20

bes∏
�islands�
∏o on
If
you find that when you travel you often think of never returning home, welcome
to the ISLANDS club. This thought crosses our minds in nearly every destination
we explore. What we realized when we researched this list is that plenty of people
follow this dream; maybe you will, too. If you do, send us an e-mail (editor@islands.
com) to let us know where you’ve gone. We might want to call on you for next year’s list.
A word about our rankings The islands that follow do not appear in any particular order. We

chose 20 nearly equally-weighted islands based on certain factors. The highest flip-flop rat-
ing awarded is a 5. We deducted points for rainy or cold days and fierce tropical weather. The
expat numbers are taken from the latest available census statistics. On some islands such data is
not tracked, and so we estimated using feedback from on-island contacts and tourism officials.

compiled by the editors

Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 47
 �Penang�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

f r o m t o p : r o b wa l l s ; c o u r t es y pe n a n g - p r o pe r t y. c o m ; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p l ef t: i mages tat e / j u p i t e r i mages ; r i se r / ge t t y i mages ; c r eatas / age f o t o s t o ck ; i n mag i n e / age f o t o s t o ck

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: (a light monsoon season) Expats to locals:
2:100 Houses available from $74,000 Population of main town, George Town: 600,000 Lan-
guages spoken: Malay, English and various Chinese and Indian dialects Percent who speak
English: 75 Get there from U.S. via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Penang is a 50-minute flight
from Kuala Lumpur. Closest hospital: George Town Price of a Tiger Beer: from $1.50
Ease of immigration: easy with special incentives in place 411: tourismpenang.gov.my

Penang, Malaysia The vibe Penang is exotic and tidy, an

island developed by the British as a trading post and now
home to a blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures.
From the golden sands of Batu Ferringhi on the north
coast to steep limestone mountains crowned by Chinese
temples, Penang is also geographically diverse. Much of
colonial George Town is meticulously preserved. A cause-
way provides easy access to the Malay Peninsula (directly
to the east) for those stricken with
island fever. “Moving to Penang
was the best decision I’ve made
What to buy so far in my 59 years of life,” says
Starting: Sunny three-bedroom British expat Steve Woodhouse, a
condos in Eden Seaview, a luxe de- former UN executive who retired
velopment overlooking popular Batu there three years ago. He was attracted to the ultra-modern infra-
Ferringhi Beach (Penang’s version of structure, world-class health care, cheap flights to other places in
Waikiki Beach); private balcony with Asia, superb food and multicultural ambience. Escape-to-paradise
sea or mountain views; 15-minute factors Dive into food to die for, especially from the street stalls; en-
walk to restaurants and shops; from joy a nice string of holidays including Chinese New Year, Ramadan
$74,000. penang-property.com and Diwali; and hike to secluded beaches, such as Pantai Kerachut,
Mid-range: Twenty-nine floors where hawksbill turtles nest. A perfect afternoon Soak up the sun
Clockwise from top left: above the sea, this four-bedroom, along the beaches of Batu Ferringhi. Browse the antique stores and
Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram 2,100-square-foot penthouse bookshops of George Town. Ride the funicular railway to the top of
(Buddhist temple); Kek overlooks popular Miami Beach; Penang Hill, then walk back down via Waterfall Road and through
Lok Si temple; a Penang $203,000. penang-property.com the Botanic Gardens. After living there for a year, what’s your best
beach scene; assam laksa.
Dream house: Chic ultra-modern living discovery? “The Tropical Spice Garden on the [north] coast road,
Opposite top: Cheong Fatt
Tze Mansion has lovely in Tanjung Bunga; almost 5,000 square Jalan Teluk Bahang, is a marvelous maze of trails that wind through
architectural details. feet, including four bedrooms, a the jungle, and it has an enormous range of tropical plants,” Wood-
private elevator and a living room with house says. Parties worth going to The Penang International Drag-
picture windows and balcony (shown on Boat Festival in June draws rowers from around the world and
below); $441,000. penang-property.com revelers from throughout Malaysia. Try it before you buy it Scope
Ease of buying a home: Malaysia out the island from the 19th-century Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, now
is one of the most expat-friendly a hotel, on Leith Street in George Town. Rates from $80, including
countries in Asia. The Malaysia My breakfast. cheongfatttzemansion.com — joe yogerst
Second Home (MM2H) program
provides incentives for foreigners
who intend to settle permanently.
Foreigners, however, are not allowed
to own more than two properties.

48 Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 49

 �Dominica�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: Expats to locals: 1:300 Houses available

from $147,000 Population of main town, Roseau: 20,000 Languages spoken: English with
some Creole Get there from U.S. via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dominica is an hour-and-45-
minute flight from San Juan. Closest hospital: Roseau Price of a Kubuli beer: from $1.10
Ease of immigration: easy with the Economic Citizenship Program 411: dominica.dm

Dominica The vibe An emerald isle tucked into the Wind-

wards between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica is an
oasis of national parks and forest reserves. Its flavor is a little
French, a little British and a little Creole, and it is less ex-
pensive than many other Caribbean landfalls. But the major
attraction is pure, green living. Former St. Louis, Missouri,
nurse Jennifer Miller and her husband, Roger, came to Domi-
nica two years ago and are now building their own house in
an ecologically responsible way. In
Dominica, you don’t need heat or
air conditioning, and there is plenty
What to Buy of water and locally grown produce,
Starting: Plop yourself in the middle Miller says. Plus the backdrop is glo-
of Dominica’s best resource: nature. rious. Escape-to-paradise factors
These eco-units are made from local With 365 rivers, you never have to visit the same one twice, at least

