For as long as people have known about the phenomenal, vast array of marine life in the surrounding waters, Roatán has been one of the diving community’s best-kept secrets. And even as more and more cruise ships found their way to this Honduran gem for thrilling day trips, the island has flown under the radar with the average Caribbean traveler. Well, that’s about to change.

This summer, Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa will roll out the red carpet for guests to experience and enjoy one of the best locations on the island. With a spectacular setting on the Iron Shore, the property will offer access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, begging everyone from veteran divers to newbie snorkelers to come explore while enjoying the stylish comforts of a resort that has been designed to pay tribute to local culture and the surrounding natural beauty.

With 119 rooms, guests can choose the budget-friendly simplicity of a 1-Bedroom Bungalow Canopy View or go big and bask in the luxury of a Roatán Suite Oceanfront Private Plunge Pool, with plenty of other options in between. No matter the choice, travelers can kick back and relax thanks to the calming, creative design and décor, both before and after a day spent exploring this stunning island.

And it’s not just the design that draws from the island’s rich history and culture. The four debut dining options each boast special perks and concepts that will not only please all types of foodies, but also remind them why this resort has been so highly anticipated. Alera is Kimpton Grand Roatán’s signature spot that will serve delicious Mediterranean cuisine made with locally sourced produce and ingredients.

Vos Café & Bar will be the all-day, one-stop snack shop for adventurous travelers on the go, and Sea Cat will most definitely be the place for beach bums who want to celebrate a long, fulfilling day with fresh ceviche, fish tacos, and tropical views for days. And for those visitors who love to watch the sun go down and the nightlife perk up, The Drop Off will have grilled seafood, craft cocktails, and plenty of live music.

The cherry on top is the Kao Kamasa Spa, which offers treatments and therapies inspired by the indigenous Pesh people. For the ultimate experience, guests can book one of the private bungalows, so they’ll feel like they have the whole place to themselves.

The post Kimpton’s Latest Resort Will Push Roatán into the Tropical Spotlight appeared first on Islands.

Read more: Why Move to Roatan?

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The post 5 Best Islands to Retire On appeared first on Islands.

Pristine beaches. Lush green jungles. Crystal blue ocean for as far as the eye can see. That’s probably the vision of the Caribbean you’ve held onto for so many years. A paradise free from fast food, high-rise hotels and the stress of the modern world.

It still exists today on the Western Caribbean island of Roatan. Here, the world’s second-largest barrier reef system provides a paradise for water lovers. Natural beauty mixes with new developments to provide a lifestyle that’s convenient, stylish and affordable.

Ready to pack up and move yet? Here are more reasons to make Roatan your new home.

The post Paradise Awaits in Roatan appeared first on Islands.

Eat for $1-$45 a day

Play for $0-$20 a day

The post How to Travel to the Bay Islands on $169 a Day appeared first on Islands.

Read more in our Ultimate Best Islands to Live On Guide.

No. 10 – Vanuatu

If you’re not looking to work or invest in Vanuatu, you just need a $3,000 minimum monthly revenue that you’ll be transferring to the local bank. Practically anyone can buy property, which often falls under a 50- or 70-year lease. And it is cheap. We found a four-bedroom beachfront house 45 minutes from Port Vila, for example, listed at $198,000.

No. 9 – Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Artists and writers thrive in its little communities, fueled by the colorful tropical life surrounding them. But since the island is so small (only 7 square miles), megaresorts have blessedly left Bequia alone. The island is perfect for dreamers looking for a flower-filled Caribbean garden where you can set up a canvas and paint a free life. bequiatourism.com

No. 8 – Cyprus, Greece

A visa can be secured by proving a $7,500 annual income for retirees. www.visitcyprus.com

No 7 – Roatan, Honduras

Islanders look favorably on American expats, and there’s a strong community of expats creating businesses and jobs. Lots of volunteer ops too. www.roatan.net

No. 6 – Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Retiring does not mean not working; it means not having to work. With lower cost of living than many parts of the US and a forgiving climate, this might just be the place to write the memoirs of someone who abandoned the mainland hustle and moved to the Yucatan at 45. Think about it over ceviche and a Dos Equis. A ferry ride to Cancun — and from there access to all of Mexico and world — varies the scenery. http://www.isla-mujeres.net

