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tropical-island-lifestyle

Jessie Harrell

Living on a tropical island is an incredible fantasy shared by many people. Being surrounded by water, drinking out of fresh young coconuts, and bathing in the ocean are some of the alluring images that come to mind.

Some people have actually chosen to make the fantasy of island life a reality. Many once deserted islands in Central and South America are becoming more and more inhabitable with building development, electricity, and even wifi.

However how does the reality truly live up to the fantasy?

Island life is not always paradise. With power shortages, few or often no roads at all, and a limited supply of goods it can be challenging at times living on an island.

Here are the pros and cons of living on an island for you to consider before moving to your own private paradise.

Pros of Living on an Island

They Are Beautiful

tropical-island-reasons

Caneles

There is no denying that tropical islands are absolutely stunning. Depending on the size of the island, there may be very little development and consequently nature everywhere. While some islands, like Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, Panama have incredible surfing, many like the Bay Islands in Honduras have completely flat water that is perfect for diving and snorkeling.

They Can Help You to Relax

Far from the mainland, islands offer the chance to truly get away. Life moves at a slower pace on islands and you will likely find yourself in a deep state of relaxation. Some islands have no cars and electricity for only part of the day. This makes relaxing and unplugging that much easier. If you are looking to really slow down your lifestyle, living on an island may be a great fit.

They Have Strong Communities

Small islands in particularly tend to have strong communities. People don’t leave islands as often as towns so living on an island you usually find yourself around most of the same people. This helps the community to work together. Most people living on islands do so for the same reasons and this shared love and respect of the island bonds people together.

They Are Easy to Navigate

Some islands are so tiny, like Caye Caulker in Belize, it’s possible to walk their perimeter in under an hour. Going to and from work, getting together with friends, and plenty of other everyday activities can be dramatically simplified when living in such a small place. Driving can be impossible or unnecessary and living on an island you may get around by foot, bicycle, canoe, or golf cart.

With all of these incredible aspects of island life it’s easy to see why many fantasies are built around them. But what are some of the difficulties of island life?

Cons

There Is a Limited Supply of Goods

Island-life

Anoldent

Islands tend to be much more expensive than mainland towns for a very important reason: there is a limited supply. Gasoline, first aid supplies, even fruits and vegetables can become scarce commodities and the prices will often reflect that. Depending how far the island is from the mainland, it can become costly and time consuming to have goods sent. You may notice that at the end of the week the markets lack most produce and fueling your car can be quite expensive.

There Is Limited Access to Medical Care

Most islands lack hospital facilities and some do not have medical care at all. In emergency situations this can be concerning as you may have to fly, or even take a boat, to access proper medical care. If you suffer from a medical condition in general this may be a big factor for you to consider.

A Slow-Paced Lifestyle Has Its Frustrations Too

The slower-paced lifestyle on islands is one of the wonderful benefits that helps its residents truly relax. However sometimes this slow pace can actually lead to stressful situations. If you own a business on the island you may struggle with the speed that the builders construct your space. You may struggle with training your employees to offer prompt service to tourists. Electrical outages may go on for days while you wait for the utility companies to come to the island. These are especially important considerations for those who plan to open a business, but they affect anyone who lives on the islands.

Living on an island could become the most magical experience of your life, fulfilling your every tropical fantasy, or it could be an incredibly difficult frustrating experience. Nowhere is perfect, so weigh the pros and cons and decide if island living is right for you. If you do decide to move to an island, take a deep breath and learn to adapt to this different lifestyle.

start-expat-business

Karan Jain

Many people dream of one day retiring to somewhere sunny in Central America. But what about those who want to invest or live abroad before retirement?

Individuals from all over the world have created lives for themselves in Central America by starting an expat business. In fact it typically requires much less start up investment to open a business in Central America; land and labor are inexpensive and few permits are required.

Tourism is an area that expats may gain interest in as most towns with established communities of foreigners have a solid influx of tourists bringing business.