f r o m t o p : m i c h ae l me l f o r d ; c o u r t es y safe h av e n o ffs h o r e . c o m ; o pp o s i t e : m i c h ae l me l f o r d ( 5 )
wood with roofs designed to let you
sleep below moonlight. Trails lead to
natural bathing pools; $250,000. safe
havenoffshore.com
Mid-range: West-coast property with
twin cottages overlooking the Carib-
bean; both are one-bedroom with an
Clockwise from top left: open-plan kitchen that leads to a sea-
Victoria Falls; the old church view balcony (shown below); $357,116
in the fishing village of
Soufrière; La Robe Creole
for both. safehavenoffshore.com
Restaurant; a cricket match Dream house: Pont Cassé four-
near Rosalie; Freshwater bedroom villa set on two acres of
Lake. Opposite top: Red landscaped gardens in the forested
rocks at Pointe Baptiste. central highlands above Roseau;
views of Morne Trois Pitons National
Park and easy access to hiking trails;
$675,000. safehavenoffshore.com
Ease of buying a home: An alien-
landholding license must be obtained
from the government to purchase a
home on one acre of land or more;
the fee is 10 percent of the assessed
property value. There is also an ad-
ditional transfer fee of 10.5 percent of
market value on all property.
in your first year. It has an off-the-beaten-Caribbean-track feel, se-
cluded black-sand beaches backed by jungle-covered mountains and
the only community of Carib Indians to have their own reserve, near
the island’s remote northeastern shore. A perfect afternoon Hike the
Syndicate-Portsmouth trail on the northwest coast to an overlook
from which you can see the indigenous Dominican parrots called sis-
serous or snorkel with humpbacks, pigmy sperms and other whales that
hang offshore. After living there for a year, what’s your best discovery?
“The mineral baths in [the village of] Wotten Waven” in the Roseau
Valley near the island’s southwest coast, says Miller, “where you can
bathe in warm waters.” Parties worth going to Everyone shows up
for Friday-night happy hour at the waterfront Fort Young Hotel in
Roseau and the World Creole Music Festival each fall, when many
islanders don traditional dress to partake in dance, song and folksy
Jing Ping music. Try it before you buy it Scope out the island from the
Papillote Wilderness Retreat, five minutes from the capital, Roseau,
yet entrenched in a rainforest. Rates from $110. papillote.dm — jy

50 Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 51

 �Utila�
Best isl a n ds to li v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: Expats to locals: 5:100 Houses available from
$175,000 Population of main town, East Harbour: 2,000 Languages spoken: Spanish and
English Percent who speak English: 75 Get there from U.S. via Roatán, Honduras. Utila is
a 15-minute flight from Roatán. Closest hospital: Roatán Price of a Salva Vida beer: from
$0.75 Ease of immigration: easy with capital investment 411: letsgohonduras.com

f r o m t o p : cat h e r i n e ge h m ; c o u r t es y u t i l a r ea lt y. n e t; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p : r o b e r t b a r b u t t i ; m i g u e l a n ge l o / b i g s t o ck p h o t o ; r o b e r t b a r b u t t i
Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras The vibe What year is
it? A quarter the size of better-known sister island Roatán,
Utila is long and low-slung with wooded hills framed by
white sands. It is a place that truly seems lost in time. Its
culture blends aspects of Spanish, English and Garifuna in
a tropical, affordable paradise two hours from Miami. “We
made a trip to Utila three years ago and found an island
that was truly ‘old’ Caribbean,” says Dallas attorney Trey
Branham, who is currently preparing land to build a home
on the island. “My wife and I have
been to a lot of places in the world,
and few of them are as laid-back as
Utila. Add to that some of the best What to Buy
diving in the Caribbean and still Starting: A fixer upper: A 900-square-
very affordable prices, and you have an ideal place.” Escape-to- foot, one-bedroom wood-framer on
paradise factors “You can swim 20 yards off the end of our dock and a beach with access to a community
dive a reef wall that is between 140 and 200 feet deep,” Branham dock on a third-acre lot; boat access Clockwise from top: Cabana at the Laguna Beach Resort; a beach on Utila’s
says. Live the life Jimmy Buffett croons about in “Margaritaville” only; $175,000. utilarealty.net southern coast; “downtown” Utila. Opposite top: A detail from Utila’s main street.
on Utila. Strum your guitar on your front-porch swing as you watch Mid-range: Two-bedroom beach
the sun set over the Caribbean. A perfect afternoon Underwater! bungalow with loft; more than 2,000
Utila lies at the southern end of the largest barrier reef system in the square feet with 105 feet of beach
Western Hemisphere. Landlubbers can linger at La Piccola-Kate’s frontage; boat access only (shown
Italian Restaurant in East Harbour and order its homemade pasta below); $250,000. utilarealty.net
or sip gin-and-tonics in the tiny bar beneath the mamey zapote tree at Dream house: Er, an entire island, that
the Colibri Hill Resort in Sandy Bay. After living there for a year, is. The nearly 1.5-acre Diamond Caye
what’s your best discovery? “If you listen carefully,” says Branham, may need some infrastructure, but
“you’ll hear this lovely English accent.” That’s because many of the there’s a starter kit in place: a palapa
residents are descendants of the British citizens who came to Utila and cistern. It’s a 20-minute boat ride
from the Cayman Islands after the Brits abolished slavery. Par- from the southwest coast of Utila;
ties worth going to Attend the island’s annual Carnival (July) and $650,000. utilarealty.net
the Sun Jam music festival on Water Cay (August); frequent the Ease of buying a home: Due to murky
over-water Tranquila bar at sunset. Try it before you buy it Scope land titling, it’s highly advisable to
out the island from The Boat House, an over-the-water house in a hire a Honduran lawyer to guide you
neighborhood known as The Point. Rates from $135 per night with through the process. A number of
a four-night minimum stay. destinationutila.com/boathouse.html — jy U.S. companies now offer title in-
surance for the Bay Islands. Homes
(or land) with boat-only access are
generally much cheaper than com-
parable property with road access,
says Gary Howorka of Utila Realty.

52 Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 53

 �Pico�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

f r o m t o p : a n d r ea p i s t o l es i ; c o u r t es y p i c o es tat es . c o. n r ; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p : g r Ä fe n h a i n g Ü n t e r / f o t o t eca 9 x 1 2 ; a n d r ea p i s t o l es i / ge t t y i mages ; c r o mag n o n / a l am y

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: (mid-Atlantic weather, mild but foggy) Expats
to locals: 1:100 Houses available from $92,000 Population of main town, Madalena: 6,136
Languages spoken: Portuguese and English Percent who speak English: 30 Get there from
U.S. via Boston to the main island of São Miguel. Pico is a one-hour flight from São Miguel.
Closest hospital: Faial island, a 15-minute ferry ride Price of a Sagres beer: from $1.35
Ease of immigration: difficult 411: visitazores.org