Another Central American option? It’s hard to argue with the convenience and affordability of retiring to these closer-to-home tropics. Instant and friendly community on Ambergris Caye, an encouraging government, English spoken, currency pegged to the US dollar (at two to one) — it’s also hard not to make lists when considering island retirement options this appealing. A lush environment jeweled with blue holes sets Belize apart as well. Moderate income qualifications make it accessible. Ready? http://www.belizeretirement.org

The Philippines government encourages retirement here for anyone who can sustain themselves. Low housing and other costs (even lower in Cebu than in Manila), plus a favorable exchange rate, mean that’s almost everyone. Cebu City is the Philippines’ oldest city, but it has modern conveniences, with beaches and mountains both close at hand. English is widely understood here, and the people are unfailingly optimistic. To join them, start dreaming. http://www.pra.gov.ph/main/why_retire

No. 3 – Bocas del Toro, Panama

The weather (lots of sun, no hurricanes); natural beauty; adventure, dining and entertainment opportunities; the air-travel convenience of a major international hub—Mexico City for lunch, anyone—don’t hurt Panama’s case as a top pick for retirement. The government encourages North Americans with various visa options. The islands of Bocas take all that to the water’s edge, adding secluded beaches, ocean sports and fresh seafood. Here your “car” might be a kayak, your house like your own personal eco-lodge. http://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/retire

No. 2 – Kauai, Hawaii

Work the garden year-round. Eat fish caught a few hours ago. The most rural of the Hawaiian islands consists of beaches, cliffs and agricultural land. In 2040 the life expectancy on Kauai is estimated to be 85. Pace is a big reason. Kauai’s population density is half that of the other Hawaiian islands, and people of all ages can put more miles on their kayaks than on their cars (driving fewer than 1,000 miles a year is common).

No. 1 – Malta

Take the world’s most coveted weather (the high-end Mediterranean kind), throw in a strong health-care system (lower out-of-pocket costs than in the US), sound infrastructure and stable economy, and you’ve got one great place to retire. Accessible history in a cultural hub, numerous outdoor activities (diving, sailing, cycling) and a calendar dotted with colorful public celebrations defy boredom. Also the island harvests giant, sweet strawberries — in January. https://www.gov.mt/

The post 10 Best Islands for Retiring Early appeared first on Islands.

Read more in our Ultimate Best Islands to Live On Guide.

Tonga

Vancouver Island

Tuvalu, Fiji

Lombok

Hvar, Croatia

Roatan, Honduras

Palau

Dominica

New Zealand

Florianopolis, Brazil

The post 10 Best Islands to Live On for Starting Over appeared first on Islands.

Vacations, in general, are expensive enough as they are already. Flights, hotel bookings, food, local transportation, [possibly] alcohol, souvenirs — there’s seemingly no end to the costs. So, when planning your next getaway, why not look at some of these all-inclusive island vacations to get the most bang for your buck?

There’s no shortage of packages to set you and your family or friends off on one of the best island getaways. Our list includes tropical resorts on a bevy of Caribbean islands, in Hawaii and even off the coast of Australia. From immersing yourself in the local community by fishing for your own food to relaxing in a plunge pool near the base of an extinct volcano, this list of island resorts is sure to have an all-inclusive package for everyone.

No. 26: Little Palm Island Resort (Florida Keys)

Only Here: It’s three miles from a U.S. Highway, so you can drive most of the way. Or swim over, like the miniature key deer sometimes do from nearby islands.

Why It’s On This List: Take a wooden motor yacht over to this romantic private island, and you’re totally disconnected. The resort has hosted presidents because it’s so easy but so shut off. It’s a five-acre jungle paradise with thatched bungalows and bamboo-lined outdoor showers that are anything but reminiscent of the U.S.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

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No. 25: Sandals Whitehouse (Jamaica)

Only Here: All leftovers go to surrounding farms, and more than 90% of the staff is Jamaican. So, every morsel of food and every dollar spent is helping the community.

Why It’s On This List: Sandals wrote the book on all-inclusives, so, although other resorts on the list might be lightly trafficked, they know how to create a clean, friendly atmosphere in a setting of huge pools, nonstop crepes and top-shelf liquor. The setting is rural Jamaica and safe.

Take a closer tour and check rates.

No. 24: Club Med, Kabira Beach (Japan)

Only Here: Guests at most all-inclusives are discouraged from leaving the property. Not here. Excursions take guests to pearl farms, old Japanese villages and even more remote islands.

