Mexican Resorts are often pictured as idyllic paradises, promising sun-drenched vacations and carefree relaxation. For those considering working in one, the image might be equally appealing: a chance to live in a beautiful location, meet people from around the world, and soak up the vibrant Mexican culture. While these aspects are certainly part of the experience, the reality of working at a Mexican resort, particularly in all-inclusive destinations, involves a unique set of challenges and eye-opening truths that many outsiders might not realize. Drawing from firsthand experience, here’s a glimpse behind the scenes of the seemingly glamorous world of Mexican resorts.
1. Marathon Workdays Are the Norm
If you envision leisurely shifts by the pool, think again. In Mexican resorts, especially for entertainment staff, long hours are standard. My day typically commenced as early as 8 or 9 a.m., kicking off with welcoming guests to the pool area and leading activities like aerobics or lively pool games. These daytime engagements would often run until 5 p.m., followed by a brief two-hour respite before diving into the evening’s entertainment program. After the night shows concluded, the work often continued with preparations and rehearsals for the following day’s events. Consequently, my days usually stretched anywhere from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., making for workdays exceeding 15 hours. This demanding schedule is common across many Mexican resorts, requiring stamina and dedication.
2. Perpetual Positivity is Non-Negotiable
Forget about expressing a simple “I’m fine” when asked how you are. In the world of Mexican resorts, particularly for those in guest-facing roles, especially entertainers, the only acceptable answer is “excellent!” Resort staff are expected to be perpetually cheerful and enthusiastic, regardless of personal circumstances. Whether you’ve had minimal sleep, are battling a headache, or dealing with personal setbacks, maintaining a positive and upbeat demeanor is paramount.
The cardinal rule in many all-inclusive Mexican resorts is to always wear a smile. Guests invest significant sums for a joyful and memorable vacation, and resort management understands that staff attitudes significantly impact guest experience. A moody or unhappy staff member can detract from the overall atmosphere, so projecting happiness is not just encouraged; it’s a core job requirement at many Mexican resorts.
3. Mandatory Merriment Can Be Draining
A significant part of my role involved socializing with guests, accompanying them to bars and nightclubs, organizing parties, and ensuring everyone was having a fantastic time. While this might sound appealing, the reality is that “partying” becomes part of the job description. While it was rewarding to hear guests say I enhanced their vacation, the constant need to be “on” could be exhausting. Even after a grueling 14-hour workday, if a guest appeared bored, personal fatigue was irrelevant. The expectation was to jump in, initiate a party, and get guests onto the dance floor. Encouraging guests to have drinks and joining in, even when tired, was all part of ensuring the lively atmosphere expected at Mexican resorts. This aspect of mandatory fun can be both exhilarating and draining in the Mexican resort environment.
4. The 8-Day Work Week: A Real Possibility
While the standard in Mexican resorts is generally one day off per week, the reality is that this day off isn’t always guaranteed. If a colleague falls ill or if the resort is experiencing higher-than-usual occupancy or workload, days off can be rescinded. During one period where I worked for two consecutive weeks without a break, I was told by others that I was fortunate it was only two weeks. This highlights the demanding and sometimes unpredictable nature of work schedules in Mexican resorts, particularly during peak tourist seasons or when staffing is stretched thin. Flexibility and resilience are crucial for navigating the work-life balance, or lack thereof, in this industry in Mexico.
5. Modest Pay is an Industry Standard
Entering the Mexican resort industry, I was aware that the compensation wouldn’t be substantial, and the primary motivation was the experience itself. However, I was still surprised to learn that my relatively low salary as an entertainer was actually considered on the higher end within the resort pay scale. The majority of staff in all-inclusive Mexican resorts, including those in essential departments like maintenance, food and beverage, and laundry, often earn around $300 USD per month. It’s important to remember that these individuals are often supporting families on these wages. While living expenses in some parts of Mexico can be lower, the wage levels reflect the economic realities of the tourism and hospitality sector in the country. For those considering working at Mexican resorts, understanding the typical compensation is crucial for realistic expectations.
6. Guest Needs Trump Personal Needs, Including Meals
As entertainers in the Mexican resort where I worked, we were granted a lunch hour at the resort’s buffet, a perk not extended to all staff. However, even this benefit came with conditions. Our lunch break was contingent on the entertainment schedule being fully organized and, even during lunch, we were expected to continue engaging with guests. Many lunchtimes were enjoyable, providing opportunities to interact with tourists from various countries, learn about their lives, and even pick up phrases in different languages. However, on busy days, lunch was often skipped entirely to finalize plans for theme nights or rehearse for shows.
Furthermore, while entertainment staff could access the guest buffet, other resort employees were restricted to the staff kitchen. The staff kitchen typically offered very basic, and sometimes unappetizing, meal options. This disparity in dining arrangements highlights the hierarchical structure within Mexican resorts and the prioritization of guest experience over staff comforts in certain areas.
7. Natural Disasters Bring a Different Kind of Chaos
Mexican resorts are frequently located in regions susceptible to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes on the coasts. I experienced firsthand how quickly the focus shifts when a natural event looms. One day, just as my daily activities were concluding, we were informed that a hurricane was approaching and that we would be staying at the resort to prepare both the property and the guests. That night, every resort employee was involved in securing anything that could be blown away by the wind. When the hurricane hit, we sheltered with the understandably anxious guests, organizing impromptu shows and activities to distract them and alleviate their fears. The aftermath brought a week of cleanup, clearing debris from pools and pathways, repositioning outdoor furniture, and cleaning up mud and sand. Dealing with natural disasters is an unexpected but real aspect of working at Mexican resorts in certain locations.
8. Fleeting Friendships and Lasting Connections
The demanding nature of resort work, especially in entertainment, means that staff turnover can be high. Many employees don’t stay in resort jobs for longer than a year. During my time, it felt like I was constantly saying goodbye to departing colleagues and training new team members, even though my own tenure was relatively short. Despite the transient nature of the work, I made a conscious effort to connect with my colleagues on a personal level. Many shared their personal stories, past experiences, and future aspirations. The opportunity to meet and connect with so many interesting individuals, even briefly, was an incredibly enriching aspect of working at a Mexican resort. These connections, though sometimes short-lived in proximity, often leave lasting impressions and broaden your perspective.
Working at Mexican resorts is an experience filled with contrasts. It’s demanding yet rewarding, exhausting yet exhilarating, and often far removed from the stereotypical vacation image. For those considering a career in the Mexican hospitality industry, understanding these realities is essential for making an informed decision and preparing for the unique journey ahead.
