Live out all your surf and turf dreams by relocating to the best tropical destinations for retirees worldwide. You’ll be able to balance exciting new experiences and cultures with moments of rest and relaxation.
Retirement is the time to rediscover yourself, put your interests first, and take advantage of your newfound freedom. Choosing to settle down somewhere new is one of the best ways to do that.
These are the tropical retirement places to make your golden years feel like a never-ending vacation.
Hawaii
Start living the island life by retiring in Hawaii. With multiple islands offering captivating sights, activities, and amenities, there’s much to discover statewide.
Maui is a gorgeous escape with volcanoes, waterfalls, and pristine coastlines. The Big Island, meanwhile, has a relaxed pace and is quieter than tourist hotspots like Oahu.
The Bahamas
Spend your golden years in paradise, also known as The Bahamas. The Caribbean country is famous for its world-class beaches, which offer miles of white sand and turquoise waters. You won’t run out of things to do in The Bahamas, making every day of retirement a fun-filled adventure.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Many retirees flock to the Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres off the Mexican coast. This stunning tropical oasis boasts soft, sandy beaches, world-class diving sites, and bustling towns. Isla Mujeres is an excellent place to move if you love spending time outdoors and plan to stay active in retirement.
Aruba
Aruba is a unique retirement locale as a Caribbean country under Dutch rule. It combines European influences and tropical elements in one stunning island. Though Aruba is relatively small, you’ll never tire of its striking views and warm Caribbean culture.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Are you craving a change of scenery post-retirement? Koh Samui off the coast of Thailand could be what you’re looking for.
After one visit, you’ll never want to leave this island paradise. Explore Koh Samui’s world-famous beaches, ancient temples, and dramatic mountains with your newfound free time.
Isla Colón, Panama
Isla Colón is an underrated retirement destination in Bocas del Toro, Panama. It’s a true hidden gem with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and picturesque scenery.
You can kick back and relax at a local cafe or get your heart pumping while snorkeling through coral reefs. Regardless, living in Isla Colón is an excellent way to spend retirement.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, a United States territory, is one of the best tropical places to retire. It has something for everyone, from historic landmarks to rugged landscapes and exciting cities.
The cost of living is also lower in Puerto Rico, helping your retirement fund go further. In Puerto Rico, you can unwind surrounded by lush rainforests and roaring waterfalls without blowing your budget.
Dominican Republic
Tranquility awaits you in the Dominican Republic, a picture-perfect country in the Caribbean. Retirees can hit the golf course, enjoy a spa treatment, and tour centuries-old buildings. The Dominican Republic’s unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience makes it an excellent retirement location.
Barbados
Barbados is a diverse destination for those seeking a laid-back retirement lifestyle. Food lovers can indulge in the island’s exceptional culinary offerings and fresh local flavors.
Adventurers, meanwhile, will have fun getting off the beaten path to uncover fascinating caves and fishing spots. If you want to unplug, many beaches are ideal for lounging in the sun and listening to the ocean waves.
Florida Keys
Experience a lush oasis without leaving the country at the Florida Keys. The southernmost point of the U.S. is less than 100 hundred miles from Cuba.
Latin American traditions have significantly influenced the area’s food, music, and architecture. Dine on authentic Cuban food in Key West, go snorkeling in Key Largo, or savor the peaceful Lower Keys.
Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands
Relocate to Saint Croix for a slower, more outdoor-focused lifestyle. While it isn’t as popular as other U.S. Virgin Islands, such as Saint Thomas, its quietness better suits retirees. The colonial architecture, vibrant nature, and rich cultural traditions set Saint Croix apart.
Belize
Consider settling down in the coastal Central American country of Belize after retirement. Belize sits between Mexico and Guatemala, featuring peaceful shorelines, crumbling Mayan ruins, and ocean waters teeming with wildlife. The warm and tropical climate here lets you enjoy its natural beauty year-round.
Honduras
Head to Central America to enjoy retirement in Honduras. It has an excellent variety of regions, ranging from mountainous coffee farms to Caribbean islands, to entertain you. Regardless of how you spend your time in Honduras, you’ll create priceless memories.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos comprises 40 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are full of hidden gems for every retiree, including colorful coral reefs and luxury fashion stores. Bring your retirement dreams to life in Turks and Caicos, an unforgettable spot that caters to all travelers.
Discover the best US places to retire
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
