For information purposes only; for those considering future retirement hot spots overseas.
The current edition of Fortune magazine has a section entitled, "Paradise Found: Where to Retire Abroad."
* San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
An ex-pat remarks: "I've lived in pretty places, but this is magical. It's like being in the Alps, but bigger. The trees are bigger, the vistas are more grand."
Fortune remarks: "Bariloche is a paradise for those who love skiing, fishing, and hiking."
"A city of 100,000, Bariloche has an airport, a hospital, and top-notch restaurants."
* Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fortune: "...a city that George Bernard Shaw called 'paradise on earth.'"
"Hardly a trace exists of the shelling Dubrovnik took in 1991-92."
"The coast is unspoiled, and likely to stay that way, thanks to government restrictions."
* Boquete, Panama
Fortune: "With temparatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit year round, homes don't need heat or air conditioning."
"Boquete has a large English-speaking community."
"A cup of locally grown coffee--some of the best in the world--can be yours for just 25 cents."
* Merida, Mexico
Fortune: "Merida is half an hour from the beach and within an hour of spectacular Mayan ruins."
"There's a symphony and theaters, and most nights a free music or dance performances."
* Phuket, Thailand
Fortune: "...an 'indescribably beautiful' [ex-pat's description] little fishing village."
"Phuket suffered less damage than other parts of Thailand from the tsunami six months ago."
