During the last two years, Ambergris Caye, Belize, has been the recipient of a flurry of awards, recognizing its enticing Caribbean island lifestyle. Here are just a few:

• The Best Island to Retire on – Islands Magazine 2009
• The Best Island in the Americas – Travel and Leisure Magazine 2009
• The Second Best Place to Vacation in Mexico and Latin America – Travel & Leisure 2010
• The Second Best Relaxation & Spa Destination in Central & South America – Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice 2010 Awards

Why is this quirky little Caribbean island, that sits 35 miles off the coast of Belize, garnering so much attention? And, more importantly, what’s it really like to live and retire there?

Acquaintances often ask, “Do you have any regrets that you left the San Francisco Bay Area for Ambergris Caye, Belize?” I honestly tell them that there are only a few things that I genuinely miss. I’m referring to the family and friends I left behind. At that point I surmise, by the quizzical look on their faces, that they are wondering, “How can she possibly prefer a small island off the coast of Belize to the sophisticated San Francisco Bay Area?”

After many years of living the supposed “good life” in one of the world’s most spectacular metropolitan regions, admittedly, my priorities and preferences changed. The best way I can describe it is, “Been there, done that.”

Admittedly, somewhere after reaching the landmark 50th birthday, I re-evaluated my lifestyle and preferences. These days I find a totally different lifestyle to be more satisfying. Constant activity, status, and the latest fashions no longer seem that important. And, granted, these days I’m much more focused on being frugal. That’s nearly impossible in the Bay Area!

Granted, no one place is perfect, including Ambergris Caye. So, what is it about daily living on Ambergris Caye that I find so satisfying? Ironically, some of the things that give me the greatest pleasure are not what I would have predicted...

Every day I’m delighted by the stunning beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Like the majority of visitors, I initially visited to experience Ambergris Caye’s natural beauty, the swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and boating. Around almost every turn, I’m greeted with an inviting aquamarine scene or swaying palm trees. The nuances of the sea’s colors, the balmy sea breezes, and the abundance of life in the crystal clear water are a constant source of pleasure…

On Ambergris Caye, everyone waves hello. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had made more friends on this quirky little island than I had ever had in my neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area. At my age in life I appreciate the importance of having good friends and family. So living in a place with such a strong sense of community is a very satisfying. In big cities in North America people are always in a hurry. I rarely saw my neighbors in the Bay Area. Here, in San Pedro, every trip into town is a social adventure. I know the shopkeepers, bankers, bakers, and local artists, all by first name… Each of them greets me and asks about my health and life. The Belizeans are genuinely friendly and endearing.

Life is simpler – but without giving up expected amenities. As a corporate VP, I was a master at multi-tasking. I jumped from one meeting to the next, hardly skipping a beat. At some point juggling meetings, tasks and people lost its appeal. I still keep very busy in Belize. But, overall there are less annoying distractions here. The electricity, water, telephone, internet and cable services on the island are reliable. We can access most all major North American TV channels. But it’s easier to avoid repetitive negative news. I just turn off the TV and head to the beach to walk the dogs. My blood pressure quickly dropped over ten points once I moved here. And, what a relief it’s been to live in a country and town devoid of non-stop advertising.

San Pedro – A Vibrant, Colorful Town With Great Restaurants, Music and Festivals – This colorful little town has only three primary streets. But they’re packed with diverse restaurants, cafés, night clubs, grocery and specialty stores. Visitors often remark that the quality and mix of restaurants is a pleasant surprise. The constant flow of entrepreneurial expats has resulted in appealing new businesses that cater to North American tastes. The options just keep expanding. In terms of activities, one of my favorites is to attend the various entertaining and creative local festivals. The Lobster Fest, Costa Maya Festival and Eco-Kayak Challenge are my favorites.

Each morning I awake to an avian serenade... This is one of those simple pleasures that I did not anticipate would be so satisfying. First of all - no more alarm clocks. I work long hours, but on my own schedule. What a relief to no longer have to drag myself out of bed for a 6 AM conference call. Now my daily wake up call is the familiar songs of the diverse birds perched outside my window. What an enchanting way to begin the day.

Transportation costs and transit times are negligible. A few years back my husband and I sold both of our vehicles. Granted, it broke my heart to part with my cushy, classy Infinity J30. But, now I’m content to bop around the island in our little golf cart. It’s only a ten minute drive to the local airport, or to San Pedro Town. No more major traffic jams or sitting in traffic for hours at a time. While going “green” we also cut back on a major expense. Gas runs about $20/month. Our golf cart insurance is $75/year. Sayonara to eight lane freeways!

English Language and Government Systems. I chose Belize partly because there is no language barrier. That makes the transition very easy. But I’ve also come to appreciate that the British based parliamentary democracy system is logical and easy to work within, as compared to the government systems in the other Latin countries. That means less hassle.

Belize’s Qualified Retirement Program is one of the best. I filled out the paperwork and obtained my QRP status within three months! It was easy and affordable. Several publications rank Belize’s retirement program in the top three. Now I come and go as I please. And, I don’t have to pay taxes in Belize for my worldwide income.

Property Costs are reasonable when compared to other Caribbean islands - The last few years condo prices stalled on Ambergris Caye, as in other parts of the Caribbean. This is a very good time to invest, before they start to rise again. The prices for a one bedroom condo on the island start at only $100,000. This is amazing when you consider that a condo in the Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, or Bermuda can be $500,000 or more.

These days I’m usually pretty busy here in paradise. I have multiple roles, as a travel writer, Belize correspondent, and the Vice President for Grand Baymen Belize. In 2002/2003 my husband Mike and I built the San Pedro Club, a premier athletic, pool and tennis club in San Pedro.

Now we are immersed in the Grand Baymen Belize development project www.grandbaymen.com. We are building 174 quality, affordable 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condominiums. With a focus on community living, Grand Baymen is walking distance from San Pedro Town.

Most months I lead a “Chill Weekend” for our visitors who come to check out Ambergris Caye and Grand Baymen Belize. It’s a pleasure to meet and greet people from all walks of life. I relish showing them the island life I know and love. Indeed, I’m living the “Good Life” here in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.