The Best Tropical Island for Your Retirement
By Ann Kuffner
By Ann Kuffner
The
sea and beach views are hard to beat. The island's surrounded by a
fringe of coral reefs, so the water inside the nearby reef is that
irresistible aquamarine color.
The
beaches on this island tell a variety of geological stories. Some are
composed of soft, golden sand, with wide, welcoming shores. Others are
awe-inspiringly rugged, demanding respect, as wild waves lash the
shoreline, breaking on outcrops of sharp, black, iron rock. Then there
are the shallow mangrove flats, calm and clear, where fledgling sealife
is born and nurtured.
In
parts of the island, steep, verdant hills roll down into the sea. The
mountainous terrain is diverse and appealing—the hills lush and green,
adorned with leafy oak, gumbo limbo, sea grape trees and numerous
species of palms... Vivid hued hibiscus, bougainvillea, heliconia, and
ginger grow prolifically.
Some
visitors are so taken with this idyllic scene that they impulsively
walk away from their existing life to move to this enchanting
island—it's a common story here.
No
one could tell me exactly how large the expat community is. But there
are many expats and they are an engaged, tight-knit group. At least 10
that I've met so far own and operate businesses. Some are retirement age
and just want to stay busy and connected. But other expats are younger
and want to make a living. More than a few say that the business climate
is friendly towards expats...
They
get together often. Some just hang out with friends at a favorite
haunt, like the popular coffee house we visited. Others enjoy water
activities daily, get out on their boats, go to the gym, play golf, or
take yoga classes.
There
are several distinct, popular towns where expats live and congregate.
Some are tourist spots, since cruise ships regularly dock here. But
others are low-key and off the beaten track. So you'll find a variety of
lifestyle options. Some expats have realized their dream by building,
or renting a house on a hill, with a glorious, expansive ocean view.
Others prefer to live on a remote caye—coming and going from town once a
week by boat for their supplies.
It's
possible to live here on a budget of under $2,000 a month, especially
if you own your home... One couple I met who own their own home spend
less than $1,500 a month. Spend $3,000 a month per couple (including
rent) and you'll live very well.
Despite
being a tropical island, you'll have no problem finding specialty items
that can be hard to get on some other islands. The stores are stocked
with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, a wide variety of meats and
fish, as well as gourmet items and health foods.
There's
an impressive number of good restaurants, and options. You can order a
full chicken dinner, with two sides, to go, at the high-end grocery
store for $5. Or you can indulge in chicken tangine dinner, at a
romantic garden restaurant, for $20. I found found high quality coffee
(beans and ground), wine, delicious local and international chocolates,
as well as some gluten-free products and specialty gourmet foods.
There
are some surprisingly affordable real estate offerings here, too. You
can buy a lot with a sea-view for around $60,000. And there are homes,
off-beach but with a beach view, starting at $200,000.
Prefer
to rent? There are homes with a glorious view renting for $1,200 a
month. But you'll find other rentals for $600 close to the water.
This
appealing island has been largely ignored since the 2008 real estate
crash. But we've been watching it with interest...and have named it the
best island paradise to live on in the world today.
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