Can I Live at an All-Inclusive? Here’s What It’s Really Like

Most people think all-inclusive resorts are for two-week vacations-sunburn, cocktails, and room service with a side of guilt. But what if you could just… stay? Not just for a week, but for months. Or a year. What does it actually look like to live at an all-inclusive?

Yes, you can live at an all-inclusive-here’s how

More than 120 resorts across Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia now offer monthly or even yearly rates for long-term guests. These aren’t discounts for last-minute bookings. These are structured programs designed for digital nomads, retirees, and people who want to trade rent and utility bills for a fixed monthly fee that covers food, drinks, housekeeping, and activities.

At the Riu Palace in Cancún, a one-bedroom suite with ocean view runs about $2,800 CAD per month in 2025. That includes three meals a day, unlimited local liquor and soft drinks, daily cleaning, Wi-Fi, access to five restaurants, and non-motorized water sports. No extra tips. No grocery runs. No power bills. No cleaning supplies.

It’s not just about saving money. It’s about removing friction. You wake up, walk to breakfast, swim before lunch, take a yoga class after, and never once have to think about what’s for dinner. For people tired of the grind of daily upkeep, that’s worth more than a discount.

Who’s actually doing it?

It’s not just retirees with pensions. A 2024 survey by Resort Living Trends found that 42% of long-term all-inclusive guests are under 50. Many are remote workers who traded their Vancouver apartment for a beachfront room in Tulum. Others are freelancers escaping Canadian winters. A growing number are single parents looking for safe, structured environments for their kids.

At the Iberostar Selection in Playa del Carmen, one couple moved in for six months after their landlord raised the rent by 30%. They paid $3,100 CAD/month for a two-bedroom suite. Their old apartment cost $2,700-plus $500 in groceries, $120 in utilities, $80 in internet, and $200 in parking. Suddenly, their monthly expenses dropped by $100, and they got a private pool, daily housekeeping, and unlimited tacos.

It’s not for everyone. But for people who value time over ownership, it’s becoming a real alternative.

What’s included-and what’s not

Don’t assume all-inclusive means everything. Most programs include:

• Three meals daily (buffets and à la carte options)
• Unlimited local beer, wine, and spirits
• Non-motorized water sports (snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding)
• Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Daily housekeeping
• On-site activities (yoga, dance classes, trivia nights)
• Use of pools, beaches, and fitness centers

But here’s what’s usually extra:

• International calls and premium Wi-Fi
• Spa treatments and massages
• Motorized water sports (jet skis, parasailing)
• Off-site excursions (day trips, tours)
• Specialty dining (e.g., sushi bar, steakhouse)
• Laundry services (some resorts charge per load)
• Children’s club for kids under 12 (if not included in family plans)

Some resorts now offer “premium all-inclusive” tiers that include these extras-but they cost 30-50% more. If you plan to get massages twice a week or take daily boat trips, it might be worth it. Otherwise, stick to the base plan.

Real costs: How much does it actually cost to live at an all-inclusive?

Let’s break down what you pay in a typical Canadian city versus an all-inclusive resort in 2025.

That’s a savings of nearly $2,000 a month. And you’re not just saving money-you’re gaining back 10-15 hours a week you’d normally spend cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and commuting.

What you lose by living at an all-inclusive

It’s not all sunsets and free margaritas. You give up some freedom.

First, there’s the food. Buffets get repetitive. Even the best resorts serve the same grilled chicken, rice, and beans on rotation. If you’re picky, vegan, or have food allergies, you’ll need to ask about customization. Some places have dedicated allergy stations. Others don’t. Don’t assume.

Second, privacy. You’re sharing a beach, a pool, and a dining room with hundreds of other people. If you hate small talk or loud music at 9 a.m., this isn’t for you. Some resorts offer adult-only zones, but those often cost more.

Third, location. Most all-inclusive resorts are on the edges of towns, far from real grocery stores, pharmacies, or public transit. If you need to run errands or see a doctor, you’ll need a taxi or rental car. And that’s not covered.

And then there’s the boredom factor. After three months, the same sunset, the same poolside bar, the same staff who know your name but not your story-it can feel like a gilded cage.

Who should avoid it

Don’t try this if:

• You need a full kitchen to cook specialty meals
• You work best in quiet, isolated spaces
• You hate crowds or constant background noise
• You’re planning to stay longer than 6 months without a break
• You’re not comfortable with limited Wi-Fi speed for video calls

Some resorts now offer “work pods” with better internet and soundproofing, but they’re rare and expensive. If your job depends on stable Zoom calls, test the Wi-Fi before signing up.

How to make it work if you’re serious

If you’re considering living at an all-inclusive, here’s how to do it right:

1. Start with a 30-day trial. Most resorts offer monthly rates with no long-term commitment.
2. Ask about laundry, internet, and meal flexibility upfront. Don’t wait until day 15 to find out your laundry costs $12 per load.
3. Book a room with a balcony or kitchenette. Even if you don’t cook, having a space to store snacks or make coffee helps.
4. Plan one day a week to leave the resort. Go to a local market, visit a town, or take a day trip. It keeps you grounded.
5. Bring your own books, games, or hobbies. The resort won’t fill your time-you have to.

Many long-term guests keep a small stash of spices, instant coffee, or tea bags. It’s the little things that make a big difference.

Is it worth it?

For some, living at an all-inclusive is the ultimate freedom. No bills. No chores. No stress over what to eat. Just time, sun, and space.

For others, it’s a temporary escape-a winter retreat, a reset after burnout, a way to slow down.

It’s not a permanent solution for everyone. But in 2025, it’s no longer a novelty. It’s a lifestyle choice-and one that’s growing fast. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could just stop worrying about everything,” maybe it’s time to try.

If you’re thinking about trading your apartment for a beachside room, start small. Book a month. See how it feels. You might find you don’t just want to live there-you might not want to leave.