First-class hospitality in a world-class city.
By Richard Harris

Note: Richard attended the IL Panama Real Estate tour in June, 2006. He kindly sent us this report (and photos) to share.

I’m no pessimist, but I admit I harbored a bit of a “Show Me” attitude the evening I arrived at Panama’s Tocumen Airport. I had scoured IL’s itinerary for the three-day real estate tour, and I was not confident that I would see as many high-quality properties as promised in such short time. IL had a lot to live up to.

My first surprise was how easy it was to work my way through the immigration process. Then entering the terminal, the first person I saw was a gentleman holding a large sign that read “International Living.” Inside, I smiled. Within moments he had stowed my bags in the back of his van and we were cruising down Corredor Sur, the main thoroughfare leading to Panama City. Nice move, IL.

It was easy to sleep late into the morning, languishing in the luxurious confines of the Miramar Intercontinental Hotel, which was home base for those attending the tour. That afternoon, though, the IL event started promptly at 1:00 p.m., as promised. IL’s Dan Prescher and Brandon Clogston got things moving with a welcoming address that included ten reasons to invest and retire in Panama: safety, stability, strong financial services and climate, to name a few. Attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly then briefed us on the legal aspects of living and conducting business in Panama, followed by presentations on investing in teak forests, and methods of financing property in Panama. My head was swimming with information. Thank goodness for the pool-side cocktail reception. Another nice move, IL.

At the end of the first day, IL hosted a pool-side cocktail reception at the Miramar Hotel. (L to R) Ron and Katy Lax of Florida chat with Dawn and Eric Lofgren of Texas, and Roy Freeman of Florida.

Day two started early. As promised, the IL bus was outside the Miramar at 8:00 a.m. Thirty minutes later, we stepped into the marble-lined lobby of the Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa. I’ve seen my share of five-star hotels and luxury spas. None of them are more beautiful than Playa Bonita. Picture a Mediterranean villa that stretches along a quarter-mile of serene Pacific coastline. Crystal-blue swimming pools beckoned us as we made our way to a thatched-roof conference center, overlooking the ocean. After a feast of a breakfast, Jose Manuel Bern of Empresas Bern addressed the group. He spoke passionately about economic development in Panama, and the role his company is playing. He answered as many questions as he could, given the time constraints, but alas, we soon had to leave that beautiful setting. Playa Serena was waiting.

The breathtaking beauty of Playa Bonita is a photographer's delight.

Playa Serena is a beautiful beach-front paradise, nestled along the Pacific Ocean. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 699 to 1,205 square feet, are being offered in two 20-story towers – with excellent views of the ocean. It was hard to get back on the bus after seeing this property.

Next stop: Vista Mar, for lunch and a tour. This is a classy piece of property. Sleek kitchens and stainless steel appliances abound. I was amazed at the quality of workmanship and attention to detail and amenities. The views of the Pacific, as one might expect, are excellent.

It was mid-afternoon when we left Vista Mar. As I boarded the bus, I looked back, wondering how long it will take before this beautiful piece of property will be sold out. I don’t think it will take long at all.

Thirty minutes later we arrived at Playa Blanca where we would spend the night. Living up to its name, all the buildings at Playa Blanca are white…with blue roofs. We learned that two high-rise condo buildings are currently under construction. And yes, they will overlook the Pacific. As we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by local dancers in colorful regalia. Their energetic performance, set to bongo drums, was a precursor for the rest of the evening.

Local dancers welcome IL tour members at Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is a gigantic facility, marked by meandering, flower-lined walkways. The grounds are kept in excellent condition, as are its two huge swimming pools. That evening we were treated to an ocean-side buffet that featured salads, chicken, pork, seafood, and more fruits, vegetables, and desserts than can be described here. Did I mention the sunset? Spectacular.

The balcony view from rooms at Playa Blanca are spectacular. Imagine sipping a hot cup of coffee and waking up to a view like this every morning.

Completely sated, I looked out across the peaceful waters and watched the horizon disappear into the night. For a brief moment I wondered how the poor stiffs back at the office were surviving.

But the evening was far from over. From the other side of the complex came the sounds of music and cheering. The local performers who greeted us on our arrival were putting on a special performance for their IL guests. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience as they danced to Broadway musicals and sang popular songs. I slept well, sounds of bongo drums beating softly in the distance.