Why It’s On This List: The property is at the center of a national marine park with some of the best snorkeling in this region of Japan.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 23: Royal Isabela (Puerto Rico)

Only Here: A humongous shower (with three shower heads) finishes off the exclusive nature of each casa.

Why It’s On This List: The cliffside views, privacy of a casa and natural surroundings almost overshadow the fact that Royal Isabela has, perhaps, the best golf course in Puerto Rico. The resort’s sign alongside the two-lane access road is barely visible, an immediate indication that you’re entering a peaceful escape at one of the best island resorts.

See why it’s one of Puerto Rico’s best hideaways.

No. 22: Travaasa Hana, Maui (Hawaii)

Only Here: Staying at Travaasa means you learn from the staff how to fish, sew leis, play ukuleles and give up your cellphone.

Why It’s On This List: For many travelers, Hawaii is about exploring, not staying in an all-inclusive cocoon. But Travaasa is different because it’s in Hana, which is a minimum of a two-hour drive from the county’s main airport in Kahului. The area is a throwback to old Maui, and the resort fits right in.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 21: Club Med, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Only Here: One of our editors went to Club Med to relax and wound up learning how to swing on a trapeze and shoot a bow and arrow. She also ramped up her volleyball game.

Why It’s On This List: With more than 40 all-incs lining a stretch of Caribbean beach on the Dominican Republic’s eastern coast, Punta Cana is the world’s mecca of all-inclusives. The Club Med Punta Cana is especially noteworthy because it has so many family-friendly amenities while also smartly offering romance packages for couples.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 20: Excellence, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Only Here: Somehow, the candlelit beach dinner at Excellence completely shuts off the rest of the all-inclusive metropolis that is Punta Cana.

Why It’s On This List: The Islands staff has stayed at more than 20 all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and, as one editor said of Excellence, “It’s one of the only all-inclusives here that genuinely feels like the Caribbean, not just a resort placed in the Caribbean.”

See more and book a trip.

No. 19: Song Saa (Cambodia)

Only Here: The resort works with the local community to teach sustainability, as indicative by straws at bars being made of ocean reeds.

Why It’s On This List: Cambodia is a rising, must-see destination. No place bridges the reality of the location with luxury like Song Saa. The wellness offerings include underwater meditation (don’t worry; it’s only three feet of water), rainforest walks and, yes, we’d say a private-beach picnic qualifies as a wellness extra. Oh, and take a look at this villa’s infinity pool.

Look closer and see the all-inclusive rates.

No. 18: Barefoot Cay (Roatan)

Only Here: Wake up, and stroll from your beach villa to this palapa. Jump off with a snorkel mask and fins. Come to life on the reef that surrounds Roatan and for some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Why It’s On This List: The private villas are built directly on the beach with open-air showers (no one can see) and kayaks ready to use whenever you want (no sign-up forms). Go for the all-inclusive package that includes boat rides out to epic dive/snorkel sites to help complete one of the best island vacations.

Book a package deal.

No. 17: Sanctuary Cap Cana (Dominican Republic)

Only Here: Island-specific bungalows and a castle fronting the ocean make this all-inclusive stand out from the crowd of resorts around Punta Cana.

Why It’s On This List: On the high end of the budget spectrum is a suite with three private plunge pools. On the other end are rooms for $150 per person per night. The rooms are not what we would call “low-end” living. For a property in Punta Cana, it’s rare to feel so isolated.

Check the updated rates.

No. 16: Kamalame Cay, Andros (Bahamas)

Only Here: The overwater spa is a rarity in the Caribbean.

Why It’s On This List: Andros is known as the wildest inhabited island in the large Bahamas group, with pine trees and lonely white-sand beaches. It’s hard to believe that it’s less than 10 minutes by plane from Nassau. Don’t bother packing shoes on Kamalame Cay: The Guest House entrance backs up to the beach, and there’s no such thing as a dress code — ever.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 15: Couples Tower Isle (Jamaica)

Only Here: The spa is consistently ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean.

Why It’s On This List: Jamaica is the birthplace of the modern-day all-inclusive, and Couples makes its mark with more of a romantic indulgence than a gastronomic indulgence (there’s that, too, if you want to partake). In line with that thinking are the sunset catamaran cruise, jacuzzis and a private island for what they call “au naturel” sunbathing.

See the updated rates and specials.

No. 14: Young Island (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Only Here: The Grenadines are where you still find uninhabited or barely inhabited islands. Young Island fits the region perfectly.

