Digital nomads and working remotely

Is working remotely the way of the future?

I've been looking into the digital nomad lifestyle and working remotely recently. It certainly sounds like the dream! Working on what you are passionate about without the confines of a 9 to 5 job and fixed office/studio location. Traveling and seeing the world while working on your laptop.

I once saw this man on a beach in Sanya who was sat on a sun lounge bed with his laptop on a small table (sort of like a make shift office desk). While everyone else was either taking a nap or swimming or reading, this man was working.

I asked myself "Is he winning or losing at life?"  and without a moment's hesitation I concluded that he was indeed winning at life. He was working yes but his office was the beach, his choice of beverage a young coconut and he had complete control of his time. He can chose to spend his morning working, his afternoon island hopping and his night singing karaoke. He was free.

I've just started reading Tim Ferris's The 4-Hour Work Week. It's such an interesting book, it has definitely challenged the way I've thought about work and the end game of it all. 

What do you guys think about this? Do you think the digital nomad lifestyle is sustainable? Have you negotiated to work remotely? What are your experiences? 

(Photo above taken at The Bellevue Resort in Panglao Bohol, Philippines. See my review on this resort here)