Pico, Azores, Portugal The vibe Covered in farms and

forest and having some of the purest air on the planet, Pico
is one of the larger, lusher islands in the Azores, a mid-
Atlantic Portuguese archipelago of nine islands. A whaling
center in the 1800s, the island today is unspoiled and largely
undiscovered. This is the place for those wanting to reno-
vate a crumbling farmhouse in the countryside at an afford-
able price. Maybe you can make your own cheese or wine,
as locals do. “Ten to 15 years ago,” says Graeme Brown of
Pico Estates, “people here were still
living off the land and pulling oxen
around.” Some still do. South Afri-
What to buy can artist Odette Gaud moved her
Starting: Old, seafront five- family to Pico five years ago. “We
bedroom stone house that needs were initially taken aback by the honesty and friendliness of the
TLC. Excellent investment for those people,” she says. Escape-to-paradise factors Whale watch with a
Clockwise from top: Lagoa do Capitao and the Ponta do Pico; Madalena homes on the coast; seeking to restore a ruined farm- local guide; grow grapes in a lava-stone corral and bottle your own
Harbor and village of Madalena. Opposite top: Some of Pico’s vineyards. house in the Portuguese country- Verdelho do Pico wine. A perfect afternoon Explore the Gruta das
side; $92,000. picoestates.co.nr Torres lava tubes with a flashlight and helmet, then have lunch over
Mid-range: Two-bedroom cottage on Faial island, a gathering spot for yachties. After living there for
renovated in traditional Azorean style a year, what’s your best discovery? “The homemade ice cream at My
(dark stone walls, red-tile roof and Sweet Pico in Madalena village,” Gaud says. Parties worth going
white window frames) and located to Semana dos Baleeiros (Week of the Whalers) in the south-coast
far off the beaten path; property also village of Lajes is a celebration of local dance, music and faith that
contains ruins of a stone barn (shown started in 1986 but has origins dating back to 1882. Gaud also loves
below); $160,000. picoestates.co.nr the small get-togethers in the town squares where everyone comes
Dream house: Modern, four-bedroom together to drink, eat, gossip and listen to the village orchestra.
A-frame home in the country with Try it before you buy it Scope out the island from Pocinho Bay.
sweeping views of the Atlantic and Close by is the beach and ancient UNESCO-designated vineyards.
São Jorge island; large living room, Rates from $169, including breakfast. pocinhobay.com — jy
modern kitchen and a second-floor
balcony; $611,000. picoestates.co.nr
Ease of buying a home: Since
Portugal is a member of the
European Union, the Azores has few
restrictions when it comes to buying
homes or property, especially with
cash sales. Mortgages, on the other
hand, are more challenging.

54 Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 55

 ��Aruba�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: Expats to locals: 25:100 Houses avail-

able from $70,000 Population of main town, Oranjestad: 12,381 Languages spoken:
Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish Percent who speak English: 64 Get there
from U.S. nonstop from major U.S. cities. (Clear U.S. Customs in Aruba when depart-
ing.) Closest hospital: Oranjestad Price of a Balashi beer: from $2.00 Ease of im-
migration: moderate; lots of paperwork and patience are needed. 411: aruba.com

Aruba The vibe Just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela,

the Dutch isle of Aruba is anchored at the southern end
of the Caribbean, surrounded by sapphire sea and blessed
by desert-like equatorial weather. One of the globe’s most
cosmopolitan places, people of more than 79 different na- Clockwise from top

f r o m t o p : c o u r t es y a r u b a t o u r i sm au t h o r i t y; c o u r t es y c o l dwe l l b a n ke r . aw; o pp o s i t e : c o u r t es y a r u b a t o u r i sm au t h o r i t y ( 3 )
tionalities call Aruba home. Casinos, nightclubs and beach left: Picture-perfect;
hotels add a bit of glitz to a thoroughly unpretentious island Dutch-influenced
architecture; Palm
with residents who relish their economic prosperity and
Beach. Opposite
cultural diversity. “Aruba seemed to top: divi divi tree.
have the perfect mix of the image I
had in my head of a better way to
live,” says Chris Smith, a native of What to Buy
Maine who fled south in 1996. “The Starting: Three-bedroom ranch
weather is perfect, and there is an house in Pos Chiquito, an area with
opportunity to learn different lan- a secluded shoreline; ocean views
guages.” Most people on the island are natural linguists and speak from the patio and a garden planted
four different languages: Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish. with lime trees; minutes from snor-
Escape-to-paradise factors Exotic South America is only a short keling; $87,500. absolutearuba.com
plane ride away, and you never have to guess what the weather is Mid-range: This four-bedroom home’s
going to be like; it’s nearly always 85 degrees and rarely rains. Wild master suite has a veranda with an
parakeets fly through the air, and you really won’t believe how blue ocean view, spacious pool, built-in
the water is. A perfect afternoon Putter around in your tropical barbecue and covered patio (shown
garden or simply hang out at the shore. “Even after 10 years,” Smith below); $543,000. coldwellbanker.aw
says, “I still love every minute at the beach — the strong trade winds Dream house: Two-story, fully
and the color and warmth of the sea.” After living there, what’s furnished Tuscan villa with ocean
your best discovery? Secluded Grapefield Beach on the southeast views, state-of-the-art kitchen with
shore is where Smith has erected a beach house from driftwood all-new appliances and a kitchenette
and other salvaged items. “I bought a real fir tree from Canada here on the second floor; swimming pool
on the island and completely decorated it for Christmas one year.” and gazebo in the garden; $2.5 mil-
Parties worth going to Dera Gai (St. John’s Day) in June is the Ar- lion. coldwellbanker.aw
ubian equivalent of a harvest festival. “But Carnival is the absolute Ease of buying a home: Cash buyers
best,” says Smith. “Despite the intense heat and the aching muscles have a distinct advantage. “Obtain-
(from dancing), every single minute of ing a loan here can be complicated
Carnival season is worth it.” Try it be- for a foreigner,” says Tina Escobedo,
fore you buy it Scope out the island from an independent real estate consul-
the Bucuti Beach Resort, located in the tant on the island. “For starters, you
low-rise hotel zone steps from the gor- have to have 40 to 50 percent down.
geous Eagle Beach. Rates from $210, in- But legally speaking, if you have the
cluding breakfast. bucuti.com — jy money, you can buy.”

56 Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 57

 �Vanuatu�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

f r o m t o p : pac o g Ó mez ga r c i a / age f o t o s t o ck ; c o u r t es y f i r s t n at i o n a lva n uat u. c o m ; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p : se r g i o p i u mat t i ; n i ck r a i n s / s y lv i a c o r da i y p h o t o l i b r a r y / a l am y ( 3 )

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: (rains 100-plus days a year) Expats
to locals: 2.5:100 Houses available from $195,000 Population of main town, Port-
Vila: 33,700 Languages spoken: English, French, Bislama and other local languages
Percent who speak English: 80 Get there from U.S. via Auckland, New Zealand, or
Sydney, Australia. Éfaté is a three-to-four-hour flight from those Oceanic gateways.
Closest hospital: Port-Vila Price of a Tusker beer: from $3.00 Ease of immigration:
moderate with capital investment 411: vanuatutourism.com