Why It’s On This List: St. Vincent is pretty deep in the Caribbean, but it still takes a Zodiac shuttle to reach Young Island (it’s a 200-yard ride). Some of the private cottages are on top of the hill, which essentially makes up the entire island. There are few places in the Caribbean as quiet as this.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 13: The Caves, Negril (Jamaica)

Only Here: This resort is built on a cliff. Private dining available inside the sea cave takes romance to a new extreme.

Why It’s On This List: It isn’t far from the fun of Negril, but most guests choose to stay put because of the views and unique ambience on and in the rock. Photographer Zach Stovall consistently ranks it among his favorite all-inclusives in the Caribbean.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 12: Fowl Cay, Exumas (Bahamas)

Only Here: Claim not only one of the few island villas in the Exumas, but also claim the keys to a boat. Go ahead and roam at your leisure.

Why It’s On This List: The kitchen is stocked with whatever breakfast items you order in advance. Lunch is prepared and packed by a chef so you can eat it whenever and wherever you want. Then finish the day with dinner at the restaurant at the top of the hill. It’s the high life in an all-inclusive package.

See the rates.

No. 11: Cayo Espanto (Belize)

Only Here: The Sky, Sand & Sea Exclusive includes a private-helicopter tour of the Belize reef and a five-night stay, among other bonuses.

Why It’s On This List: The villas are about as close to luxury, overwater bungalows as you’ll find in the western Caribbean. There are only seven of them on the island, so you could go an entire trip without seeing anyone other than staff and your significant other.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 10: Lizard Island (Australia)

Only Here: We don’t know of another resort that can boast 24 beaches and a position at the Great Barrier Reef.

Why It’s On This List: It’s all five-star: the suites, the meals, the property. But because the resort is Australian and on the Great Barrier Reef, the staff encourages guests to get out and take advantage of sights you might never see again. They’ll even pack a picnic lunch for an extra nudge.

See more about the island and updated rates.

No. 9: Jade Mountain (St. Lucia)

Only Here: Each suite (“sanctuary” in Jade Mountain language) has an unobstructed view of the Pitons because there is no wall on that side of the “sanctuary.”

Why It’s On This List: Once your breath comes back after seeing one of the best views in the Caribbean, it’s almost taken again at the sight of a private infinity pool. Soak with a cocktail, and take it all in. There’s no such thing as being completely inside. Everything is out in the open: the birds, the bed, and even the bathroom has no walls. But it’s all designed so the neighbors have no idea what you’re doing.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 8: Guana Island (British Virgin Islands)

Only Here: Seven white-sand beaches, 850 acres of hills and forest and only 30 guests total.

Why It’s On This List: Seeing the BVI like this is usually only possible by private yacht. Here, the ground doesn’t bob around. It’s rare to stay on a private island like this and see so many beautiful plants and so much wildlife. You know you’re in the BVI when the beach barbecue and crab races get fired up.

See more, including updated rates..

No. 7: Hermitage Bay (Antigua)

Only Here: With the changing water colors and views of the sharp peaks of Nevis, St. Kitts and Montserrat in the distance, this could be the Caribbean’s sibling of Bora Bora.

Why It’s On This List: With 17 sea-view villas on the lush hillside and eight beachfront suites, there’s not a single bad room here. The interiors are open and wood-heavy, which we now see mimicked in villas across the region.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 6: Petit St. Vincent (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Only Here: Room service is called by raising a little yellow flag outside your secluded villa. The food is delivered via cute little Mini-Mokes.

Why It’s On This List: It takes most of a day to get here because the island is tucked near the uninhabited Tobago Cays, far from the outposts of St. Vincent or Grenada. Inside the villa (more of a stone cottage, actually), there is no TV or phone. It’s a true escape. Bring someone special to pass time.

See more and updated rates.

No. 5: Four Seasons Bora Bora (Tahiti)

Only Here: The plunge pool on the bungalow’s patio is practically close enough to Mount Otemanu to splash water on it.

Why It’s On This List: Most of the resorts with overwater bungalows charge everything a la carte. The Four Seasons runs seasonal, all-inclusive overwater-bungalow packages. The snorkeling off the private deck is always included.

Check the current rates.

No. 4: Lily Beach (Maldives)

Only Here: A calendar photo come to life, Lily Beach offers overwater bungalows on a small atoll in the amazing Indian Ocean waters.

