An Alternative Retirement Lifestyle Option: The International Inclusive

By Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Does living in the States just cost too much?

We realize that not everyone wants to own property even if they have the assets to do so. Some people might not want to tie up their net worth in real estate but they have cash flow upon which to live, perhaps to enjoy vacations and foreign travel. Maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in the States can be costly. You might still have a mortgage, there are home repairs and property taxes, the price for owning and maintaining a car is high, and don’t forget about dining out, groceries and entertainment costs. For a modest-yet-comfortable home life you can pay three to four thousand a month easily.

But what if there was an additional option to enjoy a more satisfying lifestyle? What if you could live, vacation or retire more affordably?

There has to be a better way.

We were introduced to a new concierge company that specializes in long term, mostly inclusive overseas upscale residences. We stayed in the one located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.The courtesy airport van transported us to our luxury lifestyle. Checking in at the desk was hassle-free as the clerks did most of the work filling out forms from the information in our passports. Up the elevator to the seventh floor we arrived at our spacious air-conditioned studio suite. Our 700 sq. ft. room was smartly decorated with black satin finish lattice work separating our large bedroom with its blistery white bed linens from the rest of the residence. Well-appointed teak and black colored furniture adorned the room and we had expansive floor to ceiling views of the city of Saigon on two sides. Black
glass and marble set off the stylish bathroom. The kitchenette was well stocked with a hotplate, microwave, blender, large refrigerator and kitchenware. The living room had a firm, mocha-colored pressed velvet couch, a 42 inch flat screen TV with English channels and an efficient office area with an executive chair.

Everything was here for us; all we had to do was unpack our gear into the full size closets large enough to store a golf bag, suitcases and more and then relax. Breakfast and lunch were brought to our room or we could visit their dining room if we preferred. Weekly massages, manicures and pedicures were part of the package and scheduled as we liked. Our laundry was cleaned and folded, air conditioning, cable TV, and Wifi in the room plus all housekeeping services as well as turn down service, were included in the monthly fee. We had a personal driver so there was no need for a car, and taxis cost $1-$2 depending on distance.

Plans are for future developments in Da Nang, Vietnam, Panama, the Philippines, Costa Rica and other locations with complimentary usage of fitness centers and swimming pools. Some will have access to golf courses, and beaches nearby.

What about an emergency or other activities? Believe it or not, within the first 10 days of my stay here I needed emergency dental assistance. Compass Living found me a dental office and sent a concierge assistant with me to help with translation, should I need it. My private driver delivered me and brought me back to the residence when I was finished.

Did we want a restaurant recommendation? A city tour? The front desk service provided us with a tour guide and our private driver dropped us off and picked us up after we were done seeing the sites.

All inclusives can be tricky
Normally, deluxe accommodations and features such as these are taken only as a short two week vacation and the bill with unseen extras slams your credit card when you return home. Generally, all inclusives can be confining with options being limited and costs such as resort fees and tipping are added on. What if you could live a sumptuous lifestyle like this for months at a time? What if this all-inclusive living had built-in affordability and personal freedom?

We were impressed with the simple system. There are no real estate or time shares to be purchased, no long term rental contracts, and no ownership headaches. Basically, month to month, one simply books their room and shows up. And once the other residences are secured and running, then you can go from property to property within their organization without charge (airfare is extra). So if you wanted a month-long golf vacation in Da Nang, Vietnam then a beach vacation in Costa Rica or Panama, your experience is seamless.

If you do not want to own property in retirement, this could be an alternative for you as a travel lifestyle, vacation or retirement choice.

Billy and I generally travel “close to the bone” and live locally but as we get older, comfort is gaining importance. And this couldn’t be easier. Everything mentioned above, minus the general hassle of travel runs about $4,000 per month for two people. And right now, there are discount packages available for military veterans.

If you would like to find out more about this lifestyle, vacation and retirement option to see if it would suit your needs, contact Compass Living at in**@Co***********.com and tell Vivian we sent you!

[Note from the editor: Billy and Akaisha have assured us that they do not receive any commission or referral fees from Compass Living, although the latter does advertise on the RetireEarlyLifestyle site. The Kaderli’s and your editor thought this post was interesting and wanted to share it with you. Photos courtesy of Compass Living.]

About the Authors:
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their popular website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible

Comments? Have you tried an inclusive living vacation for your retirement – or thought about it. Has anyone retired to Vietnam? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.