One thing we know, after years of sharing recipes for all kinds of frosty concoctions, is that some people simply do not like certain cocktails. My monocle shatters at the thought of someone not liking daiquiris, piña coladas, or (GASP) margaritas, but the heart wants what it wants. Also, some of us are simply picky and I totally get that—this is a judgement-free digital bar room.

So, for National Rum Day, which is celebrated on August 16, we wanted to focus on variety. Not just in terms of the types of drinks and ingredients, but also in the rum we use. For this year’s celebration, we chose the new Kasama Rum, a small-batch bottle from the Philippines and the divine creation of Alexandra Dorda. Even as a sipping rum, Kasama has all the makings of an industry disruptor and a mainstay on our bar cart, so we highly recommend it.

We asked their mix masters to recommend a cocktail for this National Rum Day, and they offered three. Two are as simple (and fantastic) as it gets, and the third might just be the most ridiculously good twist on a piña colada you’ll ever try. Enjoy!

Island Fresca

Ingredients:

• 1 part Kasama Rum
• 2 parts coconut water

How to Make It:

Combine over ice and stir.

Watermelon Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1 part Kasama Rum
• 2 parts fresh watermelon juice

How to Make It:

Shake and pour over ice in your favorite glass.

Pinay Colada

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Kasama Rum
• 1 oz. Briottet Creme de Banane
• ¾ oz. fresh calamansi juice (or lime juice)
• ¾ oz. pineapple juice
• ½ oz. cream of coconut
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

How to Make It:

Combine all ingredients and swizzle with crushed ice until a frost forms on the outside of the glass. Garnish with a pineapple.

The post One Unique Bottle, Three Recipes for a Delicious National Rum Day Celebration appeared first on Islands.

For more than 35 years, Aggressor Adventures has hosted liveaboard journeys to some of the most beautiful, exotic and all-around coolest destinations in the world. From the Bahamas to Sri Lanka, the Aggressor fleet takes travelers on vacations that double as adventures of a lifetime, and this May will see the launch of the newest addition to that fleet: the Philippines Aggressor.

Boasting 12 staterooms, this 135-foot yacht will operate year-round, ushering dive enthusiasts into a truly exciting, vibrant region. According to Aggressor CEO Wayne Brown, adding the Philippines to the company’s offerings has been an ongoing effort.

“The Philippines is one of the most sought-after diving destinations in the world,” Brown says. “I am happy that we have finally found the right licensee and yacht to bring the Aggressor style of diving to this breathtaking diving destination. It took years of evaluating to ensure we brought you the adventure of a lifetime in the Philippines, but it was well worth the wait. We can’t wait for our customers to experience this adventure!”

As part of a seven-night itinerary, the Philippines Aggressor will provide access to Tubbataha Reefs National Park—home to more than 500 species of fish and 350 types of coral—for approximately 20 dives. Seven- and 10-night itineraries are also available for the Visayas islands, with the longer adventures featuring as many as 35 dives for guests to experience everything places like Cebu and the Siquijor have to offer.

Of course, while such adventures favor more experienced divers, beginners shouldn’t be deterred from Aggressor’s offerings. A variety of certification courses, including “Introduction to Scuba,” is available as well.

The post Aggressor Adventures Sets Sail for the Philippines appeared first on Islands.

By digging on Airbnb rentals, you might just stumble upon an entire island rental that would make you want to stay in the most secluded parts of the Philippines for good. The Philippines is not a country of more than 7,000 islands for nothing. Here are some of the best Airbnb rentals we have found.

Are you ready for the island life?

Floral Island Resort, Talacanen Island

Nestled right in the middle of an elongated island known as Talacanen, this resort not only gives you privacy but also that ultimate island experience. This solar-powered six-villa resort can accommodate up to 28 people and, yes, intimate private weddings are allowed here.

Apart from their friendly pets, this place also includes a chill-out space in the middle of the ocean and a restaurant where your meals will be cooked – Filipino cuisine at its finest, pals. So, go request that massage by the veranda where you can stare at the sky touching the oceans, or cocktails for your romantic night; Floral Island Resort may be secluded but it sure offers a touch of luxury.

Serenite, El Nido, Palawan

Not exactly an entire island but something better–a yacht. El Nido, Palawan, is known for its white-sand beaches and steep karst cliffs and instead of staying at one place, Serenite allows you to explore the entirety of El Nido during your stay. This 36-foot yacht is equipped with a kitchen and a fridge packed with food, a basic bathroom and two bedrooms.

If you don’t fancy sleeping in bedrooms, there are two mattresses on the deck for that perfect night of stargazing. And by day, you can also set up a solar-powered shower on that very same deck.

Adult Only Private Island, El Nido, Palawan

Surrounded with approximately 70 hectares of jaw-dropping coral reefs, this Adult Only Private Island in El Nido is indeed, a must-visit. If two private bedrooms, two spacious common spaces, an infinity pool and fast internet connection are not enough for your island escapade, this property also offers 5.5 luxurious private baths.

Equipped with solar-panels and high ceilings, working comfortably on your laptop on a hot, Philippine summer is not going to be a problem here.

