The World’s Best Towns for a fun, blissful, luxe retirement
Retirement isn’t just a phase—it’s a chance to curate a new lifestyle defined by pleasure, purpose, and place.
Whether your ideal years are spent by the water, amid vibrant culture, or surrounded by world-class amenities, these global destinations promise a perfect blend of relaxation, sophistication, and adventure.
Here’s a creative list, including sought-after gems and unexpected havens, each meticulously chosen for discerning retirees.
Noosa, Queensland, Australia
Best For: For Sun Lovers.
Set along Queensland’s famed Sunshine Coast, Noosa is where unspoilt nature meets refined living—and it’s quickly become one of Australia’s most coveted locales for retirees with taste. The area blends powdery white sand beaches with pristine national parks teeming with wildlife, from koalas to rare bird species.
You’ll find stylish cafes, gourmet restaurants, and a contemporary arts scene—Noosa Regional Gallery is just one of many cultural highlights—alongside exclusive boutiques housing both Australian designers and global luxury brands.
Walk the vibrant Hastings Street for alfresco dining and people-watching, or lose yourself along the scenic Noosa National Park Coastal Track for dramatic ocean views.
The town’s active, wellness-focused community means morning yoga on the beach and fresh, local markets selling everything from artisan breads to fresh truffles are just part of daily life.
Medical care is excellent, with private hospitals and leading specialists available, and there are exceptional retirement villages such as GemLife Maroochy Quays offering security, leisure facilities, and a strong social fabric.
Noosa’s year-round sunshine, proximity to Brisbane’s international airport, and a thriving expat community bolster its appeal, making it the perfect Australian base for those craving lifestyle upgrades. Whether you prefer lively beachfront activity or tranquillity in the hinterland’s rolling green hills, Noosa ensures every day feels like an endless holiday.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Best For Upscale Small Town Living
Imagine strolling winding, flower-laden lanes, the scent of blooming hydrangeas in the air and the Pacific waves caressing the nearby shore—that’s daily life in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
This enchanting town on California’s Monterey Peninsula looks as though it’s leapt out of a fairytale: Tudor cottages, stone chimneys, and lush gardens evoke Old English nostalgia, all set above dramatic cliffs and rocky beaches favoured by artists for centuries.
Retirees are drawn to the area for its serene pace, sophisticated restaurants, renowned art galleries, and robust social calendar that includes film festivals, farmers’ markets, and exclusive golf at nearby Pebble Beach.
With over 30 art galleries in its one-square-mile village, Carmel is famed for its creative spirit, and it’s not uncommon to spot local luminaries at wine tastings or literary events.
Distance from San Francisco means world-class medical care is just a short drive away, while the laid-back atmosphere ensures every day is restful and private—helped by unique town rules forbidding chain businesses and preserving small-town authenticity.
From sunset walks on Carmel Beach to exploring Point Lobos State Reserve, you’ll find plenty of diversions. Most rentals require at least 30 days, so neighbourhoods remain quiet, attracting those who value peace, community, and classic California beauty.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Best for affordable fun living
Sitting at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas effortlessly combines rugged desert landscapes, azure waters, and an international jet-set atmosphere. This former fishing village has transformed into a luxury haven, with marinas filled with superyachts, fine dining, and five-star hotel spas that bring the world’s best wellness treatments to your doorstep.
Retire in Cabo for the opportunity to live in some of the region’s most prestigious gated communities, like Pedregal or Chileno Bay, which offer championship golf courses, private beach clubs, wellness centers, tennis courts, and superb concierge services—all with unparalleled Sea of Cortez views. The real estate market offers everything from smart beachfront condos to sprawling, custom-built villas complete with staff quarters and infinity pools.