Here are some of the most popular tourism-based businesses that expats have been running in Central America for years. Perhaps one of these businesses could offer you the lifestyle you long for abroad, before retirement.

Vacation Rentals

Opening and managing vacation rentals is a popular and often highly profitable business in Central America. Properties or land sell for a fraction of the price of those in the United States and can often be rented at slightly discounted U.S. rates.

During the high season it’s not uncommon for vacation rentals to completely book up. Sites like VRBO.com, Airbnb.com, and even Craigslist make marketing your properties much more straightforward.

Managing the properties themselves can be a lot of work, but for those passionate about real estate this is a great fit.

Restaurant/Cafe

Expat-owned restaurants, cafes, and bars are a much appreciated luxury for locals, other expats living in the area, and travelers of all kinds.

Most expat towns in Central America have a least a few offering anything from fair trade lattes and French pastries to green smoothies and Thai fusion food.

Owning this type of business in another country can be challenging with the different language, laws, and culture, however it’s an incredible opportunity to really connect with the community.

Some become more like local institutions that serve as a gathering place bringing locals, tourists, and expats together.

Tour Company

start-expat-business

Lance Gardner

Are you a passionate traveler, outdoor enthusiast, or adventure lover? Opening a tour company could be a great fit for you. Designing tours based on your favorite experiences is a way to share your passion with other travelers.

If you decide to work as one of the guides you have the added advantage of being able to experience the adventure with your groups. This is also a great way to give back to the community by employing locals, using sustainable practices, and educating tourists on local environmental and social concerns.

Hostel

As long as there are backpackers there will be a demand for hostels. The prices for board may be low, but the capacity can be high and plenty of other businesses can be rolled in.

Most hostels have some sort of bar or restaurant that guests frequent often. They also arrange tours and transportation which provides them with a commission. Special events hosted in the onsite bars enable hostels to earn an additional income as well.

Hostels can range from small and privately owned for a more bed and breakfast type of experience, to large and managed by an entire staff. Some open additional locations in towns in other countries which expands their presence and also helps them receive repeat customers who are traveling to multiple locations.

Yoga Retreat Center

start-expat-business

Bettina N.

Central America, Costa Rica in particular, is a popular place for those looking to study yoga or transform themselves on a retreat. For decades expats have been running these kinds of businesses and find their lives take on a new level of joy.

There are many opportunities for multiple sources of income including drop-in yoga classes, full yoga retreats, yoga teacher trainings, and bodywork sessions.

Surf School

Central America is known worldwide as a destination for incredible surfing. Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua are particularly frequented by surf enthusiasts from all over the world.

Many people come to these countries with the intention of learning to surf and enroll in immersion surf schools. Most travelers to these locations plan to at least take a lesson and try standing on a board. Surf schools are an essential tourism business in this part of the world and surf lovers can combine their passion for surfing with a business that earns them an income.

There is plenty of income to be made by surf schools which often combine other services like full retreats and board rentals. Some even open hostels, stores selling surf clothes and other merchandise, and onsite restaurants.

These are just a few of the popular businesses in tourism other expats have opened in Central America. Get creative and use your passions to start a business that makes your life abroad even richer. Investment is often significantly less than at home and many people find they experience a great deal of fulfillment running a business abroad.

The Panama 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Panama stories that you shouldn’t miss.

Best in Central America

Photo: Bob Therina

1: Is Panama the Best Option in Central America?

Investment blogs and financial papers crow in unquestioning unison about the current and projected economic growth of Panama. As always, it’s tough to get a read on a place until you visit. And even then it can become harder to see the real picture.

2: What Donald Trump Can Teach You About Investing in Panama (Machine Translation)

U.S. billionaire Donald Trump has his sights set on expansion in Latin America and announced an additional investment of $100 million in Trump Tower Punta del Este in Panama, cementing his opinion that it’s a great time to invest in Latin America.

3: Is Privatization the Best for Panama’s Interior Airports? (Machine Translation)

The three interior airports of Panama will become privatized in a reversal of the decision to have them administered by Tocumen SA. The airports of David, Colon, and Rio Hato will be granted in concession to private companies instead. Meanwhile, budget Canadian airline Air Transat is in talks to offer flights to these same interior airports.

