Living Long-Term at All-Inclusive Resorts: Everything You Need to Know
Picture this: you roll out of bed to an ocean view, wander down for unlimited breakfast, let someone else handle laundry, and never see an electric bill hit your inbox again. The dream of living at an all-inclusive resort isn’t just a daydream for burnt-out nine-to-fivers or digital nomads tired of rental roulette. In the last few years, especially post-pandemic, this idea has turned into a tempting, if slightly unconventional, reality for an increasing number of people. You might be surprised that not only is it possible, some resorts even encourage it with special deals or packages—there’s a growing niche of people ditching city apartments for endless piña coladas and turn-down service.
Is It Really Possible to Live at an All-Inclusive Resort?
First things first—yes, you can absolutely live long-term at an all-inclusive resort if you can cover the bill and the logistics fit your lifestyle. Resorts in places like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and even Spain or Thailand have quietly welcomed long-stay guests for decades. During low seasons or if tourism dips, many will gladly negotiate a discounted rate for stays of a month or longer. Actual policies vary a ton—some places treat you like a VIP, others cap you at 30-90 days because of visa rules or just because they don’t want guests turning into the furniture. But for the right resort, your dream of a permanent vacation isn’t far-fetched.
So who’s doing this? Retirees who want to trade winter for warmth. Digital nomads and remote workers whose only real requirement is good Wi-Fi and a comfy chair. Even families who homeschool while traveling the world. Resorts sometimes list special long-term packages quietly on their websites or on global booking platforms: look for words like "monthly rate," "snowbird special," or initials like LTS (Long Term Stay). A 2023 survey by Skift found about 9% of digital nomads spent at least one month a year living out of hotels—no tent, no kitchen fire, just room service.
Immigration is the sneakiest part that trips up many people. Most countries limit how long foreigners can stay without a residence permit. For example, Mexico gives Americans and Canadians up to 180 days on a tourist visa. In Spain, you’ll need a long-term visa to stay over 90 days. You can leave before your visa expires, take a quick trip to another country, and return again, but this is always a grey zone that gets riskier the more often you repeat it. Always check the local immigration website or consult a travel lawyer before you stash your passport and start ordering cocktails.
The perks of this lifestyle go beyond zero chores. All-inclusive resorts throw in daily meals, snacks, endless drinks, constant cleaning, gym access, pools, and sometimes even entertainment like language classes or beach volleyball. You’ll rarely see an unexpected bill or have to shop for groceries. But remember: not every resort is made for long-term life. Some are adults only, many are designed for party holidays, and few offer a stable, quiet vibe or in-room facilities like microwaves.
Most long-term guests become low-key friends with the staff. People living in the same room week after week stand out. Resorts often assign "guest experience" managers who get to know repeat guests and hook them up with off-menu perks or discounts.
Wondering about the daily rhythm? Think about living somewhere with scheduled entertainment—like salsa lessons at 4 pm whether you want to shuffle or not. Meals have set hours. The buffet workers might know your coffee order better than your own family. Some people thrive with this structure; others crave a little more autonomy. It’s a unique social ecosystem, and adapting to the rhythm is part of the experiment.
Wondering just how serious this lifestyle can get? There’s even a well-documented case from 2022 when Terry K., a retired teacher from Toronto, spent 14 months hopping between three different all-inclusive resorts in Cuba. She spent less than her neighbors did living in the city and, according to an interview with The Globe and Mail, said, “Why would I bother with rent and utilities when someone else will take care of all the details for me?”
If you're keen to try it, here are some quick tips to avoid rookie mistakes:
- Before booking, ask for the resort’s long-stay rates—they often won’t advertise these online.
- Check if rooms have enough power outlets, good Wi-Fi, and storage. You’re not just visiting—you’re moving in.
- Clarify laundry service. Some places offer free self-service; others charge per item (which adds up fast!).
- Ask how meal plans work. The buffet might get boring after week three—can you order à la carte?
- Find out about healthcare options nearby, especially if you have any chronic conditions.
Is It Worth It? Cost, Comfort, and Common Surprises
This is where numbers matter. On paper, the cost can sound outrageous—who has $200 a night to spare forever? But in reality, many resorts slash rates for long stays, especially if you visit in the off-season or negotiate directly. In places like Playa del Carmen or Punta Cana, it’s quite common to see deals as low as $50 per night for a monthly all-inclusive rate—yes, that covers a room, three meals a day, drinks, and even some excursions.