Why It’s On This List: The seaplane landing on an island only the size of two football fields is enough to make this a dream trip. It only gets better with off-the-bungalow snorkeling, gourmet Indian cuisine and sunsets that will make a grown man cry.

See the all-inclusive rates.

No. 3: Likuliku Lagoon (Fiji)

Only Here: Living rooms with glass floors and bathrooms with full views of the dreamy lagoon—constant reminders this is South Pacific living.

Why It’s On This List: In Fiji classic homes are called “bures,” so that’s what the adults-only beachfront villas are called here. And because this is supposed to be an immersive cultural experience, resort staff will show you what home is like, and locals will ask to take you to church. Or they’ll be glad to make music right on the dock.

See resort rates.

No. 2: Qualia (Australia)

Only Here: Open a wall-sized patio door to a private plunge pool, eucalyptus trees and the endless Pacific Ocean. This is definitely Australia.

Why It’s On This List: People who live Down Under know about Qualia. It’s a dream destination for them, too. The island is within easy reach of the phenomenal beaches of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

See the all-inclusive package prices.

No. 1: Motu Teta (Tahiti)

Only Here: When we say “private island in Tahiti,” we don’t mean it’s someone’s private island with 15 villas built on it. Yes, this is someone’s island. He bought it as a family getaway. But, since he only uses it a few times a year, he decided to rent it out, complete with staff, house and everything people once imagined of Tahitian islands.

Why It’s On This List: Photographer Jon Whittle has stayed in nearly a dozen resort bungalows around the islands of Tahiti. He calls this experience unlike any other. “You get to live the local life. Go fish for good; hunt for lobsters at night; swim with the sharks. It’s the complete experience.” For one price, here’s the world’s best all-inclusive.

See how much it costs.

The post Best All-Inclusive Island Resorts Ever appeared first on Islands.

If you’re dreaming of living in the Caribbean, then you should consider these island paradises: the best Caribbean islands to live on.

Read more in our Ultimate Best Islands to Live On Guide. | See where the top Caribbean islands rank on our worldwide Top 20 Best Islands to Live On.

No. 10: Cayman Islands

The incredible water is the source of most jobs on the Cayman Islands. Obtaining a work permit can be a bit of an obstacle course, so planning ahead for a three-month wait is wise. The job market opens up in September, when tourist season is just ahead.

No. 9: St. Croix, USVI

This is one of the Islands editors’ favorite photos of what life in the U.S. Virgin Islands promises. Hanging out with new friends and families on a little unnamed beach in a quiet corner of St. Croix, having a sunset bonfire. That’s the island life.

No. 8: Culebra, Puerto Rico

Hard to believe an island this close to mainland Puerto Rico can be so pure and sparsely populated. It might be too small to uproot a family and replant here, but for retirees, singles, empty nesters, people buying a second home … Culebra is hard to beat.

No. 7: Bocas del Toro, Panama

The western Caribbean is a relatively newer frontier, and Bocas del Toro has proven to be a popular draw for expats. The Bocas island group has never had a recorded hurricane and the U.S. dollar is the national currency, The number of bikes and footpaths are evidence of the laid-back choice of transportation.

No. 6: Anguilla

North of the French West Indies and just east of Puerto Rico and the BVI, Anguilla isn’t as far removed as you might think. Not geographically. But culturally it’s a distant outpost. Something healthy is in the air, water and food, because people here are known to live long.

No. 5: St. Thomas, USVI

Corby Parfitt was once a marketing director cramped in a San Francisco cubicle. Now he and his family live on the USVI island closest to the mainland, St. Thomas, because of a unique offering: Home Depot. That store has been essential for Corby’s business, a real-estate company.

In one word we can tell you why people move here: water. It’s beyond amazing. The most populated of the Turks and Caicos is Providenciales (aka Provo). Residency and work permits are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of business opportunities. Eight airlines offer nonstop service from the States.

No. 3: Roatan, Honduras

Don’t be alarmed by the negative press about Central America or Honduras in particular. The mainland isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be, and besides, Roatan is far away from it all. Until recently, almost all expats came for the diving (the world’s second-biggest barrier reef is swimming distance from shore), but now they also come for the weather and the cost of living.

No. 2: Bahamas

Armed with a decent budget, the most dreamy move is out to the Exumas where island ownership is in vogue. But those looking to live in a more civilized area choose Nassau. There are more business ops on Nassau and it’s the only hub for ferry and floatplane service to nearby escapes.