Ginto Island, Palawan

Hedged with 80 hectares of white-sand beach and seemingly endless clear turquoise waters, Ginto Island in Palawan is perfect for those seeking tranquility, privacy and adventure. This property offers a hanging bed made of bamboo that extends from tropical trees, and by night, you have the option to put their unique transparent tents on the hanging bed, or simply set up the tent on the sand, enjoy the stars and sleep with the beach humming you sweet lullabies.

This property can accommodate two people and gives you those if-you-get-stranded-on-an-island feels. There is a basic bathroom and the chef would be more than happy to cook for you. If you’re up for some adventure, let your host know so they can arrange a unique serviced camping experience for you.

Kalinawan Adventure Camp, Samal Island

Still located in the southern part of the Philippines, Kalinawan Adventure Camp will surely unleash the child in you. Perched on the sweet spots of Samal’s rocky side, this place has no seashore, if that’s what you’re looking for. Better have something that’ll protect your feet because this Airbnb rental offers a unique rough side of the beach by the cliff, and, of course, getting there also means rough ride. But it’s all worth it.

From the cozy gazebo, where you can hammock the night away, to the open cottages, where mattresses and mosquito nets are laid neatly to the priceless view of the sea by day and the magical fireflies by night, this place will make you fall in love with nature.

Aside from kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, other must-do activities here include rappelling, rock-climbing and trekking. Just let the host know so they can prepare all the gear for you and your pals.

Isla de Dios, Coron, Palawan

Because of the remoteness of this property, getting here, as the host noted, requires a lot of patience and good sense of humor. But is it worth it because Isla de Dios will give you that warm welcome you deserve. This property includes 13 beds but if you include the common spaces that are all equally comfortable, this place can sleep up to 16 guests, perhaps even 20. From the cozy interior to the simple fixtures, this place is carefully designed to keep you warm but also to let the ocean feels in.

It has three en-suite double bedrooms and a huge mezzanine at the second floor with five single beds and one double bed. Its living room is packed with board games for your gadget-free interactions and the equally huge dining room can seat up to 15 people for a great lunch or dinner experience.

For the outdoorsy folks, you will never run out of beaches to swim, coral reefs to check out, and greeneries to trek.

Boli Hai Private Island, Bolinao, Pangasinan

If you can imagine a nipa hut and a treehouse having a baby, this property would be it. A 10-step ladder will get you to the open cottage with two mattress and two hammocks but spacious enough to add three more mattresses. Boli Hai Private Island is perfect for all romantics who want to get away from the chaotic city life and be more in touch with nature.

This place offers nothing special and luxurious, except for the endless view of waters and the magnificent Tres Marias Islands. Well, two of those three islands since this property is erected on one of them.

There is a private bathroom and a 24/7 boat and boatman for any emergency needs or for your boating escapades. Aside from boating, giant clam snorkeling and wind surfing and paddle boarding, you might want to try a classic Filipino water activity: balsa.

The post Airbnb Rentals in the Philippines, Where an Entire Island is (Almost) Yours appeared first on Islands.

But that doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck if you want to walk in the footsteps of your favorite caped crusader. Some recent superhero movies have still chosen island locations for filming or inspiration, so in honor of the release of Avengers: Endgame and National Superhero Day on April 28, here are eight comic book movie filming locations you can visit right now.

Themyscira, Wonder Woman – Amalfi Coast, Italy

The quest to find a location that could serve as the perfect hidden Amazonian paradise was difficult for Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins and the production designers. They wanted cliffs overlooking a beach big enough for a fight scene, but most of the beaches that fit their needs vanished beneath the tide.

Italy’s Amalfi Coast checked all of the boxes, and with a little CGI help, cliffs were added and Diana Prince’s home island was brought to life. However, as thousands of tourists learn each year, the Amalfi Coast’s beauty isn’t much of a secret.

Cuba beach battle, X-Men: First Class – Jekyll Island, Georgia

Georgia’s Tybee Island was the first pick for the climactic sandy showdown in X-Men: First Class, but the production designers instead chose Jekyll Island because a Google Earth search showed it had bluer waters. After adding 300-500 palm trees — that proved difficult to keep alive — they had their Cuba.

What tourists regularly find on this barrier island is 10 miles of beach, four golf courses and a very well-preserved ecosystem that promises plenty of wildlife encounters.

Thanos’ hut, Avengers: Infinity War — Ifugao, Philippines

You won’t actually find a mad titan unwinding in the province of Ifugao, but you will see the Banaue Rice Terraces, which are the real-life inspiration for Thanos’ “vacation” spot at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. Every year tourists travel to the Philippines to visit the terraces, where tour guides offer hiking and backpacking tours, and mumbakis conduct traditional healing rituals.

Black Panther’s Warrior Falls — Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

In Black Panther, Warrior Falls is the setting of an epic battle for the throne of Wakanda. In reality, the scene took place on a sound stage in Georgia and was enhanced with the magic of CGI, but the production team used Iguazu Falls, the world’s largest waterfall system, for inspiration.

Featured in other movies like Moonraker and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the Iguazu Falls have attracted tourists from all over the world. Visitors can access the falls from Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, and there are different options for exploration and viewing the unique islands in the Iguazu River, including walkways and helicopter tours.