Here’s a snapshot of typical discounted monthly rates found in summer 2024:
| Destination | Monthly Rate (USD) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen, Mexico | $1,700-2,500 | Room, full board, drinks, laundry |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | $1,600-2,800 | Room, all meals, premium drinks |
| Algarve, Portugal | $2,200-3,200 | Room, breakfast & dinner, spa discount |
| Phuket, Thailand | $1,200-2,500 | Room, all food, tours, airport transfers |
Compare those rates to monthly rent, bills, grocery shopping, and city transportation. In expensive cities, especially in Europe or North America, living at a four-star resort can be cheaper than paying rent, utilities, car insurance, and groceries. Of course, in big cities like New York, a one-bedroom can run $3,500/month without food, laundry, or daily cleaning. So this isn’t just for the ultra-rich.
But let’s be real—living at a hotel isn’t exactly reality for everyone. If you need space to work from home, the typical resort room can get claustrophobic. If you have pets (most resorts say no), or kids in traditional schools, the logistics get tricky. Want to cook for yourself sometimes? That’s rarely an option, though a few modern resorts include kitchenettes or let long-term guests into back kitchens if you ask nicely.
Irritations sneak in over time. Hotel food is wonderful if you’re only there for a week, but after month two, you might crave a homemade meal or just a change of pace. Internet speeds may dip at peak times, since resorts weren’t designed for a crowd of digital workers on Zoom calls. Privacy can be an issue: cleaning might arrive every day whether you’re awake or not. And you lose touch with city life—no favorite bakery, no regular postman, no quirky neighborhood shops.
But there are ways to make it work:
- Split your time between several resorts or change locations every few months to keep things fresh.
- Pack light—a couple of weeks’ worth of clothing is plenty. Laundry is always available.
- Tip staff well if you’ll be there a while. You’ll get better service and be remembered fondly.
- Befriend the concierge—they have the inside scoop on local happenings or how to bend house rules.
There’s also a social dimension. Many long-term guests form little communities—think of British and Canadian retirees creating their own bingo nights on the beach or Americans celebrating Thanksgiving potluck-style in a hotel bar. If you’re a real introvert, the constant buzz of strangers might grate after a while, but for many, it’s a bonus.
I’ll leave you with a voice from someone who’s actually done it. As Michael Fried, editor of The Points Guy UK, told CNN Travel last year after a three-month all-inclusive stint in Spain,
“What surprised me was how quickly everything became routine—waking up to the sound of the sea, having coffee on the terrace, chatting with the same smiling staff. After a while, it felt less like a hotel and more like a very well-run home.”
Tips for Making the Most of Long-Term Resort Living
If you’re still on the fence, a few smart strategies can make or break your all-inclusive adventure. First off, go for a test run before committing. Book a week or two and see how you feel. If you’re bored by day five, a month will feel eternal. Keep in mind that some things you love as a treat (unlimited desserts, cleaning service, activity schedules) can feel a little monotonous with no change.
Choose your resort with your real-life habits in mind. Need caffeine at midnight? Check if there’s 24/7 room service. Want to swim laps? Make sure there’s a big enough pool. Try to get a room facing the quieter parts of the resort if you like to sleep in, as entertainment can get noisy. Ask if the resort limits how long you can stay—you don’t want surprises after you’ve unpacked your bags.
Don’t be shy about personalizing your space. A few scented candles, a portable coffee maker, or your own pillow can help bring a little ‘home’ to a generic room. Some pros recommend investing in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones for those times when resort life gets loud.
Keep your connections back home alive, whether that’s Zooming relatives or keeping up with favorite hobbies online. After a few months, homesickness or a sense of being in ‘vacation mode’ too long can creep in unless you create some routines. Most digital workers end up setting clear work hours and marking off their own ‘weekends’ even if every day can feel the same.
If possible, try to combine your resort stay with local exploration. See if nearby attractions are walkable or if the resort arranges transport to town events. Long-stayers say that seeing a new side of local life—like learning to cook paella in Spain or joining yoga classes at sunrise—brings depth that resort walls can’t always provide.
One last thing—it’s worth checking travel insurance and double-checking emergency medical coverage, especially if you’re older or have medical conditions. All-inclusives are amazing for everyday life, but if you need more serious care, getting to the nearest clinic fast matters.
To those brave enough to try it: you won’t really know if living at an all-inclusive resort is right for you until you roll your suitcase down that marble-floored lobby for month two. If it sounds dreamy, you owe yourself a taste. If nothing else, you’ll at least have the world’s best answer to "Where do you live?" next time someone asks.