Éfaté, Vanuatu The vibe Vanuatu was recently ranked the “happiest na-
tion on the planet” by the New Economic Foundation’s Happy Planet In-
dex. Vanuatu comprises 83 islands spread across the southwestern Pacific
Ocean between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. One of the main
islands, Éfaté, is a funky mix of European colonial relics, modern Australian
Clockwise from top:
Coastline near Port- influence and vibrant local Melanesian culture with a thick rainforest in the
Vila; Port-Vila Market center and coconut palms ringing the shore. “Vanuatu lifestyle is the best
on Éfaté; Mele-Maat I’ve ever come across,” says Kiwi author and entre-
Cascades; Port Havan- preneur James Coyle, who moved to the island six
nah Village on Éfaté’s
years ago. It’s a South Pacific paradise at a reason-
north coast. Opposite What to buy able price and with a lack of commercialization.
top: Detail at the Port-
Vila Market. Starting: Three-bedroom white- Plus there’s good Internet service, safe drinking wa-
washed bungalow with veranda near ter, friendly locals and a minimal tax environment.
the University of the South Pacific; Escape-to-paradise factors Within an hour’s flight
sprawling lawn and fully-fenced of Éfaté are tribal villages, lava-spewing volcanoes
tropical garden; $236,000. first and underwater World War II relics, including the
nationalvanuatu.com world’s largest divable wreck (SS President Coolidge).
Mid-range: Three-bedroom water- A perfect afternoon Hang at the Waterfront Bar & Grill in Port-
front bungalow on the outskirts of Vila with expat American owners (and former yachties) Don and
Port-Vila with access to a white-sand Donna, then lounge beneath a pandanus palm on the appropriately
beach; swimming pool, wooden deck named White Sands Beach. Break for lunch at the open-air Tama-
and wrap-around veranda; $372,000. nu, located just south of Port-Vila. After living there for a year,
firstnationalvanuatu.com what’s your best discovery? “Benjor Restaurant in Mele Bay,” says
Dream house: Don’t stop the carnival. James Coyle — or to use its proper name, the Officer’s Club at Ben-
The 16-acre private-island resort of jor Beach Club — on the site of a World War II American military
Erakor, a short boat trip from Port- officers’ club. The deck-top cafe offers all sorts of nouvelle South
Vila, is for sale. You could run a Pacific delights like raviolis stuffed with crab and spring rolls with
hotel or have the best home friends garlic prawns. Parties worth going to Have a sundowner at the Bali
could ask for. There are 21 waterfront Hai Bar at the Iririki Island Resorts & Spa on Iririki island, a five-
bungalows, a spa and one of the oldest minute ferry ride from Port-Vila; watch the Nagol ceremony, a land-
open-air churches in the South Pacific diving tradition (the earliest form of bungee jumping) held in April,
for approximately $7 million (shown May and June on Pentecost Island, a 50-minute flight from Éfaté.
below). firstnationalvanuatu.com Try it before you buy it Scope out Éfaté from the Erakor Island Re-
Ease of buying a home: Residence or sort & Spa, a short drive
retirement permits should be obtained (and ferry ride) from
before purchasing property or a house Port-Vila. Rates from
in Vanuatu. All homes and land are of- $264, including breakfast.
fered as leaseholds for 75 years. erakor.vu — jy

58 59
 �St. Kitts�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: Expats to locals: 5:100 Houses available

from $370,000 Population of main town, Basseterre: 13,251 Language spoken: English
Get here from U.S. via nonstop flights from major cities. Closest hospital: Basse-
terre Price of a Carib beer: from $1.00 Ease of immigration: easy with an economic
citizenship program 411: stkittstourism.kn

f r o m t o p : n i k w h ee l e r ; c o u r t es y s t k i t t s r ea lt y. c o m : o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p l ef t: p h o t o g r ap h e r ’ s c h o i ce / ge t t y i mages ; ma r c i a c o l e l l i ; b o b k r i s t
St. Kitts The vibe St. Kitts is half of a pleasant little
Caribbean nation called St. Kitts & Nevis. Shaped like a
drumstick, St. Kitts is one of those increasingly rare isles
that hasn’t been overrun by mega development and where,
in certain residential areas, no building can be built higher
than a coconut palm. Slow-paced and thoroughly mellow,
the island revels in both its natural treasures, like the rain- Clockwise from top left: Past and present are everywhere; the western coastline; the Circus at Basse-
forest around Mt. Liamuiga, and terre, fashioned after London’s Piccadilly Circus. Opposite top: View from Ottley’s Plantation Inn.
historical relics such as the Brim-
stone Hill Fortress National Park
(“Gibraltar of the West Indies”). What to Buy
“Liming is a favorite pastime,” Starting: Three-bedroom canary-
says American Laura Getz, who yellow house with white and pink
relocated her family to St. Kitts 15 trim and wood shutters; French
years ago. “Just hanging out with doors open onto a patio shaded by
friends and having a good time no matter where you are — the beach, bougainvillea; private path to the
at home or out at a restaurant. It’s not unusual for locals to stop their beach; $370,000. stkittsrealty.com
cars on the road and chat, holding up traffic. But there’s no road rage. Mid-range: Eighteenth-century,
No one would even think of blowing a horn; you just wait and eventu- three-bedroom great house; main
ally drive on.” Escape-to-paradise factors Old sunken ships are yet building is one of the oldest sugar-
to be discovered offshore, and one of the Caribbean’s dreamiest views plantation homes on the island;
looks out over St. Eustatius and Saba from Brimstone Hill. A perfect panoramic views of St.-Barths, St.
afternoon Hang out at a beach bar at Frigate Bay and play a game of Martin and Mt. Liamuiga; banana,
dominoes or bridge. After living there for a year, what’s your best dis- avocado and lemon trees; $850,000.
covery? “The Sunset Beach Bar on South Friars Beach,” Getz says. She stkittsrealty.com
spends her afternoons here lounging on a beach chair, having drinks Dream house: Five-bedroom mansion
and enjoying lobster and rice. “They also have monthly bonfires dur- with stunning views of the ocean;
ing the full moon.” Parties worth going to Almost every night you can great room with 25-foot-high ceilings
party at the Turtle Beach Bar & Grill and Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack bar; and oversized rafters (shown be-
the local fishing tournaments low); $2.65 million. stkittsrealty.com
are a big deal; and J’ouvert on Ease of buying a home: An alien-
December 26 (Boxing Day) landholder license is necessary in
is a large street festival during most cases, issued free of charge in
the St. Kitts carnival season. expat-heavy areas like Frigate Bay
Try it before you buy it Scope and South East Peninsula, or at 10
out the island from Timothy percent of assessed property value
Beach Resort on Frigate Bay; elsewhere. Expect a three-month
some rooms open directly onto wait for it. Local attorney fees will
the beach. Rates from $99. amount to around two percent of
timothybeachresort.com — jy total purchase price.

