Looking to retire? These places offer all of the essentials and unique activities to match your lifestyle. (B1)
When you’re looking for the prime location to retire, great weather, affordability, walkability and access to solid health care are musts. But when you’ve finally earned the right to escape the workplace grind or day-to-day responsibilities of raising a family, you deserve more than just the essentials. The following places not only offer the necessities, but also unique activities to match your lifestyle and welcoming communities to share them with. From Panama’s laid-back Bocas del Toro to Malaysia’s foodie paradise George Town to Malta’s cultural gem Valletta, here are some of the best places to retire for soaking up new experiences.
Free Spirits’ Escape
Gig Harbor, Washington
“An active small-town feel where conversations flow freely and neighbors wave hello,” is how this peaceful town on the Puget Sound describes itself. For lovers of independent bookstores, quirky art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants and water activities, this spot has it all—and some of the best views of majestic Mount Rainier.
Seaside Style
Boca Raton, Florida
The upscale Florida hotspot has long drawn celebrities to its pristine beaches, premier golf courses, private clubs, high-end shopping and decadent dining experiences. Designed by “society architect” Addison Mizner, the entire town feels like a posh resort. Plus: For those looking to explore nearby cities like Miami and West Palm Beach, a high-speed train is set for completion this summer.
Relaxed Relocation
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Looking to slow down? This Caribbean coastal town is known for both its laid-back lifestyle and welcoming local and expat beach bums. The Panamanian government offers a “pensionado visa,” granting foreigners residency as long as they have pension income, as well as benefits like deals on transportation, medicine and entertainment.
Foodie Heaven
George Town, Malaysia
For retirees looking for historic charm with modern amenities and world-class food, this multicultural UNESCO World Heritage City is the place to be. With thousands of food stall options, you never have to eat the same dish twice; or, get hands-on chef experience yourself with state-of-the-art cooking classes.
South American Flair
Bogotá, Colombia
Here is a city where history meets the present, known for its vibrant street art and a hip culinary scene that puts modern twists on old classics. Plus: A movement called Ciclovía closes 75 miles of roadways every Sunday and holiday, opening them up to cyclists, skaters and walkers—so you can explore all Bogotá has to offer, your way.
Health Nut Haven
The Algarve, Portugal
This surfer’s paradise along Portugal’s southern coast is chock-full of hiking trails and fresh, healthy food, a prime retirement option for those looking to spend their days being active beneath the sunshine. The Algarve has also experienced an uptick in medical tourism in recent years, due to low-cost, high-quality health care facilities.
Old-World Spa Oasis
Budapest, Hungary
A perfect place for adventurers and history buffs, Hungary’s capital city on the Danube also offers a lower cost of living than most European cities. Enjoy the elaborate Old World architecture, the diverse foodie scene, catch a show at the neo-Renaissance State Opera House and, of course, relax in the thermal baths—you’re in the spa capital of the world.
Wine Connoisseur’s Idyll
Cape Town, South Africa
For the aspiring sommelier, Cape Town offers access to vineyards and wine estates throughout the region. Sip your Zinfandel after exploring national parks like the famed Table Mountain, or exploring the sea with some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world.
Artistic Arcadia
Valletta, Malta
Striking art and architecture meet natural beauty in this Mediterranean gem, perfect for art aficionados looking for a taste of the island life. Malta’s colorful capital is home to Caravaggio masterpieces, medieval architecture and some of the oldest temples on Earth. Even the cafés look like Renaissance paintings.
Down Under Dream
Sunshine Coast, Australia
While it loses points in affordability, this epitome of Aussie living, known for its white-sand beaches, nature reserves, fresh produce and local artisan markets checks all the other boxes for a great place to retire. If your idea of a perfect day is hitting a yoga class, exploring boutique shops, then ending at a craft brewery, look no further. It’s all about balance here.
SŁOWNICZEK
escape the workplace grind – uciekać od harówki w miejscu pracy
laid-back – wyluzowany, zrelaksowany
cultural gem – klejnot/skarb kultury
soak up new experiences – chłonąć nowe doświadczenia
quirky – dziwny, dziwaczny
pristine beaches – dziewicze plaże
beach bum – miłośnik plażowania
modern amenities – nowoczesne udogodnienia
hip culinary scene – modna scena kulinarna
chock-full – wypełniony po brzegi
experience an uptick in something – doświadczać wzrostu czegoś/ odnotować wzrost czegoś
history buff – miłośnik historii
snorkeling – nurkowanie (z rurką do oddychania)
scuba diving – nurkowanie z akwalungiem
art aficionado – miłośnik sztuki
craft brewery – browar rzemieślniczy
Task 1
Read the text and answer the following questions:
In which place(s) can retirees …
1. … get a taste of luxury?
2. … enjoy surfing and hiking?
3. … try underwater activities
4. … admire Renaissance art?
5. … enjoy both culture and outdoor activities?
6. … experience a combination of classic and modern?
Task 2
First, match the words to form collocations and verb phrases that will help you describe the issue presented in the article. Next, write down a sentence using each collocation and verb phrase. The sentences you create should relate to the topic being discussed in the text. (See Key)
Collocations:
cultural
small-town
posh
hiking
historic
modern
amenities
gem
trails
feel
resort
charm
Verb phrases:
escape
match
soak up
explore
catch
relax
nearby cities
the workplace grind
a show
in the thermal baths
new experiences
one’s lifestyle
Task 3
Use the collocations and verb phrases above to sum up the key points of the text. Record your text analysis on a voice recorder, or practice delivering your presentation in a group setting.
Examples:
When you’re looking for …
When you’ve finally earned the right to …
The following places not only offer …
From Panama’s laid-back Bocas del Toro to …
Task 4
Now it’s time to put forward your views on the issues. Write a description of a place where you would like to spend your retirement.
Points to consider
∗ Try to capture the reader’s attention with an interesting title
∗ Use future tenses and a variety of grammar structures (e.g. “I wish”, “I would like to”) when referring to the future
∗ Use narrative techniques and a variety of descriptive adjectives to make your description more vivid (e.g. charming, cultured, exotic)
• Use linking words/transitions to connect your ideas (firstly, moreover, nevertheless)
