Just Released: Our First-Ever Jetset Retirement Index

The northwest is renowned for its chic beach resorts… the south is natural and low-key… while the west is the beach-party destination, a hedonistic hub for drunkenness and debauchery.

All sorts of beach activities can be pursued here, from enjoying a massage in your private cabana at a luxe beach resort to observing rainbow-hued sea life while snorkeling to island-hopping in traditional boats.

But there are reasons to seek out life here beyond the beaches…

Sprinkled across the island are towns that offer diverse lifestyle opportunities.

The north attracts jetsetters, with glossy beach clubs, waterparks, and the airport close by (about a 25-minute drive). The south-central coast towns are popular with tourists. While the south is more residential. This area is ideal for expat families or retirees looking for a quieter way of life, with hospitals and international schools nearby.

There’s countless diversions to keep you entertained here…

The island’s Old Town, notable for its colorful architecture, is the nucleus of this unique culture. It’s a compact area but dense with riches like its museums, ancient temples, street art, markets, and buzzy cafés.

It’s a great place to sample local cuisine. In fact, access to delicious, healthy, and affordable food is one of the best things about living here.

Local meals can cost just a couple of dollars… or you can shell out considerably more for Michelin-starred experiences at high-end establishments.

Tap into the huge expat community if you want to build community. There are weekly get-togethers at bars, as well as trivia nights, volunteering, sports leagues, and networking events.

If you like golf, some of the world’s finest golf courses are right here, offering beautiful natural scenery and high-end amenities to deliver a spectacular playing experience.

Wellness is a popular concept here. Whether you want a healthier diet, a more active lifestyle, or to practice yoga, meditation, or mindfulness, all sorts of amenities are established across the island to support you.

You can also seek out safe, affordable medical care at the island’s excellent health facilities. Indeed, this country is one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations… People come from all over the world to have treatments carried out here.

As an expat, all of this affordable, high-quality care will be at your fingertips.

For older folks, there are well-appointed retirement villages and even assisted living-type communities as well.

A Budget-Friendly Destination

Living here is also budget-friendly and although its immense popularity has driven up prices over the years, for someone coming from the States or Canada, the cost of living is a bargain.

Renting a comfortable, two- or three-bedroom house or condo costs US$350 to

US$450 per month…

Getting around, whether you opt for local transport or ride a motorbike, is cheap at US$1.15 for a one-way transport ticket or US$4 for a gallon of gas.

Meals out can cost as little as US$3…

You can hire household help (cleaners, chefs, nurses, nannies, drivers, etc.) inexpensively. The going rate for a cleaner’s services is less than US$9 per hour.

You can still live an affordable lifestyle in this part of the world… A couple’s basic monthly budget here should come to about US$1,570.

If you want to enjoy a lifestyle indulging in the island’s luxury offerings and shopping at international grocery stores, you’ll spend about US$2,800 a month for two.

Sincerely,

Sophia Titley

Editor, Overseas Living Letter