Ever since she was a little girl growing up in snowy New York and then Colorado, Anne-Michelle Wand dreamed of living on a tropical island. And while Panama may not have been her first choice, it’s proven to be a wise one as it’s been her home for nearly two decades.

Today, she resides with her partner in a charming seaside cottage in Bocas del Toro, a Caribbean archipelago off Panama’s northeast coast where she has found not only a home, but also a sense of purpose, building a vibrant and sustainable community.

Finding Paradise

For years, Anne-Michelle searched for the perfect fit, traveling to Bali, Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica, and even Hawaii. All were beautiful, but none quite lived up to her criteria.

“We got off the plane and Donna said, ‘I could live here,’ Anne-Michelle recalls. “Within 4 days, I knew.”

She wanted a place closer to the United States for family connections, more affordable than Hawaii, with warmer ocean waters and friendly people. Eventually, and with a bit of help from the universe, Panama emerged as the ideal choice.

Her first encounter with Bocas del Toro was serendipitous. While flipping through a magazine she saw a small ad: “Cheapest land in the Caribbean.” Intrigued, she and her friend Donna decided to visit. “We got off the plane and Donna said, ‘I could live here,’” Anne-Michelle recalls. “Within 4 days, I knew.”

Shortly after, the two friends purchased land together in the area, with Anne-Michelle moving part-time in 2001 and permanently in 2010.

Life in Bocas del Toro

Anne-Michelle’s life in Bocas reflects the laid-back charm of the region. She resides on Isla Solarte, just a short boat ride from Isla Colón, the main island. Her days are spent surrounded by lush tropical scenery, crystal-clear waters, and a close-knit expat and local community.

“Every day, I wake up to the sound of the ocean and feel grateful,” she says. “This place has a magic that makes you slow down and appreciate life.”

Island living comes with unique challenges, but for Anne-Michelle, it’s all part of the adventure. One memorable adjustment was learning to navigate life by boat. “For years, I commuted to work by boat. Showing real estate  in a boat from the water gave me a whole new perspective,” she recalls. It was so much fun.

Living -off-grid has taught her resilience. Internet connectivity was once a luxury, but recent infrastructure improvements, including fiber optics, have transformed the region. “When I first moved here, I paid $179 a month for slow internet. Now it’s $59, and it’s faster than ever,” she says.

A Changing Landscape

When Anne-Michelle first arrived in Bocas, it was a largely undeveloped frontier. “It was like the Wild West,” she says. “The streets weren’t paved, and sidewalks were riddled with potholes. There were only a handful of hotels and restaurants.”

There were maybe three or four hotels and a couple of local restaurants. “But we saw a lot of potential, because it was stunningly beautiful, and tourism was being promoted by the government,” she says.

“But we saw a lot of potential, because it was stunningly beautiful, and tourism was being promoted by the government,”

Over the years, the area has grown significantly, fueled by increased government investment in tourism and infrastructure. Roads have been paved, bike paths added, and new businesses opened to accommodate a growing population of expats and tourists.

Anne-Michelle has witnessed this transformation firsthand. “When I first came, they’d never even heard of granola. Now, we have organic produce and specialty items flown in weekly. It’s amazing to see how the community has evolved.”

Despite the growth, Bocas remains a unique mix of rugged charm and modern conveniences. Expats from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond have flocked to the area, drawn by its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. According to Anne-Michelle, about 70 percent of area expats are American, with Canadians, Europeans, and South Americans making up the rest.

Community and Connection

One of Anne-Michelle’s favorite aspects of life in Bocas is the sense of community. “This is a place where people come together to help each other,” she says. Whether it’s organizing beach cleanups, supporting local businesses, or sharing resources, the community thrives on connection.

“Doug’s big dream is to save the coral, and mine is to create housing solutions that allow more people to experience the beauty of Bocas.”

Her partner, Doug Marcy, 75, plays a significant role in fostering environmental sustainability in the region. He runs a coral restoration nonprofit called Love for the Sea that focuses on regenerating damaged reefs and creating habitats for marine life. “He’s doing incredible work,” Anne-Michelle says proudly. “Restoring coral isn’t just about the environment—it’s about preserving the livelihood of this community.”

Together, they’ve created a life rooted in purpose and passion. “Doug’s big dream is to save the coral, and mine is to create housing solutions that allow more people to experience the beauty of Bocas.”

A Vision for Elder Housing

Anne-Michelle has been a residential developer for decades, and her latest project is developing affordable housing for expats over 55. The concept includes assisted living facilities, independent housing, and community spaces designed to support retirees who wish to live in Panama long-term.

“The Baby Boomer generation is retiring at a rate of 10,000 people a day, and there’s a real need for affordable, community-focused housing,” she explains. Her vision includes a mix of row houses, tiny homes, and condominiums on a three-and-a-half-acre property near Bluff Beach.

This boutique development is not just about housing; it’s about creating a sense of belonging. “I want to provide a space where people can age gracefully, surrounded by beauty and support. It’s about quality of life.”

Anne-Michelle believes this project will benefit expats and locals, creating jobs and fostering community development. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Overcoming Challenges

While Anne-Michelle paints a glowing picture of life in Bocas, she’s quick to acknowledge the challenges. Petty theft, for example, is common. “You have to be cautious, like not leaving your phone unattended or your purse near an open window in the city,” she says.

Weather can also be an issue. Although Panama lies outside the hurricane belt,  the few tropical storms it gets can be intense. “We built our house elevated on stilts to account for rising sea levels. It’s a precaution, but one that gives us peace of mind.”

Despite these challenges, Anne-Michelle remains steadfast in her love for Bocas. “Every place has its pros and cons. Here, the positives far outweigh the negatives.”

Advice for Aspiring Expats

Anne-Michelle often fields questions from people considering a move to Panama. Her advice is practical and honest:

• Research Residency Options: Panama offers multiple visa types, including the Friendly Nations Visa, which allows residency with minimal investment.
• Be Patient: “Life here moves slower, so flexibility is key. Things happen on ‘island time.’”
• Embrace the Culture: Building relationships with locals is essential for a smooth transition.
• Plan for the Unexpected: “Bring items you can’t live without, sometimes 2, as some things are harder to find here.”
• Focus on Community: “This isn’t a place for isolation. Get involved, make connections, and you’ll thrive.”

She also emphasizes the importance of visiting multiple times before committing. “Living here is different from vacationing. Spend time in different areas to see what feels right.”

“I’ve achieved my life dream,” she says. “I always wanted to live in a stunning location on the Caribbean, where I look out at the water every single day and feel good and secure..”

Living the Dream

At 73, Anne-Michelle is a shining example of the vitality and joy that can come from pursuing your dreams. Her life in Bocas is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to living with purpose. Oh, and her friend Donna? She still lives in Panama as well, and the two are still close friends.

“I’ve achieved my life dream,” she says. “I always wanted to live in a stunning location on the Caribbean, where I look out at the water every single day and feel good and secure.”

Her story is not just about finding paradise but also about creating it, one day and one project at a time. As she continues to inspire others through her work, Anne-Michelle Wand proves that it’s never too late to reinvent your life.