The international expat community means English is widely spoken and cultural events abound, from gourmet food festivals to art walks and open-air concerts. Residents can frequent luxury shopping centres, upscale grocers, and top-tier medical institutions. With Los Cabos International Airport offering direct flights across North America and beyond, travel is convenient, while the town’s rich tapestry of Mexican heritage—evident in its old town markets and lively fiestas—add authentic charm to daily life. The combination of security, scenery, and international flair places Cabo San Lucas high on any list for retirees looking to indulge every day.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Long beloved by global tastemakers and financial jetsetters, Grand Cayman is more than a tax haven—it’s a cosmopolitan paradise offering extraordinary comfort, security, and leisure. The crown jewel, Seven Mile Beach, boasts powder-soft sand and crystalline waters fringed by high-end resorts, gated villa communities, and private beachfront estates.
Grand Cayman’s infrastructure is among the Caribbean’s best: international schools, top medical facilities, fine dining—including world-famous chefs—and modern conveniences rival any global city. The capital, George Town, offers upscale boutiques, galleries, and a dynamic social calendar. Water enthusiasts relish world-class diving, deep sea fishing, yachting, and paddleboarding through bioluminescent bays.
Residency is straightforward for those investing in local property, and retirees often choose luxury condominiums with 24-hour security, wellness centres, and direct access to the beach. The island’s three hospitals, excellent pharmacies, and wellness retreats provide an added layer of comfort. Whether you enjoy lively neighbourhoods with vibrant nightlife or serene, garden-lined avenues, Grand Cayman welcomes retirees seeking privacy, community, and the peace of island life without the sacrifice of amenities or international connectivity.
Kassiopi, Corfu, Greece
Best For Mediteranean Lovers
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Corfu, Kassiopi is a picturesque fishing village defined by its ancient castle, pebbled beaches, and spectacular views across the Ionian Sea to the mountains of Albania. The vibe is quintessentially Mediterranean: slow, convivial, and brimming with local colour—think fisherman unloading fresh catch each morning, outdoor cafes shaded by olive trees, and medieval lanes winding past whitewashed villas with cobalt shutters.
Kassiopi is prized for its sense of tranquility and community. Despite its small size (just over 1,000 residents), the town offers an array of chic cocktail bars, authentic Greek tavernas, and family-run bakeries. Retirees enjoy boating, exploring hidden coves, or day trips to the bustling city of Corfu—just an hour away—which offers cosmopolitan shopping, museums, and international connections via its airport.
The climate is gentle, with mild winters and lush, flower-laden hillsides thanks to slightly higher rainfall than Greece’s southern isles. Many retirees acquire traditional stone villas with private pools, sea views, and easy access to vibrant markets. In Kassiopi, daily life blends old-world charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to experience the best of Grecian hospitality and serenity.
Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Best For Warm Weather Chilling
Within the stunning Algarve region, Lagos shines as an idyllic coastal retreat for those seeking a relaxed yet cosmopolitan retirement. The town’s historic center is a maze of cobbled streets lined with pastel-hued buildings, bustling cafés, and galleries showcasing local artisans. Surrounding this charming downtown are dramatic limestone cliffs, golden beaches, and secluded coves that entice swimming, boating, and year-round outdoor living.
Retirees in Lagos enjoy a privileged lifestyle, aided by Portugal’s straightforward “golden visa” program for foreign real estate investors—making long-term residency seamless for globetrotters. Healthcare is top-notch, with international clinics and English-speaking specialists. The region’s affordable cost of living means retirees enjoy luxury at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere in Western Europe, and the social scene is lively, with frequent food festivals, golf tournaments, and music events.
The area is known for its vibrant markets, rooftop restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, and a range of wellness retreats. Lagos is just a short drive to Faro International Airport, providing easy access to the rest of Europe. Whether you invest in a modern beachfront apartment or a historic manor in the hills, Lagos is a place where old-world beauty and new-world convenience happily intersect.