The Panama 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Panama stories that you shouldn’t miss.

1: The PBS Guide to the History of the Panama Canal

For nearly a hundred years, the Panama Canal has stood for the triumph of technology over nature. But when it was built, at the dawn of the 20th century, it was simply an audacious gamble — a colossal engineering project, the likes of which the world had never seen.

2: The One Card You Need to Open a Bank Account in Panama

If all goes according to plan, Panama will soon roll out a simplified procedure for opening bank accounts in the country. The program will allow residents and legal foreign nationals with valid immigration cards to open bank accounts with a value of up to $1000.

3: Do You Recognize These Ways Panama Is Out Performing Costa Rica?

Tourism driven spending in Panama rose by 15% between 2010 and 2012 totaling $322 million in the last five years. The preferences of tourists include staying in the capital city, Panama Canal tours, Casco Viejo, and Panama’s interior, but spending was also increased in the conference and convention sector.

The Panama 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Panama stories that you shouldn’t miss.

1: Top 10 Retirement Havens for 2013…Part 1

What are the best, the most comfortable, the most affordable, the most convenient, and the most rewarding spots worldwide for retirement in 2013? Huffington Post says the winners are…

2: Financial Times: What’s Not to Like About Panama

The narrow nation of Panama will grow three times Latin America’s average of 3.1% this year, among the highest in the region; add in the canal expansion, what’s not to like?

3: The One Industry Which Pumped More Than $600 Billion into Latin America

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel and tourism sector made a direct investment of $666 billion into the economies of Latin America.

The Panama 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Panama stories that you shouldn’t miss.

Islands Panama Laktos Real Estate

Photo:

1: 3 Easy Places to “Reside” Overseas

I wouldn’t choose where to retire overseas based on residency options, but there are countries working hard to attract foreign retirees and would be good places to start your retire-overseas search. In Panama, Belize, and Nicaragua, for example, three of the most foreign retiree-friendly places in the world, the process has been formalized and simplified, and the path is well-worn.

2: Who Wants to Help Count 10,000 Arthropods in Panama

There are more species of insects than pretty much anything else in the world, and scientists know there are millions they haven’t even identified yet. Now, in a tropical rainforest in Panama, a multinational team of scientists has just completed the first ever insect census.

3: Where Do the World’s Happiest People Live?

The world’s happiest people aren’t in Qatar, the richest country by most measures. They are found in Latin America, where seven of the world’s 10 most joyful countries are located, according to a Gallup poll of 150,000 people worldwide.

The Panama 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Panama stories that you shouldn’t miss.

Photo Credit: Conde Nast Traveler

Photo Credit: Conde Nast Traveler

1: Bocas del Toro, Panama: The Laid-Back and Easy Way

Columbus landed there. Graham Greene made it on his third try. Now Conde Nast’s man in Panama, Peter Stevenson, falls under the laid-back spell of the islands of the Bocas del Toro. Welcome to the Caribbean that time forgot.

2: Panama Adds 29,000 Small Businesses (Machine Translation)

An astonishing 29,000 small businesses were opened in Panama in 2012 serving three main areas, mini-casinos, bars, and grill-type restaurants. Criticism has arisen around the Panama Emprende program, which fast-tracks licenses for these businesses, saying the country doesn’t need any more bars or mini-casinos.

3: 3 Economic Powerhouses of Central America (Machine Translation)

Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua are spearheading economic growth in Central America, according to projections from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration.

AJ Smith is an architect from the U.S. who is building a project on Boca Chica Island, Panama for a client. He recently returned from a fact-finding mission in Asia where he studied techniques and styles used there for building exotic and inexpensive dwellings. We thought our readers could get some value from hearing about what he learned overseas. The article is focused on Boca Chica Island, but there is still a wealth of knowledge and perspective for anyone building in the jungle environment. Enjoy!