Odin’s final resting place, Thor: Ragnarok – Lofoten Islands, Norway

“Remember this place… home.” Odin offered this final parting advice to Thor and Loki, referring to a vast green field in Norway. The scene was actually filmed on a field in Atlanta and an image of the Lofoten Islands was used to add the background scenery through CGI. Odin might as well have been talking about the real Lofoten Islands, though, because the array of adventures, from fishing and scuba diving to skiing and surfing, make this destination a must-visit.

Asgard forest, Thor: Ragnarok – Cedar Creek Falls, Queensland, Australia

When Hela returns home to Asgard, Heimdall leads the people through the forest and waterfalls to a safe haven in the mountains. The forest and falls are located within Cedar Creek Falls in Queensland, Australia, and the sanctuary is nearby Tamborine Mountain.

Visitors to Cedar Creek Falls can take walks around the falls and check out the flora and fauna, or bring a towel and sunscreen to spend some time in and around the rock pool.

Bruce Wayne’s meeting with Aquaman, Justice League — Djúpavík, Iceland

Bruce Wayne had to trek through ice and snow to visit the rural village of Djúpavík for the sake of recruiting Arthur Curry (AKA Aquaman) to join the Justice League and save the world. However, most visitors should travel to Djúpavík in the summer for a day of hiking and viewing the Djúpavíkurfoss waterfall. Or stay longer and enjoy the area’s peaceful solitude, which has inspired bands like Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men to write and record songs there.

Arthur Curry Lighthouse, Aquaman – Hastings Point, New South Wales, Australia

The construction of Arthur Curry’s family cottage and lighthouse at a popular spot in Hastings Point didn’t come without controversy. Residents are extremely proud of everything their small town offers, from surfing to whale watching. In fact, when the Curry lighthouse scenes began filming, Aquaman director James Wan called New South Wales “magical” after witnessing whales breaching at night.

The post 8 Comic Book Movie Filming Locations You Can Visit appeared first on Islands.

But now it seems that the island can’t handle the influx. According to CNN, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque says the six-month closure will begin on April 26, part of a larger cleanup project.

In February, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte called the island and surrounding ocean a “cesspool,” stating mismanagement of the sewage facilities in particular. CNN reports:

Among the problems caused by the island’s long-running tourism boom is unregulated development and pipes carrying raw effluence directly into the sea. In a survey of the island’s sewerage facilities, the vast majority — 716 of 834 — residential and business properties were found to have no discharge permit and were presumed to be draining waste water directly into the sea, according to a report by the official Philippines News Agency.

In February, over 50 hotels and restaurants were given notices after failing to comply with the country’s water treatment laws, according to CNN. While the businesses will remain open during the closure, tourists will not be allowed on the island.

The closure is set to affect as many as 17,000 island residents, many of whom rely on tourism for their livelihood. (Islands named Boracay as one the best and most affordable islands to live on in 2016.) CNN reports that the local sentiment had been “clean (but) not close,” quoting resident, Civi Civitarese.

We sincerely hope the closure will fix these necessary issues, and ensure the island maintains its status as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

The post The Philippines is About to Close Boracay to Tourists for Six Months appeared first on Islands.

Ahe Atoll Motu

Location: French Polynesia

Cost: $640,000

Size: 17 acres

Move-in ready? This undeveloped island in French Polynesia’s Ahe Atoll features swaying palms, sandy shores and plenty of space to develop your dream home.

Lenur Island

Location: Vanuatu

Cost: $644,000

Size: 84 acres

Move-in ready? This 84-acre heart-shaped island, known as L’Amour Island by villagers, is located off the mainland of Malekula in Vanuatu. With three sandy beaches, roaming chickens, excellent local fishing, abundant fruit and nut trees, a caretakers cottage and two thatched-roof bungalows, Lenur island has everything you’ll need to make your escape.

Bonefish Cay

Location: Bahamas

Cost: $720,000

Size: 6 acres

Move-in ready? Located in the epicenter of Andros’ world-famous bonefishing flats, Bonefish Cay has minimal development, leaving it a blank canvas for you to create your dream home. Located just 160 miles from Miami, the island is an easily accessible escape that could also be developed as a resort.

Private Cay in the Andros Islands

Location: Bahamas

Cost: $720,000

Size: 6 acres

Move-in ready? Located in the North Bight of Andros, this Bahamian island features a concrete pad (perfect for building a cottage), three small beaches and two active wells. With just a little TLC your island dream is ready to become a reality.

Turquoise Caye

Location: Belize

Cost: $725,000

Size: 4.75 acres

Move-in ready? Aptly named for the surrounding waters, Turquoise Caye can be developed as a private home or boutique resort. Located just 5 miles from Leonardo Di Caprio’s soon-to-be opened Blackadore Caye Resort and 7 miles from Cayo Espanto, a private-island resort frequented by celebs like Harrison Ford and Tiger Woods, Turquoise Caye is sure to draw an elite crowd.

Dolphin Caye

Location: Belize

Cost: $750,000

Size: 4.1 acres

Move-in ready? With its tranquil waters and close proximity to Placencia village — just a 15 minute boat ride for groceries — the undeveloped Dolphin Caye is the ideal location for getting off the grid, but not too far off the grid.

