Top 5 havens to retire in

Many of us have entertained fantasies of going away and retiring somewhere idyllic with our riches – here are our top picks for happily ever after havens

So you want to retire and retreat into a peaceful corner of the world for the rest of your life. Whether you’d rather lounge in a harbour-front town or squirrel away into a scenic rural village, your perfect ending has been hovering in your head for a while.

It’s time to put that vision in visuals. Join us in fantasising about these irresistible retirement havens.

1. Georgetown, Malaysia

Lying in the heart of Penang Island, this town should be renamed to Gorgeoustown. Its laidback vibe channels the charm of the Mediterranean but it’s also not too far from home and everything familiar to us.

And it’s pretty affordable, too. Ocean-view condominiums can be rented cheaply, and healthcare is decent. Enjoy slow-paced living, low taxes, and an English-speaking lepak (relaxed) community. You don’t even have to leave hawker food behind as Penang is known for having some of the best!

2. Dumaguete, Philippines

Dumaguete is a youthful and vibrant town in the Philippines

This sleepy seaside town in the archipelago calls out to us. It’s a little different from the other provincial capitals in the Philippines – Dumaguete is much more hip, with modern fittings and a strong arts scene.

The University city has a youthful population that loves hosting world-class leisure activities, from dolphin-watching to theatre productions. A multitude of entertainment options aside, the town benefits from the same low cost of living as the rest of the country.

Also, we bet you’ve never heard of Dumaguete. That means you can retire away from the crowds and in serene seclusion.

3. Chiang Rai, Thailand

Chiang Rai is populated with natural parks and modern developments, perfect for semi-rural retirement

Many of us have heard of Chiang Rai but not a lot of people realise just how liveable this province is. Its population is only about 200,000 yet it’s as modern and developed as cities come – and extremely affordable to boot!

In town, the streets are lined with shops and restaurants that open late into the night. On the borders, Chiang Rai boasts spectacular waterfalls, elephant camps and hot springs.

This is the perfect choice for those of you who want a rural retirement without giving up your urban comforts.

4. Barbados

With the perfect combination of sun, sand, sea and no dense crowds, Barbados is one of our top retirement havens

This island in the Caribbean is everything you’ve ever seen on TV and more: glittering sea, soft white sand, friendly welcoming people and bright sun that doesn’t scorch your skin.

Locals here are versed in English; and property tax is almost as low as the cost of its healthcare. And let’s not forget the variety of food offered here, from exotic Caribbean seafood to Asian reinventions. Sounds like Barbados would have you set for life.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland is possibly the perfect retirement destination – but it comes with a hefty price!

Now this is one of the world’s top choices for retirement, and it’s little wonder why. With free healthcare, high levels of security and safety, modern infrastructure, and Europe’s relaxed lifestyle, Switzerland’s got the whole package.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, unless you can afford its extremely high cost of living, Swiss retirement can remain a mere pipe dream. We’re talking about €16 meals at McDonald’s. (That’s about S$25.)

But as long as we’re fantasising (and planning way ahead), we’ll keep Switzerland in our sights. With Singapore’s retirement age inching up every year, we just might be able to save up enough by then.

By Pamela Chow