What does owning a resort ask of the owner?

A resort is a business and a way of life at once. The setting is the draw, and it is also what shapes the job. Before looking at the figures, a would-be buyer should think about the life that comes with the property. The selling owner is the best source on that, so plan to ask plenty of questions.

The busy season

In the peak months the work leaves little room for anything else. Owners are often on call at all hours, greeting guests, solving problems and covering gaps in the schedule. If the resort is remote, supplies, repairs and staff all take longer to arrange. Ask the seller what a typical day looked like in the busiest weeks, and what they could not delegate.

Living on site and family involvement

Many owners live at the resort, which makes the commute short and the days long. Family members often help with the front desk, cleaning or grounds. If you are counting on family, talk it through with them first. Ask the seller who currently does what, and what would need to be filled by paid staff if your household chose a different arrangement.

Seasonal hiring and the off-season

Resorts that close or slow down must find, house and train staff each year. Off-season work does not stop: maintenance, repairs, marketing and booking for the next season all happen while the guests are away. Ask how the seller hires, how many staff return, and how they use the quiet months.

The rewards

Owners describe the setting, long relationships with returning guests and the satisfaction of building something. Weigh them honestly against the demands, and find out how the revenue holds up across the year by reading what decides whether a resort makes money year-round.

• How many weeks a year did you work without a day off?
• Which jobs could you never hand to staff?
• How do you find and keep seasonal workers?
• What does the off-season look like for you?