Cayo Iguana

Location: Nicaragua

Cost: $750,000

Size: 5 acres

Move-in ready? Nicaragua’s Cayo Iguana features a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home and accommodations for island staff and management. Also known as Guano Island, this tropical paradise is dotted with plentiful coconut trees and surrounded by several reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Quiet Cove Key

Location: Florida Keys

Cost: $995,000

Size: 0.32 acres

Move-in ready? Just off the coast of Marathon island in the heart of the Florida Keys, Quiet Cove Key includes a Holiday Mansion houseboat with purchase. The island currently brings in $100,000 annually in vacation rental income, so when you’re not using it for your own personal retreat, rent it out to make your mortgage payments.

Lower Harbour Cay

Location: Bahamas

Cost: $1 million

Size: 5.12 acres

Move-in ready? Just minutes from Nassau and home to a private beach and calm waters, Lower Harbour Cay is an undeveloped piece of land waiting for you to build your dream home.

Dinisonan Island

Location: Philippines

Cost: $1 million

Size: 0.7 acres

Move-in ready? Located in the Palawan region of the Philippines, Dinisonan Island boats a four-bedroom 3,200 square-foot home and is just 15 minutes from Port Barton, making provisioning easy while allowing the ultimate in privacy.

The post 10 Islands for Sale Under $1 Million appeared first on Islands.

Every year, our Best Islands to Live On article is our most popular, and it’s not surprising. The dream of #SurroundMeWithWater becoming an everyday reality is one we all share: According to our reader survey, 80 percent of you have thought about moving to an island someday, and 75 percent have considered purchasing an island home.

Nearly 60 percent of readers are contemplating a move to the Caribbean — so we offer five top picks. You told us you’re concerned with the cost of island living — so we rounded up affordable options (plus one that’s worth the splurge, just for fun). A beach bum wants a different vibe from a city slicker — so we broke down locations by the personality type they suit best. Same goes for stages of life: Recent grads and retirees have varied needs, so we addressed each one. Plus, we share on-the-ground tips from expats who made the leap. We’re confident these islands will inspire your next move.

And now, in no particular order, our list of the Top 20 Best Islands to Live On.

Best Caribbean:  Grand Cayman

When Jennifer Smith visited Grand Cayman on a Caribbean cruise in 2008, she never imagined she’d be living there with her husband two years later. “We realized Grand Cayman was very different from the other islands,” says Smith, who works as a controller for a real-estate developer and writes a blog called Offshore CPA, which offers tips for relocating expats. “We immediately fell in love with it.” So on their return to New Jersey, the pair researched the local job market and landed positions at two accounting firms — Grand Cayman is home to one of the world’s largest banking jurisdictions, with plenty of opportunities for finance-minded expats.

But don’t go buying a one-way ticket just yet. Anyone who wants to move there must have a valid work permit before he or she arrives, so it’s important to solidify employment before taking the plunge. And while the length of their work permits governs most expats’ time — a minimum of two years in most cases — some Americans have the chance to stay permanently. Wisconsinite Kim Kadiyala met her Caymanian husband in Chicago, moved near his family in Grand Cayman and now spends weekends at places like Starfish Point, a quiet beach on the island’s northern shore. Says Kadiyala, “I don’t think I’ll ever live in another place as beautiful as this.” — David LaHuta

• Population: 60,413
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $874
• Starting home price: $150,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $6.51

Most Affordable: Dominican Republic

Matt Bokor immediately fell in love with the Dominican Republic for its cozy corner bars, rustic inns, cook shacks and especially the outgoing locals. “Dominicans are gregarious, welcoming and friendly,” says Bokor, who moved to the island from Miami. “They’ll have you dancing the merengue in no time.” The affordability of the island was appealing too. “We have sticker shock every year returning to Florida for our family reunion,” he says. “A pound of green peppers at the supermarket in Miami is about $4, compared with $1.20 here. Per pound, tomatoes are about 30 cents, and carrots are 25 cents. At the fishermen’s market in Las Terrenas, we bought 7 pounds of seafood for $40.”

There are a few downsides: traffic, power outages and crime. (Bokor points out that there is a heavy police presence.) In the end, though, the advantages win out. Bokor’s favorite thing of all is that convenience stores deliver. “Need eggs and orange juice first thing in the morning?” he says. “Just call. Run out of beer midway through the big game? They’ll bring it right to your door.” — Sarah Sekula

• Population: 10.4 million
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: Dominican peso
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $500
• Starting home price: $155,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4

Best for Retiring: Bocas del Toro, Panama

Basil Stetson retired in Bocas del Toro to become a surf bum. It didn’t hurt that the exchange rate was beyond favorable — but not because he couldn’t afford a tonier location. Along with his fabric-designer wife, April Cornell, Stetson already owns on Grand Cayman. Rather, the low costs entice young energy, courtesy of backpackers. “The place feels fresh,” says Stetson. “I don’t want to live among high-rises and lots of old people.”