60 61
 �NewZealand�
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: (Temperatures dip below 70.) Expats

to locals: 17:100 Houses available from $150,000 Population of main towns, Napier
and Hastings: 53,600; 67,500 Language spoken: English with some Maori Get there
from U.S. via Auckland, New Zealand. Hawke’s Bay is a one-hour flight from Auckland.
Closest hospital: Napier Price of a Lion Red beer: from $4.40 Ease of immigration:

f r o m t o p : f o t o s h o o t / a l am y; c o u r t es y t r ema i n s . c o. n z ; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p l ef t: dav i d wa l l ; g r eg p r o b s t; B r u ce m . je n k i n s ; c h r i s mc l e n n a n / a l am y

easy due to the Skilled Migrant Immigration Process 411: newzealand.com

hawke’s bay, North island, new zealand The vibe Napa

Valley meets Down Under: Perched on the eastern edge of North
Island, Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest winemaking region
with sandy beaches and green hills as well as a thriving arts scene.
Napier, the bay area’s paramount city, is known as the Art Deco
capital of the world. The region also has its fair share of Maori
culture. “Growing up in California we wanted to continue that
laid-back beach lifestyle,” says Cornel Walewski, a San Jose na-
Clockwise from top left: Take
Five Restaurant and Jazz Bar tive who moved to New Zealand seven years ago. “And we found
in Hawke’s Bay; Cathedral Hawke’s Bay quite similar in that respect. Napier was big enough
Cove on the Coromandel to have all our living necessities but small enough to retain that
Peninsula; Art-Deco detail small-town atmosphere. But I suppose the main reason is that
in Napier; view from Te Mata both my wife and I are keen enthusiasts of the Art Deco era.”
Peak, Hawke’s Bay. Opposite
top: Evening view of vineyards Escape-to-paradise factors Enjoy unlimited supplies of the
in Hawke’s Bay. world’s best chardonnay and syrah, farmers markets and handmade cheeses in one of the sun-
niest regions of New Zealand, plus plenty of artsy small-town soirees like the outdoor concerts
at the Black Barn Vineyards set in unspoiled, perfectly green coun-
tryside. A perfect afternoon Linger at Napier’s sidewalk cafes, cycle
between various wineries, browse the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market
What to buy in Hastings or perfect your latest outdoor adventure activity. (How
Starting: Cozy two-bedroom cottage about paragliding?) After living there for a year, what’s your best dis-
on a quiet tree-lined street on Napier’s covery? “The Pathway!” says Walewski, who walks it, jogs it and bikes
Hospital Hill; French doors lead to an it, stopping at all the happenings along the way. “The Rotary Pathway
open veranda; $228,045. tremains.co.nz right along the ocean goes on for miles all around Napier, complete
Mid-range: Funky, 1970s-style with park benches, bike racks and water fountains.” Parties worth
four-bedroom home on the beach going to Make time for the Geon Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend
in Napier; large entertainment area in Napier in February, Harvest Hawke’s Bay festival, also in February,
and saltwater pool (shown below); and the Edible Arts Fest in March. Walewski especially likes the Art
$346,821. tremains.co.nz Deco fest and “dressing up in clothes from that era, dancing to its
Dream house: Five-bedroom house, jazz, driving around in vintage cars and living life to the ‘no worries’
circa-1910, with sea views on Napier’s tune of the 1930s.” Try it before you buy it Scope out the east coast of
Bluff Hill; Marseille-tiled roof, four North Island from The County Hotel, a restored Art Deco building
fireplaces, a farm-style kitchen with close to wine country, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean-like
open fire and New Zealand native climate. Rates from $205. countyhotel.co.nz — jy
timbers throughout for $471,887.
tremains.co.nz
Ease of buying a home: There
are virtually no restrictions on
foreign ownership.

62 63
 ��Taveuni��
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: Expats to locals: 1:200 Houses available

from under $200,000 Population of main town, Naqara: 800 Languages spoken: English,
Fijian and Hindi Percent who speak English: 99 Get there from U.S. via Auckland, New
Zealand. Viti Levu is a three-hour flight from Auckland, and Taveuni is another hour-and-
10-minute flight from Viti Levu. Closest hospital: Taveuni Price of a Fiji Gold beer: from

f r o m t o p : c h r i s a . c r u m l e y / a l am y; c o u r t es y ca r y s t e i n ; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p : e t h a n g o r d o n ; ga r y b e l l / o cea n w i de i mages . c o m ( 2 ) ; a n de r s ca r l ss o n

$2.50 Ease of immigration: medium 411: bulafiji.com

taveuni, fiji The vibe Gauguin’s tropical nirvana comes

to life in Taveuni, long called the “Garden Island” due to
its lush vegetation and rich volcanic soil. It retains a bygone
innocence that has faded in other parts of Fiji, a sprawl-
ing archipelago with more than 333 islands; Taveuni is part of
the nation’s northern chain. The big island of Viti Levu is an
hour’s flight from Taveuni, but you’ll find modern conveniences
without all the flying time on Fiji’s
second-largest island, Vanua Levu, and
in its bustling main town of Savusavu,
which is just a ferry-ride away. Jungle- What to Buy Clockwise from top:
covered mountains make the interior Starting: Much of Fiji’s available Taveuni from above;
of Taveuni uninhabitable but a para- stock is freehold, so people commonly some of the world’s
dise for trekkers and bird watchers. build rather than buy houses. Prices best diving; fresh
Somosomo Strait off the west coast is one of the South Pacific’s start at around $50,000 for five acres garden vegetables;
Taveuni’s west coast.
most extraordinary dive sites. Many of the 100 or so expats are near the beach.
actively involved in helping local people, says Ronna Goldstein, Mid-range: One-bedroom cottage a
a native New Englander who moved to the island 17 years ago. short walk to the beach with ocean
“Back in the States you can send a check off to some charity, but views and a lush tropical garden with
you don’t get to see the results on a daily basis like you do here.” mango, papaya, coconut, banana,
Escape-to-paradise factors You’ll find an airstrip rather than an breadfruit, avocado and orange trees
airport, only a few short sections of paved road and world-class for $185,000. taveunirealestate.com
dive sites like Rainbow Reef and The Edge in your backyard. A Dream house: Two-bedroom water-
perfect afternoon Munch the island’s best pizza at Tramontu’s Bar front bungalow with hardwood floors
and Grill; hike to the bottom of 600-foot Bouma Falls for a swim and a covered deck; open-plan living,
in cool mountain water or walk the trail to secluded Lavena Beach. dining and kitchen areas; close to
After living there for a year, what’s your best discovery? “Audrey’s restaurants and a general store;
Sweets Shoppe,” says Cary Stein, a Californian who built a house $525,000. taveunirealestate.com
on Taveuni three years ago. “Audrey is an American woman who Ease of buying a home: Fiji’s real
has lived on the island for around 15 years.” Her specialties include estate market is still relatively unreg-
pies, homemade coffee liqueur and chocolate fudge cake. Parties ulated; foreigners can buy land and
worth going to During Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights (Oc- homes but should proceed with cau-
tober or November), Indian residents decorate their homes with tion. Less than 10 percent of land is
electric lights and candles. Try it before you buy it Scope out the available freehold, but Taveuni has a
island from the Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages. Rates from higher percentage than other islands.
$155, including breakfast. coconutgrovefiji.com — jy Settling in can be a long, frustrat-
ing process. “They tell you it’s easy,”
says Goldstein, “and three years later
you’re still waiting for a title.”