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Best For Francophiles
Affluent retirees seeking Parisian elegance without the hustle of the city centre fall instantly for Neuilly-sur-Seine. This serene enclave sits just across the Seine from central Paris and offers an idyllic blend of leafy boulevards, chic boutiques, and beautifully maintained Haussmann-era architecture—many apartments here boast views of the Eiffel Tower or Bois de Boulogne parklands.
Neuilly-sur-Seine is home to a discerning mix of diplomats, CEOs, and creatives. Green spaces abound; the Parc de la Folie Saint-James is an 18th-century landscaped jewel, while the Bois de Boulogne offers boating lakes, art museums, and horse trails on the doorstep. Despite the peaceful residential feel, you’re 15 minutes from the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Paris’s best fine dining—making culture and city adventures effortlessly accessible.
The property market includes gracious apartments, spacious townhomes, and mansions with private gardens. Highly rated international schools, medical facilities, and Michelin-starred restaurants complete the offering. Neuilly is more than a suburb—it’s an oasis for those seeking lifestyle, luxury, and the magic of Paris without compromise.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Savannah is the jewel of the American South, where moss-draped oaks line cobblestone squares and antebellum architecture blends with a vibrant creative scene. The city’s historic district is both a cultural mecca—home to the esteemed Savannah College of Art & Design—and a sanctuary for lovers of fine food, with everything from upscale Southern cuisine to international tasting menus.
Retirees here enjoy 22 leafy squares, bustling farmer’s markets, and proximity to both city life and the tranquil shores of Tybee Island. The climate is temperate, supporting lush gardens, riverside walks, and year-round festivals from jazz to visual arts. Exclusive golf communities, elegant Victorian townhouses, and new luxury developments in the islands nearby ensure housing choices for every taste.
Savannah’s strong sense of tradition includes annual midnight masses, open-air concerts, and one of America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades. Yet a youthful energy, thanks to the local universities, keeps the city dynamic, fresh, and welcoming for new residents. Add in favorable tax policies for retirees and robust medical care, and Savannah is a classic choice for comfort, friendship, and a touch of Southern magic.
Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
Sotogrande is Europe’s gold standard in resort-style retirement living—an Andalusian seaside haven popular with celebrities, royalty, and global luxury-seekers. It’s famed for its ultra-exclusive marina, championship golf courses, elite polo clubs, and a calendar packed with regattas, equestrian events, and stylish social gatherings.
The community is master-planned for comfort and privacy: you’ll find designer villas and penthouses with private pools, panoramic sea views, and direct beach access. Residents enjoy wellness spas, country clubs, markets featuring local artisans, and an ever-growing gastronomy scene powered by acclaimed chefs. For outdoor lovers, the adjacent Natural Park of Los Alcornocales, with its ancient cork forests and dramatic mountains, is ideal for hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding.
Elegant squares and beachfront promenades come alive in summer with night markets, live music, and artisan food stands, while gated security and elite international schools make it attractive for multi-generational families and those seeking peace of mind. Sotogrande’s effortless Andalusian flair, combined with amenities on par with the world’s top resorts, ensures every day is a celebration.
Bordeaux, France
For those whose definition of retirement means savouring life’s finer things, Bordeaux is the ultimate retreat. Famed as the wine capital of the world, this UNESCO-listed French city blends elegant 18th-century architecture, riverside promenades, and thriving café society with a distinctly cosmopolitan air.
Retirees are drawn to Bordeaux for its Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class vineyards, and open-air markets teeming with artisan produce and hand-selected vintage wines. Take in an opera at the magnificent Grand Théâtre, or spend weekends estate-hopping in the lush wine country—Medoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes are close by.
The city offers first-rate public transport, medical care, and a lively arts scene, while summers bring festivals of music, food, and art. Exclusive properties abound, from chic city penthouses overlooking the Garonne to country manors with ancient wine cellars. A haven of culture, gastronomy, and timeless beauty, Bordeaux is where French joie de vivre flourishes and where the art of living well never grows old.