He adds, “It’s a small community.” How small? On Sundays, everyone can be found at the airport, where locals aren’t catching planes but fly balls — the runway is the community baseball field. Stetson might be retired, but he still speaks in business parlance. “Those games pay dividends,” he says. “Because of them, everyone knows who I am — one of the few gringos in the stands.” — Brooke Morton

• Population: 7,366
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 78˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $450
• Starting home price: $80,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $7.00

Thinking of moving to Bocas Del Toro? The Red Frog Beach Island Community offers upscale villas and condos for sale. This new resort draws success from owners investing in a second home wanting to capitalize on Panama’s booming economy. The resort offers a vacation exploration tour to visit and see the unique nature, wildlife and the marvelous beaches in this little-known Caribbean Archipelago. Owners can rent their homes for income through the resort’s property management program. See the video or visit the website redfrogbeach.com to learn more. [Sponsored]

Best for a Small-Town Vibe: Ambergris Caye, Belize

Life on Ambergris is quiet. Slow. Morning rush hour is a dozen bikes wheeling over the bridge to the main town of San Pedro. Kirsten Miglio relocated from Chicago with her husband in 1993. Back then, the one road cutting lengthwise across the island saw just three golf carts, the other main means of transport. Now, Miglio struggles to estimate how many carts rumble along the dirt roads.

Around town, everyone is familiar with the couple, who own owns Ak’bol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort, 2 miles south of San Pedro. “People remember faces; names are less important,” Miglio says. “There are little pockets of communities, like the French community, the yoga community, the divers, the fly-fishermen, the sailors,” she says, adding that most of the smaller groups gather often for happy hour, dinner or whatever it is that brings them together. — BM

• Population: 13,381
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: Belize dollar
• Average year-round temp: 79˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Starting home price: $200,000
• Cost of milk: $2.76 for a quart-size box

Best Caribbean: Martinique

Spend a few days in Martinique, and you’d think you were in a tropical version of Marseille. After all, the French island is home to one of the region’s largest Francophone populations, including a burgeoning expat community from mainland France who’ve relocated for the locale’s black-sand beaches, lush rainforests and Caribbean joie de vivre.

The “Paris of the Antilles” also attracts folks from the U.S. who come to teach English — expats like Hayley Hund, who moved from Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2014 to work as an English teaching assistant. “It’s important to live like the Martiniquais,” says Hund, who enjoys practicing her Creole and eating anything au gratin. “The lifestyle has taught me to leave my watch at home and let my day develop at its own pace. As the locals like to say, ‘Il n’y a pas d’heures précises,’ or ‘there are no fixed times.'” — DL

• Population: 386,486
• Language spoken: French, Creole and English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $800
• Starting home price: $170,000
• Cost of milk: $1.12 per liter

Most Affordable: Phuket, Thailand

With jungle-topped mountains, high-end dining, championship golf courses and internationally famous beaches, Phuket is an ideal setting for many foreigners from around the globe. As the largest island in Thailand, it has just about everything you need.

Top-tier medical care is easy to find and, better yet, reasonably priced. You’ll be close to an international airport, which means you won’t have to fly out of Bangkok (a major plus). There are plenty of international schools, and grocery stores are stocked with imported goods. Whether you rent or buy, it’s still extremely affordable. Keep in mind, however, that foreigners cannot own land in their name, but they may purchase a condo or home and lease the land. — SS

• Population: 620,000
• Languages spoken: Thai, English
• Currency: Baht
• Average year-round temp: 84˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $510
• Starting home price: $168,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $6

Best for Recent Grads: St. Croix, USVI

Spend the day with the 20-something set on St. Croix, the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, and you might ask if you’ve stepped into an REI or Michelob Ultra commercial. Scenes cut quickly between sailing to Buck Island to swim with turtles, hiking the northwest coast to snorkel in tide pools, and dancing on a roped-off street for St. Patrick’s Day.

It’s the world of Matthew Weicker, a scuba instructor who chose to make the largely undeveloped island home in July 2015. “St. Thomas feels less like an island and more like a city with lots of vehicles, and it’s very built-up. St. Croix is quieter, with old-island charm.” Its smaller population makes it easier to join the party, er, community. For Weicker, finding that island-style welcome was simple. “Hang out in town, grab a beer and just start talking to people.” Regarding employment, Weicker adds,”The best way to land a job is to walk into the restaurants, bars and tour companies in town and talk to who’s hiring — it’s much easier in person than over the phone.” — BM

• Population: 53,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 85˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $875
• Starting home price: $130,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.99

Best for Urbanites: Hong Kong

“Hong Kong is the densest place I have ever experienced,” says Laurie Goldberg, a craft-beer importer who jets often to New York and Tokyo. With Hong Kong’s huge population comes perks. For one: cheap cabs. Thirty minutes and the equivalent of $20 U.S. buys transit to the white-sand beaches and lush hiking trails of Tai Long Wan, which reminds her of Thailand.

As for city life, Goldberg — who has called Los Angeles and Hawaii home — found the transition seamless, thanks in large part to an expat community numbering 1 million. “It was similar to moving to a city in the U.S. — everyone speaks English — but it’s much easier to meet new people,” she says. She adds that the transient nature of Hong Kong’s expat scene makes it much more welcoming. After arriving in 2011 with her husband, Adam, his law-school chum introduced them to everyone he knew. Instantly, they had community. Nights out progressed from listening to a Journey cover band at the bar Insomnia to midnight foot massages, a uniquely Hong Kong tradition — all fueled by a craft-beer selection as international as the crowd enjoying it. — BM

• Population: 7.19 million
• Languages spoken: Cantonese, English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 72˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,200
• Starting home price: $675,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $11.34

Best Caribbean: St. Kitts

A sunny home with a new passport to boot? In St. Kitts, it’s as easy as writing a check. The destination is one of a handful of countries that offer a citizenship-by-investment program, in which $250,000 plus the cost of a home buys you Kittitian citizenship.

