By Alexander Britell

When it comes to making lifestyle decisions, the pandemic has only strengthened the appeal of the Caribbean, as more people flock to the region for sanctuary, seclusion and stability amid an uncertain global situation. 

It has led to a number of new trends, including growing real estate demand in some Caribbean nations and an increasing number of destinations launching extended-stay programs for remote workers, such as the new Global Citizen concierge program launched in the Cayman Islands (first reported by Caribbean Journal Invest).

But it’s also leading to renewed interest from another demographic: retirees. One of their top choices? Grand Cayman. 

But it’s also leading to renewed interest from another demographic: retirees. One of their top choices? Grand Cayman. 

“We are experiencing growing interest from people looking to make plans for their retirement,” Sue Nickason, VP Marketing and Sales at leading Cayman Islands real estate brokerage Provenance Properties, the official Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in Cayman tells Caribbean Journal Invest.

“One aspect of that planning process includes acquiring a property in Cayman for either part-time or full-time residency.  Retirees appreciate Cayman’s excellent healthcare facilities, modern infrastructure, tropical year-round weather and nonstop flights from major cities in North America,” Nickason says.

Indeed, Cayman has long been popular with affluent retirees, thanks to its strong healthcare sector, abundant recreational opportunities on land and sea, and an enduring record of safety, among other factors. 

Healthcare is a particularly strong factor, she said, pointing to the four major hospitals in the Cayman Islands and the more than 1,000 healthcare and wellness professionals providing a range of services across the destination — with a ratio of around 4.5 doctors per 1,000 residents.

In recent years, the opening of the renowned Health City complex has only reinforced that standing. 

But it’s far more than that, Nickason tells Caribbean Journal Invest. 

Cayman has a low crime rate; a long history of sound governance; one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world and a standard of living that’s largely unmatched in the wider region. 

And Cayman’s tax neutrality means it’s easier to budget for retirement expenses, with an absence of personal, recurring property, capital gains, inheritance and sales taxes. 

“The Cayman Islands is an ideal address for living an active lifestyle as a retiree,” Nickason says. “An additional draw is the absence of any restrictions on foreign ownership of property and the absence of recurring property, income, capital gains, sales and inheritance taxes.”

So how do you do it?

Retirees need to invest a minimum of US$1.2 million in developed real estate in order to qualify to earn a certificate of permanent residency for 25 years.

For aspiring centarians, that can be renewed for another 25 years. 

Once obtained, the holder must maintain a minimum 30-day residency period each year in Cayman and demonstrate an annual income of $145,000 not derived by working in the local economy. 

For more, visit Provenance Properties in the Cayman Islands.

The post How (And Why) to Retire in the Cayman Islands appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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St. Croix stands out with its well-preserved historic buildings — notably Fort Christiansvaern, a Danish fortress dating from 1749 — two distinctive cities (Christiansted and Frederiksted), excellent culinary scene, and natural wonders that include Buck Island National Monument for desert-island swimming and snorkeling and a lush interior rainforest filled with old plantation ruins.

And now you can plan your St. Croix visit now with a stay at one of the hotels that have reopened with new COVID-19 protocols in place.

Options range from the intimacy of the Sugar Apple Bed & Breakfast in downtown Christiansted to the resort accommodations at the famous Buccaneer.

Here’s a guide to where you can stay in St Croix right now.

Arawak Bay Inn: 14-room bed & breakfast near the Salt River Bay, Salt River Marina, and Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.

The Buccaneer: Iconic, pink-clad beach resort that has defined luxury vacations on St. Croix since 1947.

Carambola Beach Resort: Full-service Marriott resort is still undergoing renovations but has reopened for business on Estate Davis Bay, along with its signature golf course.

Caravelle Hotel & Casino: Perfectly situated on the boardwalk in downtown Christiansted, the Caravelle has a cheery, bright yellow facade, a guest pool, a small casino, and is home to Rum Runner’s Restaurant and Bar.

The post St Croix Hotels and Resorts You Can Stay at Right Now appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The recently-expanded Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba has launched a rather clever new amenity: a floating breakfast.

For guests staying the property’s Plunge Pool Casita, the hotel will deliver a special floating breakfast package with fresh juices, tropical fruit, pastries, two main courses and coffee or tea – on a floating tray right in your pool. (There’s also an option of Prosecco or mimosas).

The breakfast is prepared by popular local spot Eduardo’s Beach Shack.

“This new experience is the ideal collaboration with Boardwalk Boutique Hotel, serving healthy, nourishing food and beverages in a pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens,” says Nikita Pablo, experience officer at Eduardo’s Beach Shack, which has also partnered with the resort for a range of culinary options from room service to en-suite breakfast delivery.

The Boardwalk unveiled the results of a major expansion to the property at the end of last year, one that included the addition of 32 new “casitas,” among other upgrades.

You can find Aruba’s latest entry protocols for visitors here.

For more, visit Boardwalk Boutique Hotel.

The post How to Have a Floating Breakfast in Aruba appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Amid the new realities of travel, demand has only grown for villa vacations — with travelers placing a premium on seclusion and independence.

And next week’s reopening of the British Virgin Islands for tourism will shine a renewed spotlight on a villa destination that’s long been one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets: Virgin Gorda.

For years, Virgin Gorda has been sought after by travelers in the know, with a rarefied collection of villas and a breezy, easy-to-explore vibe.

Here are five worthy destination villas to think about as you plan your next trip to the island, thanks to our friends at Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals.

They’re the kinds of villas you’ll never want to leave — and with the territory’s four-day initial quarantine requirement, it’s the perfect way to visit the BVI right now. (You can find the BVI’s travel protocols here).

Sandcastle Set on the edge of the sand on Virgin Gorda’s Mahoe Bay, this five-bedroom beach villa is a lush, sprawling retreat with an emphasis on space to move around. With a forty-foot ocean-view pool, an outdoor bar and a covered terrace, it’s a bit like having your own private beach resort.

Tamar Villa This is another side of Virgin Gorda, an oasis on a hillside, where the views are, in a word, remarkable. The four-bedroom property overlooks Leverick Bay, home to the namesake Leverick Bay Resort and Marina (All VGVR guests have access to its amenities). There are great touches here, from an open-air billiards suite to a full-fledged fitness room.

Caribbean Wind Another beachfront stunner, the six-bedroom Caribbean Wind, is perched right on Mahoe Bay. And it’s all about privacy and exclusivity. You have your own beach, your own pool and even access to an adjacent semi-private tennis court. And you can have dinner in a different setting practically every night, whether you take a meal in the formal dining room, the pool, the upstairs terrace or even a picnic on the sand.

Blue Lagoon Virgin Gorda has always been a haven for wellness-focused travelers, and the three-bedroom, three-bathroom Blue Lagoon is a full-fledged, hillside wellness retreat. You can do yoga on the covered patio, meditate in the Zen Garden or spend the afternoon listening to the on-site waterfall. And when things get cooler on a winter evening, you can retire to the hot tub. Even better? The property comes with daily maid service and the option of a personal chef.

Bellamare Set on a hillside above Mahoe Bay, the 4,030-square-foot Bellamre is the quintessential Virgin Gorda hillside sanctuary. And while the views and the outdoor amenities are breathtaking, it’s the interiors here that really stand out, with Italian tile, abundant wood wonderful natural light. And when you do step outside, you find a capacious 1,400-square-foot outdoor space focused around a serene pool.

For more, visit Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals.

— CJ

The post 5 Virgin Gorda Villas for the Perfect British Virgin Islands Getaway appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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