Panama Architect

AJ Smith

1. What techniques have you found that could reduce cost and or beautify a project on Boca Chica Island?

Simple Balinese rooflines can be a great addition to Boca Chica Island. In some cases the roof also becomes part of the wall so there is an efficiency of material but it also becomes the most prominent feature of the building giving it a definitive island style. With many repetitive members, the technical difficulty of construction is reduced. If you are trying to achieve longer spans, site built trusses composed of smaller members can help reduce the need for lots of labor and hoisting equipment.

2. After touring Bali, what materials would be the most cost-effective for a project on Boca Chica Island?

I believe concrete, concrete block, milled timbers, bamboo, and natural roofs can all be cost-effective materials to use on the island. I had initially been hesitant to use concrete because the logistics of mixing large quantities and pouring onsite without the use of heavy machinery seemed daunting. After visiting the Gili islands, a place with no motor vehicles, only bicycles and horse carts, I saw this would not present much of a problem. A great deal of the structures I saw were primarily made of concrete and concrete block. They are able to mix and pour large quantities of concrete by creating mixing pits and careful coordination of lots of manual labor. One of the most impressive examples I saw was a 30 meter long pool poured without a single cold joint.

Many of the wall and roof structures I saw were all composed of small- to medium-sized framing members. Milled timbers generally created the primary structure while bamboo was a secondary framing member. It creates a very clean and simple look that has a strong tropical esthetic. By utilizing this style of framing you can avoid the cost of locating, sourcing, transporting, and erecting large timbers.

Natural roofs were a common feature almost everywhere I traveled in SE Asia, employing a wide variety of materials. In Bali they use a thin light grass that has a very appealing feathery look. In Cambodia they use a short wide leaf, in Thailand a coarse palm leaf is common. I’d like to experiment a bit with palm and grass roofs in Boca Chica to try to achieve a similar look and life span I saw throughout SE Asia.

3. Any new, exciting concept you came across in general that you are excited to try?

Panama Architect

AJ Smith

One of the most interesting things I saw was the Lumbung style house. These were traditionally used in agricultural areas for housing and rice drying. They are characterized by a raised pier foundation, an arched grass roof that serves as the walls as well, and are open on two sides. I saw a huge amount of adaptations of this style for bungalows. Subtle differences in roof lines and the addition of short walls create a multitude of layout options and customization. I believe they can be built quickly and inexpensively on Boca Chica but still greatly reinforces the island feel many are seeking. Since researching the structures, my client and I have decided to build a small lumbung bungalow first as we prepare for the larger more technical structures of the project.

4. In Bali you see lots of intricate craftsmanship, was there anything that jumped out at you to try in Panama?

There is amazing woodwork and craftsmanship in Bali. I was particularly drawn to the carved wood screens, paneling, and ornamentation. I would really like to use carved wood screens on some of the open aired structures we will be building as well as some of the ornamental ridge caps. I worry that finding the same craftsmanship in Panama may be difficult. We’ll have to see what our local labor source provides. We may just go with more straightforward elements to simplify the building process. I also researched prefab architecture while I was there and visited a few building centers. Prefab can be a great solution for the island to bring in a high quality of construction but it is not the cost-effective solution. In Bali they will fully build, disassemble, label, package, and ship any design you give them. The main benefit to this would be a quality building, with a high level of craftsmanship, which could be assembled onsite quite quickly. The local labor pool could then focus on assembly rather than having to either find or train them to execute the more intricate joinery and woodwork. Another less expensive option utilizing prefab would be to build the majority of the project onsite using local materials and import select prefab elements like a roof and its framing members, or wood screens, paneling, and doors.

5. If you were your client what would you want to build? (Explain your dream idea for the island.)

Panama Architect

AJ Smith

For myself, I would start out very simple and basic but with lots flexibility for future expansion. We are still waiting to see how Boca Chica Island develops. As it begins to become more of a tourist destination I think it’s important to have the ability to adapt and encourage tourism.

