And one day I hope this can be my life too! But seriously, I suggest RENTING for 6 months to a year before you venture down the let's buy a place option. I'm currently 'living the dream' on an island. It ain't all it's cracked up to be. I'm here because someone moved down, took the job and left after 4 months. Not the first person to do so. I've met many counting the days till they can get off the rock. This is a working crowd and 'working' and 'island' can be polar opposites. Maybe for the fully retired it's different, but island time is real and not conducive to getting things done. Repairs, cable, supplies, electricity, medical, food, cell service, shopping (St. T does have a Home Depot, 2 K-Marts and a Cineplex I've found) are all things to think about. And while those VI's may be green and mountainous - they are mountainous! My little Toyota barely makes it up some hills (Bolongo Bay area) and don't miss a curve, the first drop is deadly. My co-worker and I sat together on the flight back to Contin US and shared that he was looking forward to driving a car in excess of 40MPH on flat highways. Just things to keep in mind.
For me Bonaire is stunning, it's a desert island, not a tropical island. It's the old story of appreciating your surroundings.
Good luck and keep us informed!