Speightstown, Barbados

The population of Speightstown is a mere 2,192, hardly bustling enough for those seeking an active social life. This former colonial shipping hub has become a sleepy tourist town, its glory days long gone. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's boundaries tightly defined by law. But for those seeking a quiet, slow-paced retirement, Speightstown's historic charm and coastal setting may hold appeal - as evidenced by actress Claudette Colbert, who spent her final years here. Overall, this is a place best suited for the patient and undemanding.