No. 1: St. John, USVI

It seems to be among the final three options for most people considering a move to the Caribbean. Being a U.S. territory makes for an easier-than-most transition, yet St. John has a pure island lifestyle: lush hills, pocket beaches, sea breezes to compliment the ever-present sun. The airport is in St. Thomas, necessitating a ferry over to St. John and keeping this new home a bit less worn than its bigger sibling island.

The post Living in the Caribbean: Our Top 10 Best Islands to Live On appeared first on Islands.

If you’re keen on the idea of island living, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of cons. Fresh, tropical fruits, soft, sandy beaches and unique, communal cultures are all part of the full package when living on an island. From prices for housing and local cuisines to distinct, cultural qualities, each island is different, though. Finding the right one for you can be difficult.

Luckily, the Islands team has surveyed expats, researched the costs and made scouting trips to the world’s most enticing islands. The result: our list of the 20 best islands to live on.

Travel Down Under to New Zealand for a true, au naturel experience (this is also one of the best places for foodies). Head to Malaysia, and put down a relatively small amount for a piece of an island in one of the most culturally packed places in the world: Southeast Asia. Looking to stay in this hemisphere, try Culebra, Puerto Rico, that’s just 15 miles off the coast of the U.S. territory.

Whatever your interests or wherever you’re looking, read on for our list of the best islands to live on.

No. 20 – Hvar, Croatia

20. Hvar, Croatia

This Croatian island straddles the line dividing “historic” and “trendy.” Villas with views of the sea can be found in the $500,000 range and up. Fixer-upper stone houses and vacant lots, on the other hand, hit a much lower end of the cost spectrum. If island fever hits, ferries head to neighboring, rarely visited islands daily.

No. 19 – Culebra, Puerto Rico

19. Culebra, Puerto Rico

Fifteen miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico is the tiny island with a public school and a year-round population of about 2,500. It’s quieter than Vieques, even. Flying a family of four to San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, and back to the U.S. can be done for a little more than $1,000, and the ferry to mainland Puerto Rico is only a few U.S. dollars, making it one of the best tropical places to live.

No. 18 – Vanuatu

18. Vanuatu

The laid-back lifestyle and need for very few possessions are huge attractions to people considering a move to these South Pacific islands. The island folks are among the friendliest in the world because, as photographer Jon Whittle says, “They don’t stress themselves with the things that occupy the western world.” Beachfront homes start as low as $350,000. The town of Port Vila is more mainstream with sidewalk cafés and an amateur expat theater group.

No. 17 – Penang, Malaysia

17. Penang, Malaysia

Relocating here is a relatively simple process because of Malaysia’s “My Second Home Program.” Deposit $90,000 in a local bank, and you can come and go as you please on one of the cheapest islands to live on. Major residential projects have been developed recently.

No. 16 – Ambergris Caye, Belize

16. Ambergris Caye, Belize

Life moves slowly on this tax-free, English-speaking island off Belize. Transportation is by golf cart or bicycle, but telecommunications are modern. There’s a fun night-life scene in San Pedro, and, as the town’s main sign says, “You won’t be a stranger for long.” Modern resorts offer real-estate investments. Belizean Cove Estates, for example, has a three-bedroom, 2300-square-foot, furnished, beachfront villa available for sale for $800,000.

No. 15 – Anguilla

15. Anguilla

Pictures of the island’s centenarian population line the walls of Anguilla’s national heritage museum, a positive sign for retirees. With enough beaches to visit one per day for a month, it’s no wonder people live to 100 here.

No. 14 – Bocas Del Toro, Panama

14. Bocas Del Toro, Panama

A solid expat community organizes barbecues and beach outings. There’s no minimum age requirement to be considered a retiree and collect benefits in Panama. We’ve seen jungle lodges (homes) listed at under $200,000. Want to get a taste of Bocas del Toro? The Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa offers villas, island lots, jungle lodges, residence-club units and marina slips in the most ideal setting one can imagine.

No. 13 – Mallorca, Spain

13. Mallorca, Spain

The cost of living on the Spanish island is less than it is in many other European population centers, with villas and homes available from around the mid-$300s. A network of exclusive (and costly) private schools offers British curriculums and bilingual language lessons. All of that said, you can elect to pay $20 million for a perch on a rock overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

No. 12 – St. Thomas, USVI

12. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Most flights into the U.S. Virgin Islands go through St. Thomas, which helps explain why it’s home to the most expats among the USVI group. The infrastructure is hard to beat, with major home-improvement stores (you’ll be a frequent visitor) and public transportation. The result is more jobs, too. And the airport means more trips from friends and family back in the States.

