For many in the United States, Panama is probably best known for its famous Panama Canal and secondarily, Panama Hats. Yet this somewhat undiscovered paradise is perfect for the vacation guest who reminisces about the Caribbean and Mexico of yesteryear. A time when beaches were places of solitude, the “catch of the day” was literally the catch of the hour, where dining could range from “proper dress” to t-shirt and shorts all within walking distance of each other.

The Society is proud to offer an oceanfront Villa located at the Las Olas Villas at Playa La Barqueta. This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom custom villa provides guests with the ultimate oceanfront experience, a base for a vacation which can be as exciting or as sedentary as one desires.

When one enters the gated community and arrives at Villa the entry is stately and impressive from the stucco exterior and tile roof to the beautiful double door entry. Once inside the home continues to impress. The main living and entertaining areas are expansive and comfortable with native stone floors, typical in tropical environments and ceiling fans supplementing the central a/c circulating the air for maximum comfort.

The bedrooms will sleep 8 in comfort and luxury, all providing unobstructed ocean views. The private first floor master suite features a king-size bed, a sitting area and direct access to the rear pool deck. There are “his and hers” walk-in closets. The master bath has 2 sinks, a large jetted soaking tub and walk in shower built for 2. Ocean views dominate from all the windows.

The second floor junior master suite has a king-size bed and an attached full bath with a walk-in shower, ocean view included. The third and fourth bedrooms feature a queen- sized bed and a walkout to a second floor covered balcony with a table for 4, perfect for morning coffee and a cocktail in privacy.

At the home, guests can enjoy the expansive pool and patio areas with dedicated sections for sun-bathing and shade. While the gourmet kitchen inside will impress, the outdoor gas grill and al fresco dining will be a favorite morning, noon and night. Of course, with private access to the black coral sand beach, we suggest slipping away and enjoying the ocean waters and then relaxing on your private hammock, no need to reserve beach chairs at your private luxury beachfront villa.

While privacy and exclusivity are the hallmarks of this vacation villa, service is part of your vacation experience. Joshua, the on-site manager provides pool cleaning, exterior property up-keep and assistance with your stay. He is available to supply you on your trip. No need to run to the store each day for your supplies. Joshua is there to service your vacation needs. For a small trip fee, he will run to the store to get what you need. RELAX! That is what vacation is for. BTW: Joshua can arrange for a masseur to visit and provide an on-site massage indoors or out.

Beyond the home is a resort community guests can enjoy as well including tennis, formal dining (formal = collared shirt and slacks), and health club all within walking distance or use the bikes provided. Beyond the villa guests can enjoy horse back riding on the beach, deep sea fishing, ATV riding, zip-lining in the rainforest, casino trips, golf, volcano tours, scuba, kayaking and much more! The list is endless! See our links below for all the activities you will have to keep you busy on your vacation in Panama.

While Panama may be considered exotic and foreign, the reality is, the destination is a short flight from most of the United States. From the New York area, approximately 5 hours, 3.5 hours from Atlanta, 2.5 hours, from Miami. Most major cities offer non-stop or one stop connecting service into Panama City with airlift increasing annually as this undiscovered paradise becomes more popular.

For the fan of HGTV, the home was recently featured on House Huners International as one of three options for a family in search of a vacation villa in Panama. The episode will air in January 2010 and while we cannot disclose the winner (trust us, we do not know), we will be sure to post the airing date to our blog.