Your Caribbean Dream Doesn’t Need To Be a Fantasy

When you think of the Caribbean, you might typically think of places like the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, or the Turks and Caicos. And when you think of the price of property on these islands, most of us will come to the same conclusion—that it’s unaffordable. After all, a condo might cost you as much as $800,000.

This is how American Ann Kuffner felt...before she discovered Belize. This month, we profile Ann about her life on Ambergris Caye—the largest Caribbean island in Belize.

“I first learned about Belize when I was in my 20s,” Ann writes on page 10 of the October issue of International Living Magazine (which you get instantly if you subscribe to the IL Magazine today). “In those days, I was still scuba-diving in the dark, frigid waters off the northern California coast. By the time I reached the age of 30, a trip to the Virgin Islands was within financial reach. After my first dive into the warm, crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, there was no turning back.”

From that point on, Ann fantasized about owning a little piece of paradise somewhere in the Caribbean. The natural beauty of the region and the laidback attitude appealed to her. But for many years that Caribbean dream was but a fantasy.

In 1999, Ann and her husband Mike joined a group of adventurous International Living subscribers on a tour of Belize. At that time, they had no inkling how their lives would change.

They have since built two houses in Ambergris Caye...and have also built and operate a Fitness Club there. Every day they swim in the turquoise waters and walk the white-sand beaches. Their overall cost of living is 33% lower than it was in California...and although they work most days, Ann says it doesn’t feel like work. “Our hours are flexible. We hold meetings by the pool or at a beach café. Our normal attire is shorts, shirts, and flip-flops.”

Read Ann’s article and then scroll to the next page, where Dan Prescher details property for sale for less than $35,000 in Belize.

For Americans, there’s another Caribbean island that’s mysterious and forbidden. We sent our Latin America editor Suzan Haskins to Cuba to write our cover story this month. Of course, those from the U.S. are restricted from traveling there. But if this travel ban is lifted, opportunities here may open quickly, especially in tourism-related sectors. Change is coming to Cuba. Read Suzan’s full report in the October issue of IL Magazine.

Also in your October issue, Steenie Harvey writes about the myth, magic, and history of half-price Iceland; find out how you can profit from Fortaleza’s upcoming global exposure; learn how you can cash in on free travel; discover the best places to see your favorite sports live in Mexico; read how to buy quality gems for less in Latin America; and find out why the Czechs believe that soaking yourself in beer in good for you.

Plus, in honor Halloween (and to really spook you), we reveal the three most haunted castles in Europe. Read all this and more in your October issue, available to download online now when you subscribe to the International Living Magazine.

Laura Sheridan
Managing Editor, International Living Magazine