Or simply join the workforce. At Ross University — an accredited veterinary school that draws students from the U.S. and Canada — faculty positions are often available. Opportunities can also be found in construction, engineering and real estate, plus hospitality jobs at new hotels. “Several resorts are scheduled to open in the next few years,” says Derek Wales, a Massachusetts native who followed his girlfriend to St. Kitts in 2014 when she decided to attend Ross University, “so now is a great time to send in your résumé.” — DL

• Population: 40,000
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,025
• Starting home price: $350,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $11.50

Most Affordable: Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, off the east coast of Honduras, is a hodgepodge of small communities with a large expat population. Pristine plots of land, untouched and exactly the way nature intended them to be, are still available for purchase. Deb Crofutt, who moved to the island in 2013, can attest to that. “You can buy land or an already built home for less than in the U.S.,” she says. “We own a 2,100-square-foot home on a quarter-acre of land, and our property taxes are about $130 a year.”

“Roatan is large enough to have conveniences and luxuries, such as dentists, yoga studios and high-end restaurants,” says Rika Purdy, an expat from Vancouver. “But it’s still small enough that you get to know your entire community and enjoy a slower pace of life. And due to the low minimum wage, which is about $15 per day, you can find quality housekeeping, childcare, cooks or home security for an affordable price.” — SS

• Population: 80,000
• Languages spoken: Spanish, Bay Islands Creole, English
• Currency: Honduran Lempira, but USD is widely accepted
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $500
• Starting home price: $100,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $2

Best for Starting a Business: Oahu, Hawaii

“I found it quite easy if you pick the right market,” says Mike Davis of launching Extract Juice Bar in downtown Honolulu with wife, Stacey, in 2013. “Just find a niche that isn’t already exploited locally,” says Davis. Before flying out, the couple scoured Yelp and Google to get a feel for the island’s neighborhoods. After they arrived, they spent half a day sitting outside their intended shop location, studying foot traffic. Their product skews toward an affluent clientele, so they targeted the business district, fueled by tourism and military dollars. Davis also figured it wise to open doors at 6 a.m., when the suits clock in to do business with the mainland.

More importantly, the venture brought added benefits to the couple’s lives. They’re stoked that riding waves is now part of their everyday. Says Davis, “Two weeks ago, my fridge went down over the weekend. I was closed for three days and lost all my produce. But when you’re in Hawaii, how can you ever be mad that you’re on an island?” — BM

• Population: 953,207
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 77˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300
• Starting home price: $60,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $5.49

Best for Foodies: Sicily, Italy

“Sicily’s architecture is very baroque, and its desserts are too — in fact, there’s flair and exuberance to all the island’s food,” says Jann Huizenga. She and her husband, Kim Crowley, spend half the year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the rest in a Sicilian town called Ragusa Ibla, population 3,000. When asked to share a favorite food memory, Huizenga pauses. In spring, the thing to do is join friends on hillsides, foraging for wild asparagus, fennel, capers and borage, a spinachlike green. The resulting bounty is cooked with pasta.

If you don’t have friends to scrounge with, try the restaurant I Bianchi, which is managed by a two-star Michelin chef and is known for its pastries and gelatos. Caffe Sicilia in the village of Noto is another Huizenga must-try, namely for its almond granita and its take on a Sicilian summer breakfast: gelato tucked inside a brioche.”It’s a great big thing,” she says, and as she describes the textures and flavor, it seems some of the island’s exuberance has rubbed off. — BM

• Population: 5 million
• Language spoken: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Average year-round temp: 60˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $400
• Starting home price: $170,000
• Cost of milk: $1.37 per liter

Best Caribbean: Virgin Gorda, BVI

“I love watching visitors react to our version of reality,” says Cassie Mitchell, who moved to Virgin Gorda from Royal Oak, Michigan, in 2012 to pursue a career in guest services. “It reaffirms why I’m here in the first place.” Of course, the BVI reality takes many forms. For her friend Scott Allerton, a Florida native who opened Carib Kiteboarding in 2003, it’s teaching visitors the sport. “My office is the ocean,” says Allerton, who has taught more than 1,000 people on Virgin Gorda’s Eustatia Sound, ideally suited for kiteboarding thanks to its consistent side-shore breezes.

On tiny Virgin Gorda, it’s small-town living at its sunniest: Grocery runs require boats, clocks give way to island time, and virtually everyone knows your name. “All of us expats share three traits that allow us to survive here,” says Mitchell. “Kindness, patience and optimism.” — DL

• Population: 29,151
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200
• Starting home price: $275,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $10.55

Most Affordable: Boracay, Philippines

Though Boracay is tiny, it has nine beaches, 30-plus nightlife spots and 27 dive sites. About an hour flight from Manila, it attracts fun-loving expats like Paul Fournier, who moved there in 2012. “I pay $296 per month for a studio apartment, including cleaning service, in the center of Boracay,” he says. “White Beach and Bulabog Beach are just a five-minute walk. I eat out daily because the food is so cheap. Beer in the beachfront bars averages out to $1.30 — the cheapest is only 84 cents.”

