For some, the ultimate retirement in the islands is in a far-off place with just palm trees, sand and water. But for others, it’s about finding a community. But the Caribbean makes it possible to find both: the bucolic, idyllic beach you want, with a built-in community. That’s where the Caribbean’s beach towns come in. Now, when we say beach town, we don’t mean houses on the beach, or resorts on the beach. We mean a proper town – with schools, stores, places of worship, restaurants and the like. They’re usually not big, but that’s part of their charm. But they do have a thriving. energetic center, right on the beach. These are some great beach towns to retire to in the islands.
Deshaies, Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago with two “main” islands and a number of smaller islets. But its large, lush Basse-Terre is perfect for a quiet but rich retirement. The centerpiece? The beach town of Deshaies, a hidden gem that’s equal parts fishing village and foodie destination. Long a well-kept secret for sailors, this town, centered around a bustling main street is surrounded by rainforest, meaning you can find the perfect villa in the hills with a view of the sea, too.
Bathsheba, Barbados
The funky surfing capital of Barbados is set on a spectacular stretch of beach on the Atlantic coast. And if you’re not a surfer, don’t worry; the surfers have cultivated a laid-back air here perfect for a retirement. And Barbados’ high quality of life, solid healthcare and luxurious vibe make for a terrific combination.
Grand Case, St Martin
Perhaps the best beach town in the Caribbean, this is a classic French fishing village with a view toward Anguilla. It’s also never boring, with a mix of mostly French expatriates and locals, and, most importantly, the best collection of high-end restaurants in the Caribbean. This is an always-exciting town with a very beautiful stretch of beach. It’s also a great place to spend long-term time if you’re cruising the region on a sailboat.
Tulum, Mexico
While it’s certainly developed over the years (and the real estate market is on a major upswing), this is still Mexico’s original chic beach town, with all of the qualities that has made Mexico a haven for retirees in recent decades: great food, warm people and a relatively low cost of living.
Trois-Ilets, Martinique
The main tourist hub of Martinique has made significant upgrades in recent years, turning into a rather charming collection of hotels and restaurants with a sizable stock of apartments to choose from, most of which have sea views. Martinique is one of the most developed places in the whole Caribbean, with European-quality healthcare, infrastructure and, well, French joie-de-vivre, making for an elegant, culturally rich retirement. And the area of Point du Bout within Trois Ilets is a particularly good place to retire, with regular ferry service across the bay to Fort de France offering a cosmopolitan Caribbean city whenever you want it.