Cascais, Portugal
Once the summer playground of European royalty, Cascais is now one of Portugal’s most sought-after addresses for luxury retirement. Located on the Lisbon Riviera, the town features a stunning coast lined with golden beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs, and the sparkling Atlantic as a year-round backdrop.
Cascais seduces with a historical old town filled with cobbled lanes, chic boutiques, vibrant marketplaces, and pastel-hued villas. Play golf on championship courses, sail from the bustling marina, or embrace opera and jazz festivals in this city that loves to celebrate life. Exquisite seafood restaurants serve daily catches from the local fishing fleet, blending sophistication with tradition.
With fast, convenient rail and road links to Lisbon, international airports, and world-renowned healthcare, Cascais makes Europe—and the world—easily accessible. Real estate ranges from modern apartments with ocean views to 19th-century palacetes tucked amid lush gardens. The blend of scenery, lifestyle, and cosmopolitan amenities is irresistible for those seeking that perfect combination of sun, culture, and coastal vibrancy.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay’s breezy, urbane capital offers one of Latin America’s quietest luxuries: a harmonious blend of modernity and relaxed coastal living. Montevideo’s famed rambla, a 14-mile-long waterfront promenade, is a daily invitation to walk, cycle, or simply take in the sea breeze.
The city is divided into distinct barrios—each with its own character. Ciudad Vieja entices with Spanish colonial architecture, open-air art, and world-class theatres, while newer neighbourhoods showcase cosmopolitan restaurants, boutiques, and leafy parks. Retirees benefit from Uruguay’s excellent healthcare, robust legal system, and reputation for safety, which together create a welcoming environment for new arrivals.
Montevideo’s cultural calendar is full, from tango festivals to Carnaval. The real estate market is varied, with beachfront condos, historic townhouses, and garden estates all available. With favourable residency policies and excellent international links, Montevideo beckons those seeking comfort, security, and a slower, more mindful pace of life on the South Atlantic.
Valletta, Malta
Perched atop a rugged Mediterranean peninsula, Valletta stuns first-time visitors with its honey-hued baroque palaces, grand piazzas overlooking sapphire seas, and a skyline enriched by centuries of history. Over the years, Malta’s tiny capital has evolved into an artistic, cosmopolitan hub—its legendary Grand Harbour playing host to everything from classical concerts to world-class regattas.
The climate is blissful, with over 300 sunny days a year encouraging alfresco living. Malta’s stable politics, English-speaking population, and attractive tax schemes make it a practical as well as a pleasurable choice for retirees relocating from abroad. The UNESCO-listed city core boasts charming apartments and meticulously restored townhouses, while nearby coastal villages offer larger estates and resort-style living, all with easy access to world-class healthcare and sailing.
Valletta’s cultural life is packed with festivals, international food markets, and a lively theatre scene, while the island’s welcoming reputation and rich tapestry of global influences ensure an easy transition for new residents. For those craving a life where every day feels like an elegant holiday, Valletta is a jewel not to be missed.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Resting peacefully on the lush banks of the Río de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento is an atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage Site—a picturesque haven replete with cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and riverside cafes where time itself slows down. Founded by the Portuguese, its history is visible in the gently crumbling city walls, flower-filled plazas, and pastel-hued colonial villas that line its quiet avenues.
Colonia is cherished by retirees for its tranquil rhythms, mild subtropical climate, and unique blend of Uruguayan, Spanish, and Portuguese heritage. Cycling, boating, and gallery hopping are favoured pastimes, while nearby vineyards and vast estancias tempt with weekend escapes. The city’s proximity to bustling Montevideo and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires—just a short ferry ride away—means culture, shopping, and world-class dining are always within easy reach.
Property options are diverse, from beautifully restored historic homes to modern riverside apartments. Friendly locals and a close-knit international community round out Colonia’s many charms, making it an ideal base for retirees who value authenticity, beauty, and the slow pleasures of riverside living.