But one major drawback is medical expenses. “The healthcare quality on Boracay is not great,” says Fournier. “To find proper medical care, you have to leave the island — usually hopping a one-hour flight to a major city.” — SS

• Population: 20,000
• Languages spoken: English, Visayan, Tagalog
• Currency: Philippine peso
• Average year-round temp: 84˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $400
• Starting home price: $100,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $7

Best for Starting a Family: Key Largo, Florida

“I was raised on the water, surfing, diving, skiing and fishing — it’s what I wanted for my kids,” says Steve Powers, who, along with his wife, Cheryl, has been raising three daughters since 2008 in the Norman-Rockwell-meets-Jimmy-Buffett landscape that is Key Largo. The couple knew they wanted to relocate to a Florida coast, and the Keys offer double the shoreline. Powers had always wanted to run a business, so when the local Sea Tow franchise, a marine-rescue company, became available, he took the helm.

In many ways, it’s exactly what the Powers had hoped, and now their kids live in the water. “It’ll be midnight, and they still have their swimsuits on,” says Steve. “I bought an outdoor projector, and they’ll want to watch Jaws while swimming.” Factor in the ocean and Gulf, and the possibilities become endless — more than enough to fill any childhood. — BM

• Population: 11,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,000
• Starting home price: $250,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $3.35

Best for Beach Bums: Maui, Hawaii

Find your Maui tribe, and you’ll find your Maui beach. Mothers with little ones gather at, appropriately enough, Baby Beach near Lahaina on the island’s northwest tip. Retirees: Wailea. Windsurfers meet for sessions at Kanaha Beach Park, near the airport. Those preferring drum circles find each other on the North Shore’s Baldwin Beach Park. Find Sylvia Whelchel, an Ayurveda practitioner from Oregon, with her people — women who shred — every morning at 6:30 at Ho’okipa Beach. “Even if the waves aren’t good, we still paddle out,” she says. “It’s our version of hitting the gym.”

Surfing is just one way Whelchel lets Maui shape her lifestyle. Surrendering to the island’s way of life is your best chance to find happiness. “It’s really common to see people move here, thinking their lives will be better,” she says. “But if they don’t change themselves, they’ll be in the same rut as they were before, working too much and whatnot.” Whelchel calls it letting go of the “mainland vibe.” She says, “Here, you’re admired for surfing big waves or for owning a truck that can carry all your sports equipment.” The island lifestyle isn’t about buying or owning possessions. It’s about something else entirely — a sense of community. — BM

• Population: 160,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 75˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,400
• Starting home price: $450,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $9.59

Best Caribbean: The Abacos, Bahamas

“The Abacos used to be the Wild West of the Caribbean,” says Austin Smith, who moved from Florida in 1989 to a 300-acre cay dubbed Lubbers Quarters. “It was like being a pioneer, but instead of arriving in covered wagons, we sailed in boats.” At the time, the island had no power or running water, which is a big difference from the Abacos of today. Chiefly because of its proximity to the U.S. — a mere one-hour flight from West Palm Beach, Florida — **the islands are now a haven for Americans looking for a second home or a full relocation from the States. **

And thanks to Smith’s latest project, owning a slice of paradise just got easier. In May 2016, he launched Lubbers’ Quarters, 12 two- and three- bedroom fractional-ownership cottages available to buyers for 13 weeks each year. For $165,000, cottages include 25 percent home ownership and a 23-foot boat to explore the archipelago. “It’s carefree home ownership at its best,” says Smith, who also developed a mobile app called Island Compass, which lets boaters identify points of interest on a smartphone without incurring costly roaming charges. “We’re building our resort by giving people a great deal on a house,” says Smith. “It’s a win-win.” — DL

• Population: 13,170
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $925
• Starting home price: $150,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $12

Worth the Splurge: Moorea, Tahiti

Imagine living in Yosemite Valley without the crowds. “That pretty much sums up Moorea,” says Michael Poole, who relocated in 1987. He also lauds the affable community, interesting mix of cultures and incredibly good food, plus plenty of holidays and celebrations. “Life here is certainly enjoyed,” Poole says. “However, it’s not very easy to move here. It’s expensive, and there isn’t a rich expat culture. People want to live here because it reflects and fulfills their vision of a tropical paradise.“

“It’s true that things like food and cars are very costly,” says Laurel Samuela, an expat from California. “But we don’t have property taxes, and healthcare is very inexpensive. Plus, our lagoon is full of fish, and our garden is packed with mangoes, avocados and passion fruit.” — SS

• Population: 16,191
• Languages spoken: French, Tahitian, English
• Currency: French Polynesian franc
• Average year-round temp: 79˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $723
• Starting home price: $350,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.51

Best for Health Fiends: Coolum Beach, Australia

A variety of factors draw health-minded individuals to the Sunshine Coast. For some, it’s the benefits of living near the ocean. This relaxed lifestyle was what Jamie Schwear had always dreamed of, especially in landlocked Arizona. In 2015, she arrived in the town of Coolum Beach, 90 minutes north of Brisbane. “I never found a place like this in the U.S. that I could afford,” says Schwear, who now lives across the street from the Coral Sea.