64 Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 65
 �Long Island�
Best isl a n ds to li v e on

Facts of life Flip-flop quotient: Expats to locals: 1:100 Houses avail-

able from $258,000 Population of main town, Deadman’s Cay: 200 Language spoken:
English Get there from U.S. via Nassau, Bahamas. Long Island is a one-hour flight
from Nassau. Closest hospital: Nassau Price of Kalik beer: from $3.00 Ease of im-
migration: easy with capital investment 411: bahamas.com

f r o m t o p : h au se r / age f o t o s t o ck ; c o u r t es y k n o w l es r ea lt y. c o m ; o pp o s i t e , c l o ckw i se f r o m t o p : jad dav e n p o r t; c o u r t es y b a h amas m i n i s t r y o f t o u r i sm ( 2 )

Long Island, Bahamas The vibe Eighty miles long and no more
than four miles wide, Long Island lives up to its name. Some believe
that Long Island may have been Columbus’ first landfall in the New
World. The island lies almost dead center in the Bahamian archipel-
ago, just east of Exuma. Despite a recent influx of expats, it remains
an old-school isle of farming, fishing and boat-building. Queen’s
Highway, which runs the length of the island, is a meandering rib-
bon of asphalt that runs between the swank Stella Maris Resort Club
in the north and isolated villages in the south
where the modern world has yet to set foot.
“It’s a tough life, but someone has to do it,”
What To Buy says resident Joanna Molin, who 16 years ago
Starting: Two-bedroom house near traded snowy Ontario for sunny Long Island. “My husband and I
Clockwise from top: Stella Maris Resort Club with views have been to a number of other Bahamian islands and never felt
Aerial view of Long over the Atlantic and Exuma Bank; as welcomed and comfortable as here on Long Island.” Other fac-
Island; St. Andrews roofed porch/cabana; nearby ma- tors that tip the balance in favor of Long Island for Molin include
Church in Wemyss;
rina, restaurants and tennis courts; interesting bars and restaurants and less-trodden back roads that
Cape Santa Maria
caves. Opposite top: $295,000. knowlesrealty.com lead to colonial ruins and secluded beaches. Escape-to-paradise
Cape Santa Maria Mid-range: Two-bedroom house with factors There is no personal income tax, capital gains tax, sales tax,
Beach Resort. open-plan kitchen, a wide, covered or inheritance tax, and very low probate fees. Buy a boat; local ar-
balcony and panoramic views; close tisans will craft you a custom-designed sloop. A perfect afternoon
to Dean’s Blue Hole (shown below); Kayak the north-end sea caves; play a rousing game of bocce ball
$440,000. knowlesrealty.com on the back lawn; or swim through your own secluded cove. After
Dream house: Three-bedroom house living there for a year, what’s your best discovery? “The geography,”
overlooking a cove; sunset views from says Molin. “So many contrasts. Dramatic white cliffs overlooking
bluff-top location; water access, in- pounding waves on the Atlantic side and quiet white-sand beaches
cluding boat mooring and gazebo with on the west side.” Molin likes visiting Wilk Cay on the Atlantic side
barbecue; semi-furnished main house for great beach walks. “You can walk for hours from one beach to
and separate guesthouse/studio; $2.2 the next, hiking over little hills. The shelling is good, too.” Parties
million. coldwellbankerbahamas.com worth going to Say yes to any invitation to a pig roast, and the an-
Ease of buying a home: Non-citizens nual Long Island Regatta in May or June. “Regatta is a time of spec-
purchasing homes (for single-family tacular sailing, impromptu parties and lots of good old Bahamian
use) on less than five acres need to rake ’n scrape music,” Molin
register their purchase with the gov- says. “And always lots of good
ernment, but that’s about the extent of food and drink!” Try it be-
red tape. “Any more (than five acres) fore you buy it Scope out the
and they must be approved by the island from the Stella Maris
Bahamian Investment Board,” says Resort Club near the North
Jeannette Knowles, Long Island spe- End. Rates from $155. stella
cialist for Coldwell Banker Bahamas. marisresort.com — jy

