reopen, most offices still aren't bringing all employees back just yet. That means team meetings, one-on-one staff check-ins, and even happy hours with colleagues are now happening virtually using video apps like Zoom. Even game nights among friends and family dinners and holidays are taking place through screens.
At the same time, the travel industry is experiencing massive disruptions and looking to engage with would-be guests who are longing for an escape while holed up at home. Now, in addition to offering largely free virtual online experiences and e-learning opportunities, hotels and destinations around the world have created Zoom backgrounds that can be easily downloaded and used as a backdrop for your next call, or as a transportive new desktop background.
Setting video chat backgrounds such as these offerings can also be a discreet way to keep home life a little more private for those who don't necessarily want their digs, kids, or most likely, messes, on full display to colleagues and friends.
I tried out some of the backgrounds myself and enjoyed pretending to work from a posh London apartment via onefinestay one day and a calming villa oasis at Fairmont Mayakoba the next. I even used one of the beachy backdrops from Harbour Village in Bonaire as my computer background along with an island playlist and a fruity cocktail to set the tropical mood for an armchair vacation.
I also tried out one of the photos on a video call with my family. I had them briefly wondering if I'd jetted off somewhere exotic before I revealed my secret and assured them I was indeed practicing safe social distancing in my tiny Brooklyn apartment.
In addition to serving as a fun escape, I also found myself discovering and bookmarking hotels I wanted to plan to visit (and review) later, based on their digital landscapes, such as the seductive pool at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. In fact, I might just have to change my choice from our recent roundup of hotels travel editors and writers plan to visit first, as soon as it's safe.
Zoom backgrounds can be used on both desktop and mobile across multiple operating systems. For help setting up the backgrounds, visit the Zoom support page.
Read on to discover and download gorgeous Zoom backgrounds and the innovative hotels offering them around the world.