The Caribbean is synonymous with hedonism - from the mass tourist Mecca of the Bahamas to the off-the-beaten-path divers' paradise of Bonaire. What you might not know about the Caribbean, however, is that it's also home to one of the most appealing - and inexpensive - expatriate and retirement havens in the world. This little-known gem, though off the well-trodden path taken by most travelers, has a lot to offer. So if you're longing for the good life in a tropical haven, duck the crowds and head to Dominica.

A land of waterfalls, rivers (365 of them), hot springs, and lush rain forests, Dominica is the Caribbean’s most rugged isle.

Instead of luxury resorts and long stretches of crowded white sand beaches, you'll find volcanic mountains, intimate beaches, little-explored reefs and small hotels. If you think that living in the Caribbean full or part-time is a luxury only the rich and famous of the world can afford, think again. Unlike most of the Caribbean's islands, which cater to tourists and the high-end market, Dominica's prices are refreshingly down-to-earth.

For example, right now you'll find: A beautiful private 1.7-acre lot with ocean views for only $37,000, and a 1/2-acre lot with ocean views located only 15 minutes from the airport: asking price: $50,000 (located just an hour from the capital), both perfect places for your dream home (which can be built for as little as $24,000-$40,000).

A 2.15-acre riverfront lot with cocoa, coffee, grapefruit and bamboo trees on the property waiting for your dream home for $105,000.

A nice 2-bedroom home with fruit trees (pineapple, avocado, etc.) on the property, close to beaches and waterfall can be yours for only $100,000 or best offer.

A fully-furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath starter home renting for $562 a month, with stove, refrigerator and a comfortable hammock for relaxing on the patio.

Only a 15-minute drive to the capital. Outside of the costs, there are other reasons to consider Domnica, including:

Exotic cuisine and some of the best seafood in the world for as little as $5 per person.

You can have a variety of downright cheap fresh fruit juices and the best rum in the Caribbean for prices starting at $4 a bottle (a big one). First-class communications: residential telephones and cell phones are reliable and high-speed Internet access is readily available.

Peace and privacy! This place has no enemies, good international relationships, some of the world's strictest banking secrecy laws, and is almost crime-free.

Long stays as a tourist without bothering with fussy immigration, straightforward residency requirements and relatively simple process for obtaining citizenship and a local passport.

The following are the previous articles philip wrote for the magazine:

• Living And Retiring In Panama ~ The Haven Of The 21st Century
• Places To Live In The World: Emerging Alternatives ~ From Canada To Europe, Africa To Asia, It’s Time For A Fresh Look
• Nova Scotia ~ Cheap Living And Retirement In Canada's Hidden Paradise