66 67

Union island, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines
Flip-flop quotient: 5 Expats to locals:
4:100 Houses available from $245,000
Population of main town, Clifton: 1,500
Language spoken: English Get there
from U.S. via San Juan, Puerto Rico.
From San Juan it’s a two-hour-and-
twenty-minute flight to St. Vincent and
then a 15-minute flight to Union island.
Closest hospital: St. Vincent (Clifton
has a clinic.) Price of a Hairoun beer:
from $1.50 Ease of immigration: mod-
erate with a capital investment 411:
svgtourism.com
The vibe Colorful houses are scattered
randomly across the hills like marbles
tossed in the grass, and funky villages
cascade downhill to
a..perfectly..invit-
Current listing:
Six-bedroom house ing blue sea. This
in a neighborhood could be you Ken-
in the suburbs of neth Reece moved
Clifton with ocean from California to
views in the dis-
Union island seven
tance for $245,000.
aisvg.com m o n t h s . a g o. . He
lives on the north
side of the island in a luxury apartment
in the hotel he owns, called Bigsand, and
is planning to start construction on a
beachfront villa also on the north coast.
What’s your best discovery? “There’s
a view point on the island called Fort
Hill from where you have a splen-
did view over the ocean and big parts
of the island.” Move-in advice “First,
find a good local attorney with experi-
ence handling real-estate cases. Second,
68
Best isl a n ds to l i v e on
b y am y casse l l a n d K e l l y Lack Far left to right: Puna, Big Island; Union island, St.Vincent and the Grenadines; Cedar Key, Florida; Isla Colón, Panamá; Norfolk Island, Australia
f r o m l ef t: f r a n c o sa l m o i r ag h i / p h o t o r es o u r ce h awa i i ; am o s n ac h o u m / c o r b i s ; b e r n h a r d l i m b e r ge r / a l am y; s t e v e macau l ay; cat h e r i n e ka r n o w / c o r b i s
have your designers and architects work It’s unbelievably gorgeous. To me, this What’s your best discovery? “You’ll along the fringe of of titled (freehold) property is limited
with someone who has experience with is one of the best local adventures.” find the best coffee on the island at the remote coastal 411: visitpanama.com
Current listing:
construction on Union. For example, Move-in advice “We have a remark- The Olive, a cafe in the village in the Three-bedroom marsh called Mc-
house, with wood
you cannot use the sand from Union able melting pot of people here with town of Burnt Pine.” Move-in advice Clamory Key I The vibe The laid-back main island of
floors in living
in foundations, which you would never great ethnic diversity. Remember who “Pack your things very well, as your area, ceramic tile bring ecotours to Panamá’s Bocas del Toro archipelago,
know without local knowledge.” you are, but embrace the local culture. household items will come ashore on a in kitchen and this site on a regu- east of Panamá’s thin curve of belly, Isla
Learn some of the local ways and adopt row boat. Norfolk Island has no harbor baths, and a deck lar basis. Here hun- Colón has a few nice bars and restau-
aina, or appreciation for the land.” or barge. And bring a kayak. The wa- that overlooks Gulf dreds,.sometimes rants..and..insane
Big Island, Hawaiian ters are pristine and spectacular.” waters to the east;
thousands, of birds amounts of nature
Islands, USA $249,000. pelican-
gather on the high
Current listing:
at your fingertips,
Norfolk Island
realty.com Two-bedroom,
Flip-flop quotient: 3 (large amounts tide each day. Along both above and un-
Cedar Key, Florida, USA
3,000-square-foot
of rain on east coast) Expats (not Flip-flop quotient: 4 (drops to 60 de- with large numbers of common shore luxury house a der the water. This
born in the Hawaiian Islands) to locals: grees in winter) Expats to locals: 39:100 Flip-flop quotient: 3.5 (temperatures birds, there are usually some fairly stone’s throw from could be you Bob and
swimming and boat- Donna Black, origi-
40:100 Houses available from mid to Houses available from high $100,000s can drop in fall/winter) Expats (not rare birds, such as long-billed curlews,
ing off your beach;
high $100,000s Population of main Population of Norfolk Island: 2,523 born in Cedar Key) to locals: 12:100 red knots, oyster catchers and several 10 minutes by car or nally from Michi-
town, Hilo: 45,000 Language spoken: Language spoken: English Get there Houses available from $200,000 Popula- species of plovers.” Move-in advice boat to the town of ga n,..have..lived
English Get there from U.S. non- from U.S. via Sydney. It’s a 70-minute tion of main town, the city of Cedar Key: “Think slow. Don’t bother to rise early Bocas; $385,000. permanently in the
stop Closest hospital: Hilo Price flight from Sydney to Norfolk. Closest 900 Language spoken: English Closest and go to town to get a jump-start on bocasdeltoro.net Bocas del Toro ar-
of Kona Brewing Company beer: from hospital: the town of Burnt Pine Price airport: Gainesville. Cedar Key is a one- the day. You’ll be the only one there. If chipelago for five
$3.80 411: bigisland.org of a Beesting beer: from $2.00 Ease of hour drive from Gainesville. Closest the car in front of you stops to talk to years. They now live on Isla Colón in an
immigration: difficult; arduous applica- hospital: Gainesville Price of a beer: someone on the side of the road, don’t area called Big Creek, about three miles
The vibe Hawaii’s largest island has tion process 411: norfolkisland.nf from $2.50 411: cedarkey.org honk. Just wait for them to move, or go outside the town of Bocas del Toro.
the lowest-priced homes in the chain, another way. You will probably see this What’s your best discovery? “The Mim-
nine different climate zones and bud- The vibe This self-governing Aus- The vibe Just a short bridge-drive same person later in the day at the mar- bitimbi River. We’ve taken two different
ding arts communities in Holualoa near tralian territory off the mainland’s from the mainland, Cedar, the name ket, the Jiffy store or at church.” hiking trips up the river, which is located
Kailua Kona, Hawi in North Kohala, and east coast is free of traffic lights, crime of both the main town and the island, in a rock basin. It flows through tunnels
in Hilo. This could be you Rose Delfin and income taxes. But it’s got plenty actually stretches out over six islands. and caves and is just loaded with all types
Isla Colón, Panamá
moved to the Big Island from Canada of lagoons and na- It’s got a cute downtown, plenty of of wildlife. But you must be in good
in 1995 and obtained her real-estate tive pine trees, and nature-minded residents and some of Flip-flop quotient: 5 Expats to lo- shape.” Move-in advice “Don’t ship
Current listing:
license. She lives and works in Hilo. Three-bedroom, one-third of the the state’s last affordable real estate. cals: 6:100 Houses available from things from the States to Panamá. When
What’s your best two-bath house island is designated This could be you Doug Maple, origi- $250,000 Population of main town, we first moved, things were difficult to
discovery? “You can with wood- as a national park. nally from Atlanta, moved to Cedar Key Bocas del Toro: 2,000 Languages spo- ob­tain, but now there are several new
Current listing:
take a boat off the paneled ceiling and Bush walk your life eight years ago and lives on a little ca- ken: Spanish and English Percent stores in Panamá City, the city of David
Three-bedroom,
a spacious outdoor away.
two-bath house east coast to where This could nal. He runs Tidewater Tours Inc. and who speak English: 50 Get there from and even on Isla Colón itself where you
deck for $191,000.
with carport sur- lava from Hawaii bountycentre.nf
be you Rael Donde also started the Nature Coast Birding & U.S. via Panamá City. Isla Colón is can purchase virtually everything you
rounded by ohia Volcanoes Nation- moved to Norfolk Wildlife Experience, a four-day annual a one-hour flight from Panamá City. need to live.” (continued on page 100)
trees in a quiet Puna
al Park pours into Island from southern California in event that spotlights the birds, wildlife Closest hospital: Bocas del Toro