After dinner at Playa Blanca, local dancers perform Broadway hits for tour members.

The next day we visited Santa Clara and Coronado, quiet residential communities bordered by the Pacific Ocean and sequestered in lush tropical foliage. There, we saw several two- and four-bedroom homes for sale. Prices range from $130,000 to $800,000. If it’s peace and quiet you want, Santa Clara and Coronado must be on your list of places to check out.

We returned to Panama City and the Hotel Miramar that evening. I was tired but excited about the properties that I had seen, and the possibilities they represent. I collapsed on my bed, too tired to pull off my shoes, yet anxious to see what the next day would bring.

Tour members board the bus at the Miramar hotel for breakfast at Tucan.

The next morning, we boarded the bus for breakfast at the Tucán Country Club and Resort – only a short ride across the Bridge of the Americas, on property that used to be part of a U.S. military base. Still under construction, Tucán is a 180-acre community that will boast 500 terrace condominiums, town homes and villas, situated around an 18-hole, par-72, professionally designed golf course. After touring the construction site it became clear that this property is a hidden jewel, minutes from Panama City, waiting to be discovered. The evening views of the distant Panama skyline from here must be nothing less than spectacular.

Tucan Project Manager, Dinesh Vaswani (L), discusses the progress of the Tucan Resort with IL's Dan Prescher.

Back in the city, at Empresas Bern’s headquarters on Balboa Avenue, Kathia Canton presented a comprehensive overview of her company’s major projects, including the Grand Bay Tower, Bayfront Tower and Sol Marina – each a high-rise with modern amenities and excellent views of the city and ocean.

Kathia Canton presents three high-rise projects to tour members in the main office of Empresas Bern.

Our last stop was at the future site of Destiny Panama Bay, a high-rise condo project being built by Procasa, another family-owned real estate development company. This luxury tower will offer five condos per floor, lots of great amenities and unobstructed city and bay views from every unit.

That evening, Empresas Bern sponsored a farewell cocktail reception at Casa Remon, the headquarters of IL Panama in the city’s Casco Viejo. The centuries-old neighborhood is crisscrossed with narrow cobblestone streets. Many houses have antebellum balconies, a reminder of the community’s long history, and the many cultures that have shaped Panama City.

IL headquarters was carefully remodeled, preserving its historic beauty when possible. This balcony overlooks the courtyard.

Casa Remon was brought back from the brink of dilapidation by IL as part of an on-going effort in the city to revive the neighborhood. IL was careful to maintain as much of the original integrity of the building as could be safely done. The result: a remarkably attractive property that has seamlessly incorporated modern amenities and technology, while respecting the historical significance of the community. I now understand why Casco Viejo is a boomtown for investors who are interested in redevelopment opportunities.

While remodeling their headquarters, IL staff unearthed a centuries-old fountain. They were able save it, and have incorporated it as the main feature of the courtyard.

Suddenly it was all over. I nestled into my seat on the airplane home, savoring what I had experienced. My “Show Me” attitude was all gone now. It was replaced by streaming memories of the most beautiful properties in Central America, and the first-class hospitality of the IL staff. Did I find what I wanted? Of course I did. Will everyone find their dream property in Panama? It’s highly likely. Whether you crave the peaceful tranquility of the beach, a laid-back mountain hideaway overlooking a lush valley, or the high-paced buzz of the urbanite, Panama has something for everyone.

For more information about our upcoming events in Panama, e-mail Events@InternationalLiving.com.

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that International Living receives commissions from sales at Playa Serena, Vista Mar, Playa Blanca, Tucan Country Club and Resort, Empresas Bern, and Destiny Panama Bay.

More of Richard's Photos..

Katy and Ron Lax discuss Panama with IL's Suzan Haskins	Another view of Playa Bonita
Kathia Canton of Empresas Bern discusses real estate opportunities with tour members.	Good food was plentiful throughout the tour.
IL Events Coordinator, Stephanie Valencia, strolls the grounds of Playa Bonita.	A Playa Blanca palm tree sways gently in the morning breeze the next morning as the tour moved on.