The All Inclusive Life

When we come to Mexico, we throw the budget out the window. We pay little attention to expenditures. One of the reasons is that we stay at an all included resort. Thus, while we pay out the nose up front, there are no recurring or extra expenses. Pretty much, there are no surprises. This buys us the ability to eat and drink as much as we want. This is true luxury. And I love it. Which makes me wonder if I could retire to this type of lifestyle. Could I live the all inclusive life?

Whether I would want to or not, I am intrigued by the idea if it would be economically tenable. Could I afford it and retire early?

How Much Does It Cost?

I am conservatively guessing that each adult cost about a thousand dollars a week to stay at the resort. I am using an estimate because I am not sure how much of our bill is attributed to us verse our kids. Thus, for my wife and I (assuming we ditched our kids), it would cost roughly $104,000 a year. Now, I think this number is a little bloated.

For one, we probably could negotiate a sizable discount. If we were to guarantee that we were going to stay 52 weeks a year, I suspect we could save at least 25% off the price up front. Especially if we agreed to vacate during major holidays (when we would travel or visit friends).

Second, I suspect that we would probably stay less than 52 weeks a year. Mexico is fairly hot in the summer and we would move to Europe for a few months where we could get an Airbnb, and likely live on much less than two thousand a week.

The all inclusive life sounds quite affordable.

What’s Included?

So what’s included for a thousand bucks a week per adult? Well, you get a luxurious place to stay with built in maid service. Free toiletries and no need to own bedding or any household items. Free Wifi, electricity, water, heat, and air conditioning. And a parade of service people to wait on you, serve you, and help you navigate your surroundings.

Food is completely included. There are several 4-5 star restaurants. 24 hour room service. All the alcohol and soft drinks that you can consume. More fresh fruit than you can imagine. Dessert is always on the menu.

Amenities abound. Five to six separate pools. Your own beach with a bar right on the water. A full work out facility and spa (only some services are free). Entertainment every night including live shows. An arcade room, and even a kids club to keep young children entertained.

So far, it sounds like the all inclusive life is pretty posh.

What’s Left Out

Certainly not everything is covered. Certain personal items are not included (contact solution for instance). You would still have to find some type of health insurance and dental care (although being out of country you could get expat insurance for quite cheap).

There are always transportation, travel expenses, and offsite fun and adventure. Your clothing budget would still exist but be much smaller given no need for winter apparel.

But for the most part, the all inclusive life is just that. All inclusive.

Final Thoughts

Although a thousand dollars per adult per week sounds expensive. This is far less than we budget per year in our current lifestyle. Even if we added in a 30% premium for extra and unexpected expenses, it would still be a better deal than we are paying for now.

Keep in mind that the economics break down if you have to also pay for kids. This is more of a post college plan.

But with all said and done, on first glance, the all inclusive life sounds fairly doable.