It’s a popular spot for the active set and a haven for surfers. Weekends are spent outdoors: strolling the Coolum boardwalk, where whales can be spotted June through November, and hiking in Mount Coolum National Park, named for its 680-foot peak. Perhaps the best part is how uncrowded paradise is. “The whole population of Australia is less than the state of Texas,” she says. For guaranteed solitude, she heads north to Noosa National Park. “We have miles and miles of coastline where you can walk the beach and be the only one, which is amazing. You become a part of wild, unspoiled nature.” — BM

• Population: 8,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: Australian dollar
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Starting home price: $215,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.24

Read more about moving to an island:

10 Real Estate Tips for Moving to an Island | How to Move to St. John, USVI | Living in the Cayman Islands

Best for Starting Over: Cozumel, Mexico

Don’t be surprised at weight loss or lower blood pressure when starting a new life in Cozumel. Cruise-ship anchors aweigh, this 250-square-mile island settles back into slow rhythms, packaging the folksiness of a small Midwestern town with prime Caribbean beachfront. As for health benefits, new arrivals Joni and Karan Thadani said adios to Kansas in January, and they already need smaller shorts. Credit might be due to swapping their law practice for selling island real estate. Or to the mom-and-pop eateries dishing up their nightly dinners.

“It’s amazing that the restaurants all serve fresh, handmade food,” says Joni. Their diet is now mostly seafood, meat and produce, yet it’s cost-effective. Barbecue chicken with rice and beans fetches less than $5. For Karan, the answer is much simpler: “Nothing is better for your health than seeing the ocean every day.” — BM

• Population: 100,000
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: Peso
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $750
• Starting home price: $104,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $1.52

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However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up hope on your dream vacation to the South Pacific. Affordable overwater bungalows that cost half as much as the more expensive options can be found in destinations from Mexico to the Maldives, and they’re definitely not lacking in luxury and privacy.

Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Tahiti

Of the 265 rooms that make up this 32-acre Tahitian retreat, located along a pristine lagoon, only 31 are overwater bungalows. The villas feature comfy beds, marble bathrooms and unimpeded views of the neighboring island of Moorea; they’re also the most affordable overwater bungalows in French Polynesia. Turn up the romance with a sunset cruise, or take a small boat to a nearby motu (islet) for a private five-course dinner. Weekends bring the island’s best showcase for traditional dance by Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti troupe.

Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort – Maldives

Set along the Maldives’ South Malé Atoll, this resort is a virtual Garden of Eden encompassing towering palms, powdery beaches and a peaceful lagoon with 60 stilted bungalows. All villas feature private sun decks with vistas that stretch for miles. Up the ante by booking a Jacuzzi villa for an open-air hot tub on an expansive terrace. Rest up at the holistic Sun Spa with an Ayurvedic or Balinese couples massage before embarking on a thrilling night dive to view whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays. Or enjoy some alone time on your deck with a five-course wine-pairing dinner served by your personal waiter.

El Nido Lagen Island Resort – Philippines

The western Philippines archipelago of Palawan isn’t well known to U.S. travelers, but it won’t stay that way. The 18 water cottages at this eco-chic resort along Bacuit Bay are nestled on a strip of sand where lush jungle meets sparkling lagoon. Active couples can kayak to the island’s hidden caves, hike through the rainforest or snorkel right off of their cottage’s sun deck. Want something more sedentary? Wile away the days on quiet beaches, or get pampered at the traditional Filipino-style spa. Still, the most perfect honeymoon time might just be spent alone on the veranda of your bungalow, perfect for sunbathing, stargazing or snuggling.

Hotel Desconocido – Mexico

One hundred acres of beaches, lagoons and organic gardens make up this resort (which means “little unknown hotel” in Spanish), located south of Puerto Vallarta at the end of a peninsula boasting a UNESCO World Heritage-recognized wildlife estuary. But it’s in Hotelito’s 27 thatch palafitos, poised over a lagoon, that couples will likely spend most of their time. These breezy, affordable overwater bungalows feature hand-painted tiles and canopy beds carved from guayabillo wood. Brightly painted rowboats serve as your means for exploring the property’s watery landscape — home to pelicans, frigates and sea turtles — as well as its 40-mile white-sand beach. Come dusk, the solar-powered villas and grounds are lit with hundreds of candles and blazing tiki torches, giving every evening a romantic glow.

Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – Panama

Seclusion is key at this nine-bungalow eco-resort located just off the shores of Panama’s Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Colorful villas feature thatch roofs, hammocks strung on wraparound terraces, and stairs leading to the Caribbean. A low-key vibe prevails throughout these cheap overwater bungalows, from the beachfront candlelit restaurant to the solar panels that power the property. Those looking for adventure can snorkel or kayak the mile-long coral reef, or explore the nearby rainforest to mingle with friendly sloths and indigenous scarlet red frogs.

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Mahe Island, Seychelles

Proteas Bay, Samos Island, Greece

7 Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Borocay, Philippines

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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/

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