No. 11 – Palau

11. Palau

Most islanders speak English, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. Yet, your feet are far away from other population centers: 500 miles east of the Philippines, to be exact. Those who move to this South Pacific island group typically do it for the underwater adventures.

No. 10 – Philippines

10. Philippines

Yes, there’s still undeveloped, beachfront property available on Siargao Island in the Philippines. But more “supply side” real estate is in the realm of rustic homes and villas — traditional island life. One Islands contributor who moved here says he did it mostly because of the people: “Everyone is quick to smile, old and young, and that kind of attitude is contagious. You can’t put a price on it.”

No. 9 – Fiji

9. Fiji

The expat community on Taveuni is growing because of available beachfront property and easy access to the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. English is spoken in schools, but lessons in Fijian culture are central to the curriculum. Property with ocean views and natural settings are found in the $400k range, depending on the island — often with solar power and rain-water catchments.

8. Kauai

Beautiful American islands combining both luxury, beauty and relaxation are sometimes tough to come by. But look no further than Kauai. The average life expectancy on Kauai is among the best in the U.S., due in large part to the natural setting and fresh foods. The population density here is half of that on other Hawaiian islands, and many people drive their vehicles fewer than 1,000 miles annually. One of the island’s nicest, new communities is Kukuila, where home prices range from $2.2 million to $8 million.

7. Turks and Caicos

The majority of people live on Providenciales (aka Provo), including expats who have obtained residency by investing at least $250,000 in property. Eight airlines offer nonstop service from the States, and tourism has created a job market. For those who want complete solitude, Middle Caicos is three times the size of Provo but with a year-long population of only about 300 people (better have a job you can do from a really remote locale).

6. Maui

Maui is one of our top-three choices every year for raising a family. Children can grow up in an exotic culture but still receive an education on par with that in major American cities (or better). Field trips embrace nature: whale-watching tours, hiking and snorkeling excursions, to name a few. Being outside year-round has proven through medical studies to result in healthier and longer lives.

No. 5 – St. John, USVI

5. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John is the most frequently mentioned island when we ask our Facebook friends where they’d consider moving. Because it’s a U.S. territory, the transition is easier than most, yet the Caribbean vibe is strong (“the happiest happy hours and breeziest open-air lunches,” according to contributor David Lahuta). The island has 7,000 acres of national park and is notoriously hilly, which means a Jeep should be in the plans, making it one of the best islands to live on.

No. 4 – Roatan, Honduras

4. Roatan, Honduras

Away from Roatan’s busy West End, the main island in the Bay Island group is largely undeveloped. There’s a close-knit American expat population and a growing list of direct flights to U.S. cities.

“Expats don’t have time to rot in front of the TV,” says one local. Volunteering at places like the expat-inspired medical clinic bonds newcomers with other islanders.

No. 3 – Bahamas

3. Bahamas

It’s cheating to lump the Bahamas into one spot on the top-20 list. On a sparsely developed island like Eleuthera, entrepreneurs could find a niche (the place needs auto mechanics). Out in the Exumas, it’s a different world where high-rollers have been buying private little island spits for as much as $85 million (hey, it includes a house with space for 22 people and the boats are included.

And then there’s Nassau, the melting pot. As one friend says about her family life there: “Our kids are exposed to the whole world through their classmates at school.”

No. 2 – New Zealand

2. New Zealand

Away from the busy hubs of Auckland and Wellington are places like this: Mr. Nicholas Station, a working farm on the South Island. People who move to New Zealand’s more civilized regions praise the good roads, schools and health-care systems, but the biggest draw is the clean outdoors, which also means organic, fresh food and fresher air.

No. 1 – Hawaii’s Big Island

1. Hawaii’s Big Island

Combine all of the Hawaiian islands (Maui, Oahu, Kaunai, Lanai, Molokai and their smaller siblings), and the entire land area still doesn’t add up to Hawaii’s big island. Yet, the population is shy of 200,000, providing opportunities for a myriad of activities. One colleague who moved here more than 10 years ago says, “I wound up in a village called Volcano, atop Kilausea. To do it, I had to ignore the advice of more than few friends. I eventually admitted, ‘Yes, I’m foolish. Maybe I’ll come back to Earth in six months.’ I haven’t come down yet.”

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