{"id":435612,"date":"2026-02-26T20:10:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=435612"},"modified":"2026-02-26T20:10:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:10:05","slug":"expatriee-parvient-vivre-hotel-cinq-etoiles-moins-cher-loyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/expat-manages-to-live-in-a-five-star-hotel-for-less-than-rent-435612","title":{"rendered":"How does this expat manage to live in a five-star hotel for less than rent?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Moving to another country to save money is no longer unusual. However, swapping a standard apartment for a five-star hotel suite for the price of rent is intriguing. Yet, this is the bold move of a British expat \u2013 @diamantelv on Instagram \u2013 who fully embraces her lifestyle choice.<\/p>\n<h2> A desired departure far from the United Kingdom<\/h2>\n<p> Known for her participation in the show &quot;Love Island,&quot; Diamant\u00e9 Laiva (@diamantelv) has decided to leave the United Kingdom and settle in Southeast Asia. On her social media, she shares a lifestyle that many young people dream of: she claims to live in a luxury hotel for around $500 a month, or approximately \u20ac420.<\/p>\n<p>In a video, she showcases her bright suite with a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and an unobstructed view of the city. Regular housekeeping is provided, freeing her from many household chores. According to her, this lifestyle costs her less than her previous accommodation in the UK. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" style=\"background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DRHyp2XAWNS\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div style=\"padding: 16px;\">\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;\"> View this post on Instagram <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\"width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;\"> <a style=\"color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DRHyp2XAWNS\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by entrepreneur (@diamantelv)<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2> Why such a low price?<\/h2>\n<p> The cost of living varies dramatically between countries. Some cities in Southeast Asia offer significantly more affordable prices than those in Western Europe, both for housing and everyday services. While the exact address hasn&#39;t been officially confirmed, some online commentators place the establishment in Da Nang, Vietnam. This coastal city is known for attracting expats and remote workers thanks to its balance of modern amenities, a pleasant living environment, and moderate prices.<\/p>\n<p>In some tourist destinations, hotels offer attractive monthly rates for long-term stays, especially outside of peak season. For the hotel, this guarantees a stable occupancy rate. For you, choosing this option can mean high-end comfort at a negotiated price.<\/p>\n<h2> Services worthy of a wellness stay<\/h2>\n<p> According to her posts, the price includes access to numerous amenities: spa, saunas, swimming pool, and relaxation areas. Diamant\u00e9 Laiva (@diamantelv) mentions several saunas and various wellness facilities. She also explains that she regularly dines at one of the hotel&#39;s restaurants, enjoying panoramic views of the city. The swimming pool, open in the evenings, is said to be one of the deciding factors.<\/p>\n<p>You can probably imagine the feeling: ending your day with a few laps in the pool, then returning to a spotless suite. This kind of content fuels the collective imagination. The idea of replacing a traditional rental with an all-inclusive package appeals to more and more people seeking freedom and budget optimization.<\/p>\n<h2> A trend driven by remote working<\/h2>\n<p> His experience is part of a broader trend: strategic expatriation. With the rise of remote work, many professionals are choosing destinations where their purchasing power is greater. Certain regions in Southeast Asia, as well as Latin America and Eastern Europe, are frequently cited for their combination of a moderate cost of living, pleasant climate, and infrastructure suited to freelancers.<\/p>\n<p>However, behind the inspiring images, there are also practical realities: visas, health insurance, taxes, and cultural adaptation. Social media often showcases the idyllic setting, but every expatriation project deserves careful consideration.<\/p>\n<h2> Between inspiration and reality<\/h2>\n<p> The reactions to her videos are enthusiastic. Many say they&#39;re ready to try it. However, it&#39;s important to remember that hotel rates vary depending on the season, the length of stay, and any negotiated agreements. What&#39;s possible at a specific time in a given city isn&#39;t a universal rule.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, living in a hotel offers flexibility and included services, but some may prefer the stability of traditional housing. Diamant\u00e9 Laiva&#39;s (@diamantelv) story primarily demonstrates that there are different ways to inhabit the world, depending on your priorities and strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, behind the suite with a spa and pool lies a reflection on the cost of living and the opportunities offered by certain economic contexts. It&#39;s an invitation to broaden your horizons, while remembering to plan each step with clear thinking.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Moving to another country to save money is no longer unusual. However, swapping a standard apartment for a...","protected":false},"author":8375,"featured_media":435613,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96338],"tags":[97759],"class_list":["post-435612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-voyage","tag-news"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/@diamantelv-_-Instagram-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/@diamantelv-_-Instagram-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/@diamantelv-_-Instagram.jpg","author":{"name":"Fabienne Baure","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/fabienne_baure-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":96338,"name":"Travel","slug":"voyage","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":96510,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares <strong>destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/the-breathtaking-spanish-islands-deserve-a-place-on-the-list-428164\">stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/where-to-travel-alone-as-a-woman-destination-ideas-439512\">safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n<p>A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/how-to-choose-the-best-airplane-seat-for-long-haul-flights-445787\">choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-outfit-style-tips-439251\">comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-suitcase-buying-guide-439532\">choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/internet-user-shares-a-technique-for-folding-clothes-to-optimize-suitcase-space-438775\">clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n<li>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/pregnant-women-and-air-travel-a-complete-guide-439580\">flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n<p>For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n<h3>When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n<p>Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/mode\">Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":0,"count":288,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":96338,"category_count":288,"category_description":"<p>The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares <strong>destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/the-breathtaking-spanish-islands-deserve-a-place-on-the-list-428164\">stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/where-to-travel-alone-as-a-woman-destination-ideas-439512\">safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n<p>A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/how-to-choose-the-best-airplane-seat-for-long-haul-flights-445787\">choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-outfit-style-tips-439251\">comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-suitcase-buying-guide-439532\">choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/internet-user-shares-a-technique-for-folding-clothes-to-optimize-suitcase-space-438775\">clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n<li>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/pregnant-women-and-air-travel-a-complete-guide-439580\">flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n<p>For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n<h3>When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n<p>Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/mode\">Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"voyage","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8375"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=435612"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":435652,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435612\/revisions\/435652"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/435613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}