neighborhood (on
the Big Island’s east the ocean. You’ll 2003. She owns Cumberland Holiday and history of the area. What’s your Price of a Soberana beer: from $0.65 More best islands on page 100: Grand Cay-
coast) for $235,000. see the lava glow Apartments and lives in Mountbatten best discovery? “My favorite place — I Ease of immigration: easy with capi- man; Gozo, Malta; Negros Oriental, Philippines;
hawaiiinformation.com and feel its heat. Estate on the east side of the island. have many — is probably a tiny island tal investment, though the inventory Carriacou, Grenada; Vieques, Puerto Rico
Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om 69
 Best Islands to Live On (from page 69)
Grand Cayman
Flip-flop quotient: 4 (average tem-
peratures in the 60s in winter) Ex-
pats to locals: 50:100 Houses avail-
able from high $100,000s Population
of main town, George Town: 20,626
Language spoken: English Get There
from U.S. nonstop Closest hospital:
GeorgeTown Price of a Stingray beer:
from $2.50 Ease of immigration: easy
411: caymanislands.ky
The vibe Water is the focus of Grand
Cayman, whether you’re boating, div-
ing or walking along the beach. Activ-
ity is centered around famous Seven
Mile Beach and in
George Town, but
Current Listing:
Three-bedroom, wander to the East
two-bath house End for quiet. This
with a fenced-in could be you Melissa
yard with fruit Ladley moved from
trees in West Bay
Richmond, Virginia
on a third of an
acre for $214,000. to Grand Cayman
remax.ky in 2003 shortly after
traveling there to
dive. She works in resort marketing and
public relations for The Ritz-Carlton,
Grand Cayman. She owns a house near
Seven Mile Beach. What’s your best
discovery? “Stingray City, a popular dive
site and sandbar, can get crowded in the
mornings. However, it’s simply magical
in the evenings. You can take a boat out
before sunset and it will likely just be you
and the stingrays under the sky.” Move-in
advice “Buy a boat if you can afford one.
The freedom to explore and enjoy Cay-
man’s waters is worth the investment.”
Gozo, Malta
Flip-flop quotient: 3 (average 57 de-
grees in winter) Ex-pats to locals:
8:100 (per a 1995 census) Houses
available from mid $100,000s Popula-
tion of main town, Victoria (also known
as Rabat): 6,414 Languages spoken:
Maltese, English and Italian Percent
who speak English: Nearly 100 Get
there from U.S. via Malta. The ferry to
100 100
Gozo is a 25-minute trip from Malta.
Closest hospital: Victoria Price of
a Hopleaf beer: from $1.50 Ease of
immigration: easy with capital invest-
ment 411: visitmalta.com
The vibe South of Sicily, Malta’s smaller
sister island Gozo has cliffs, red-colored
beaches, an ancient town with a citadel
dating to 1500 B.C. and numerous cafes.
This is sleepy Medi-
Current listing:
terranean, but you
Two-story stone can still get a hit of
townhouse (with a action just a ferry
balcony and original ride away on Malta.
tiles) in the village
This could be you
square of Kercem
for $174,335. Alissa Cole moved
to Gozo from Ware-
gozoprime.com
ham, Massachusetts,
last year with her husband and daugh-
ter. They live in the village of Nadur, on
Gozo’s east side. What’s your best dis-
covery? “Besides the incredible scenery,
having freshly baked Maltese bread ev-
ery day feels like a luxury and costs the
equivalent of 60 cents back home. Local
wine is another staple at $1.50 per bottle.”
Move-in advice “Plan your shopping
around siesta (from noon to 4 p.m.) and
Sundays, when stores are closed. Also, buy
a pair of warm slippers. The homes are
made of limestone and tile and are cooler
than an insulated home made of wood.”
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Flip-flop quotient: 3 (monsoon and ty-
phoon seasons) Expats to locals: 1:1,000
Population of main town, Dumaguete:
102,265 Languages spoken: English,
Cebuano and Hiligaynon Percent who
speak English: 90 Get there from U.S.
via Manila. From Manila it is a 70-minute
flight to Dumaguete. Closest hospital:
Dumaguete Price of a San Miguel beer:
less than $1.00 Ease of immigration:
moderate 411: tourism.gov.ph
The vibe The eastern half of Negros
island in the central Philippines is called
Negros Oriental and is home to Dum-
aguete, a city with many universities and
Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om
a seaside promenade
Current listing: lined with cafes and
Foreigners may not art galleries. This
own land, only con- could be you Georg
dos. Many choose to
Bender moved
rent (starting at $400
per month). islands from Germany to
properties.com Negros Oriental in
2001. He lives in
Dumaguete and works in sales and mar-
keting at Atlantis Dive Resort. What’s
your best discovery? “Besides the best
macro diving you can imagine, a great lo-
cal meal is kinilaw, marinated game fish.”
Move-in advice “Stay for two years with
no major financial commitment to see if
you’re comfortable here.”
Carriacou, Grenada
Flip-flop quotient: 5 Expats to locals:
2:100 Houses available from $200,000
Population of main town, Hillsborough:
355 Languages spoken: English with
some Creole Get there from U.S. via
Grenada. Carriacou is a 20-minute flight
from Grenada. Closest hospital: Belair
(above Hillsborough) Price of a Carib
beer: from $1.85 Ease of immigration:
moderate; you must live in Grenada for
five years before you can apply for resi-
dency 411: grenadagrenadines.com
The vibe Great beaches and reefs, yes,
but the local Carriacou culture, which
includes wooden boat building and
Ju l y/Au g u s t 2 0 0 7 isl a n d s . c om
festivals such as Parang, celebrating one
of the Caribbean’s oldest song forms,
will make you want to stay. This could
be you David Goldhill, originally from
New York City, moved to Carriacou 23
years ago and now owns and manages
Bayaleau Point Cottages. He lives in the
village of Windward. What’s your best
discovery? “Sailing to the Tobago Cays
Marine Park in the
same sort of locally
Current listing:
Open-concept built sailing craft
bungalow in need that has been used
of TLC on a cliff here for 150 years,
overlooking the sea anchoring in azure
with a quarter-acre waters by a white-
of land for $200,000.
winrealtyonline.com sand beach, then
swimming with
turtles before the reach back home for
sunset.” Move-in advice “Spend time
here, meet locals and figure out your
niche. There’s no need for people with
certain qualifications, only for people
with a passion for being here. If you
have that passion, then draw from your
resources and education to augment
your neighbor’s life and thereby yours.”
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Flip-flop quotient: 5 Expats to locals:
8:100 (per a 2000 census) Houses avail-
able from $295,000 Population of main
town, Isabel Segunda: 2,000 Languages
spoken: Spanish and English Per-
cent who speak English: 50 Get there
from U.S. via San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Vieques is a 20- to 30-minute flight from
San Juan. Closest hospital: Isabel Se-
gunda Price of a Medalla Light beer:
from $1.50 411: gotopuertorico.com
The vibe This island off the east coast
of Puerto Rico has fishing villages, a
bioluminescent bay, a penchant for
reggaetón, and is only a short trip from
Old San Juan if the need for upscale
nightlife and shopping comes call-
ing. This could be you Gregg McKee
from Altoona, Pennsylvania, moved to
Vieques two years ago and now owns
a fly-fishing business called WildFly
Charters. He lives in the Mambiche
neighborhood up the hill from Isabel
Segunda. What’s
Current listing:
your best discovery?
Titled three-bed- “Eight miles east
room in Vieques’ of Esperanza is a
other main town,
huge bay called
Esperanza, with ga-
Ensenada Honda
zebo and landscap-
ing for $295,000. that’s full of bon-
enchanted-isle.com/ efish that on most
crowsnestrealty days will eat almost
any fly we throw at
them.” Move-in advice “Learn some
Spanish. Many of my neighbors speak
English, but some do not. It doesn’t
have to be perfect, but in everyday
dealings, Spanish is often seen as a re-
spectful gesture on your part.”
101