What if your rent-free, all-inclusive life at luxury resorts was just one clever travel hack away? For Elizabeth Shores, that fantasy became her full-time reality. After stumbling across a little-known travel opportunity, she exchanged her modest Florida apartment for oceanfront suites, chef-prepared meals, and morning yoga sessions at high-end resorts across the globe. The best part? She’s saving money doing it.
A late-night scroll that changed everything
In 2012, Elizabeth Shores was doing what many of us do at midnight—scrolling. Tired of the daily grind and a tiny apartment in Florida, she was itching for something different. That’s when she discovered Fitness Pro Travel, a platform that promised complimentary stays at luxury resorts in exchange for teaching a few fitness classes. “It read like a travel loophole that was too good to ignore,” she recalls. “And it turned out to be exactly that.”
The concept was simple but brilliant: instructors agreed to teach two fitness classes per day, usually in the morning, and in return, the resort covers accommodations, meals, drinks, and full guest privileges. For Shores, a longtime yoga enthusiast, it was a natural fit.
Turning passion into profession
Although she had practiced yoga for years, Shores had never considered teaching professionally. But the promise of a life lived between white sand beaches and turquoise pools was the nudge she needed. She swiftly enrolled in a yoga certification course and, within weeks of qualifying, was on her first contract at a five-star property. “It was surreal,” she says. “One day I was navigating traffic and bills, and the next, I was waking up to ocean views and teaching sunrise yoga on a terrace.”
The program does require participants to pay a one-time booking fee and cover their own airfare, but aside from that, there are few costs involved. And while there’s no paycheck, Shores says she quickly learned how to make the most of her new lifestyle.
Making it sustainable
To keep her bank account afloat, Shores picked up remote work in digital marketing—a move that allowed her to balance leisure and labor. “I could knock out two yoga classes in the morning, then be on client calls by 11 a.m.,” she explains. “It’s the ultimate work-life balance—except life is always at a luxury resort.”
This hybrid setup means Shores and her husband, who often travels with her, don’t just save on rent—they eliminate it altogether. “We haven’t paid for housing since 2015,” she says. “No rent. No utility bills. No random Target runs. Just our suitcases and a surprisingly strong Wi-Fi connection.”
Since going full-time with Fitness Pro Travel, the couple has stayed in dozens of resorts across Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Curaçao. Shores estimates that their complimentary stays would total over $100,000 in retail value. Some resorts charge over $1,000 per night, making the savings significant—and the lifestyle luxurious.
Life on beach schedule
While the job does come with responsibilities—mainly teaching two fitness classes per day—the time commitment is minimal. “You’re usually done by 10 a.m.,” Shores explains. “The rest of the day is yours.”
And she means it. Her afternoons are spent snorkeling, napping, exploring local towns, or simply relaxing by the pool with room service and a good book. “After your classes, you’re effectively off-duty,” she says. “It’s like living in a vacation postcard.”
But it’s not all leisure. Shores admits that managing remote work while traveling full-time requires discipline. “You have to be organized and self-motivated. But if you can manage a few hours of focused work a day, you can make it work beautifully.”
The community and the catch
Fitness Pro Travel has a tight-knit community of like-minded instructors—from yoga teachers to Zumba pros to pilates buffs—who share tips, experiences, and even trade contracts. It’s not uncommon to return to the same resort months later and run into familiar faces.
As for the catch? Shores says the only real hurdle is getting certified and embracing a flexible lifestyle. “You have to be willing to live out of a suitcase and go with the flow. But for those who crave freedom and don’t mind early mornings, it’s a dream.”
She’s even seen retirees and digital nomads embrace the lifestyle, proving it’s not just for 20-something influencers or hardcore yogis.
Advice for aspiring resort nomads
If this all sounds too good to be true, Shores is the first to admit it feels that way sometimes. But the opportunity is real—and it’s growing. Platforms like Fitness Pro Travel have expanded their offerings, and many resorts are now actively seeking wellness instructors to enhance guest experiences.
Her advice? “If you’re passionate about fitness and love to travel, this is your sign. Get certified, build a strong teaching routine, and start applying. You don’t need to be Instagram-famous—just reliable, professional, and enthusiastic.”
A new way to ‘Live the dream’
In a world increasingly obsessed with luxury and freedom, Shores has found the sweet spot between both. By flipping the script on traditional living and travel, she’s created a lifestyle that’s not just enviable—it’s attainable. “People think you need to be rich to live in luxury,” she says. “But sometimes, all you need is a yoga mat and a little hustle.”
