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Retirees' Dream Destinations: Where to Splurge and Maybe Stay Forever

Rome, ItalySaturday, January 10, 2026
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Retirement is not just about relaxing; it's also about exploring new places and maybe even settling down somewhere new. For those with the means and the wanderlust, there are some truly amazing places to consider. These spots offer luxury, comfort, and a chance to test out what life could be like as a local.

Imagine Your Future Home

Imagine waking up in a beautiful hotel, knowing that this could be your future home. That's the idea behind these destinations. They're not just places to visit; they're places to imagine a new life. From the historic streets of Rome to the private beaches of Antigua, these spots offer a taste of what retirement could look like.

Beyond the Luxury

But it's not just about the luxury. It's about the local culture, the people, and the way of life. A fancy hotel can give you a taste of that, but it's important to get a sense of the real deal. That means eating local food, talking to locals, and exploring beyond the tourist spots.

Top Retirement Destinations

Rome, Italy

  • Hotel Raphaël: Luxurious and in the heart of the city.
  • Highlights: Historic sites, local cuisine, top-notch healthcare, and a safe environment.

Antigua

  • Jumby Bay: Private island offering ultimate luxury.
  • Highlights: Explore Barbuda, enjoy local food, rent a yacht, and experience tropical paradise.

Madeira, Portugal

  • Reid's Palace: Luxurious hotel with a taste of local culture.
  • Highlights: Beautiful landscapes, mild weather, excellent healthcare, and safety.

French Riviera, France

  • Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat: Luxury and local culture.
  • Highlights: Ocean swimming, Michelin-starred dining, beautiful gardens, high-quality healthcare, and safety.

Vienna, Austria

  • Hotel Sacher: Luxurious hotel with a taste of local culture.
  • Highlights: Museums, holiday markets, famous Sacher Torte, excellent healthcare, and safety.

French Polynesia

  • Four Seasons Bora Bora: Luxury and local culture.
  • Highlights: Overwater villas, water sports, private home options, high-quality healthcare, and safety.

Athens, Greece

  • Four Seasons Astir Palace: Luxury and local culture.
  • Highlights: Museums, beaches, ferry trips to nearby islands, excellent healthcare, and safety.

Paphos, Cyprus

  • Anassa Hotel: Luxury and local culture.
  • Highlights: Mediterranean views, archaeological sites, day trips to the harbor, high-quality healthcare, and safety.

Fiji

  • InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa: Luxury and local culture.
  • Highlights: Water sports, golf, private home options, excellent healthcare, and safety.

Costa Rica

  • Andaz and Four Seasons Hotels: Luxury and local culture.
  • Highlights: Water sports, waterfalls, private home options, excellent healthcare, and safety.

Finding a Place to Call Home

Remember, luxury is just the beginning. It's important to get a sense of the real deal. That means talking to locals, exploring beyond the tourist spots, and maybe even considering the cost of living. Because at the end of the day, retirement is not just about luxury; it's about finding a place to call home.

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