My idea would be similar to the project we have planned. I would build a large open aired palapa with a kitchen and bar as a main place to hangout and a small one-bedroom bungalow with a full bath. This would give me the flexibility to add components as I see fit. The addition of a pool and more bungalows would probably follow soon after.

6. Are you taking clients? If so how can people reach you?

I’m always interested in speaking with prospective clients especially those interested in building something off-grid and in remote locations. They can contact me directly via email at [email protected] and see our body of work on our website www.forsitestudio.com

7. We get lots of questions about building in the jungle and how to create space without destroying the environment. Do you see this as a problem? How do you approach this challenge?

Panama Architect

AJ Smith

The jungle is a huge natural amenity on Boca Chica and every site is unique because of the power of the landscape. My approach to building within the jungle is similar to remodeling a house. The canopy is your roof, the existing trees and vegetation are like walls, and your views are like windows. You work within the existing conditions to optimize your experience. It is necessary to maximize the shelter and shade created by the canopy but still create good flow within the space beneath. Large old growth trees are a means to organize space within the jungle. The location and design of the buildings directly respond to preserving the old trees while landscaping and pruning begin to define space beneath them and open up views to the surrounding landscape, ocean, and mountains in the distance. Through careful consideration the jungle becomes a great natural amenity creating privacy and a sense of intimacy within the site while at the same time it can create direction and awe to the scale of the expansive setting that surrounds the site and island.

8. The jungle has it own challenges in regards to maintenance, how would you combat this with design?

Panama Architect

AJ Smith

Regular maintenance is unavoidable given the site and its remoteness, but thoughtful design can keep maintenance to a minimum. Wood-destroying insects are a primary concern in Central America. A raised pier foundation capped with termite barriers can help prevent termites. Regular spraying can be effective as well.

Careful landscaping directly around the home site can also help reduce maintenance. The jungle is always fighting to reclaim its space so clearing the more evasive rapid growth vegetation and replacing them with ornamental and beneficial plants can help a great deal in controlling animals and erosion.

We know that all projects on the island are going to be exposed to the elements. Wind, rain, and sun can all take their toll on a building. Use of quality materials such as select hardwoods, robust roofing, and high grade sealants can substantially reduce the long-term maintenance required to keep a project beautiful.

Another thing to be mindful of is that the buildings here may be uninhabited for long periods of time. Security from intrusion and the elements should be considered. By utilizing sliding screens, shutters, and other techniques the buildings can be locked down while unoccupied, minimizing potential damage and then quickly opened up when the occupants return.

9. Do you think AC is must have?

I do not think AC is a necessity. A well-designed home can be quite comfortable year-round given the island’s location and the prevailing winds. My preference is to have AC in the bedrooms as a place to retreat on the hottest days with no wind but it may not be utilized the majority of the time. In the end it really depends on the client. If they feel the need for an entire home that is climate-controlled then the power system can be designed to handle the load.

10 How do you think about the energy needs of a project vs. the design? What is the process?

The performance of a building directly corresponds to the amount of energy that is required to comfortably occupy it. We look first at passive design which will optimize the performance of a building before we introduce any active system (power, hvac, lighting, etc.) In the passive design phase we look at regional weather, the sun’s path of travel, and the immediate building site (tree cover, topography, etc). All of these variables then directly inform the design. Window and door locations that capture prevailing breezes and allow for good daylighting, roof overhangs that prevent sun from directly entering the home during the hottest months of the year, and how the home sits on the site to maximize cooling from the existing landscape are all effective ways to implement passive design. The building envelope also is a primary concern. Solid wall and roof composition, good insulation, and high quality windows and doors all directly affect the building envelope and its performance.

Once we feel the home performs as well as it can passively, we begin to look at introducing active systems as minimally as possible. Luckily, in recent years there have been huge steps taken in energy efficient components. We utilize DC power where possible, LED lighting, appliances specifically engineered for off-grid living, and variable speed HVAC systems. By using current technologies you can greatly reduce the power demands of a project and in turn decrease the size and cost of the power system needed as infrastructure.