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In the News from Panama

Viceroy Bringing Overwater Bungalows to Panama

Panama will soon add one of the fixtures of tropical luxury to its tourism menu—overwater bungalows. Viceroy Hotel Group has announced plans to build Viceroy Bocas del Toro Panama on 457 acres on coastline, including 42 overwater villas.

Beyond the unique accommodations, which will be a first for the region, the announcement represents the expansion of another major international hotel brand in Panama. Viceroy is a top name in the luxury industry and they will be an active new player in promoting Panama to its wealthy clientele around the world.

Viceroy Bocas del Toro Panama, which is scheduled to open in 2019, will include 186 modern guest rooms and three acres of private beach, in addition to the 42 overwater villas. Viceroy has started to market 42 one- and two-bedroom residences for sale, either for private use or as investments that could become part of the hotel’s rental program. “Spanning across the water, they are remarkable examples of effortless luxury, featuring indoor/outdoor living space, contemporary interiors and epic views of the lagoon and beach,” according to a company press release. (Contact PPR if you’re interested in more information.)

Anybody who has traveled in the South Pacific will appreciate the beauty and serenity of staying a room perched above the water, when you can really feel part of nature. Each overwater villa will include its own plunge pool and a deck, Viceroy says

Viceroy is promoting the combination of luxury and exclusive eco-tourism, which it calls “the Viceroy vibe, with a tropical twist.” Bocas is an easy trip from Panama City, but the site will only be accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter. Only electric cars and “sustainable technologies” will be used on the site, which is promoted as “the ultimate place for bird watching, bicycling and guided eco-hikes,” in addition to sailing, surfing, fishing and hiking.”

The project will also include eight restaurants and lounges, “ranging from an elite fine-dining enclave to a relaxed beach grill,” according to the release. Initial plans call for indoor meeting space, a fitness center, a cinema lounge, a library, and a spa featuring “private rejuvenation pools tucked in blossoming pockets of the rainforest.”

No one will be able to argue with the beauty of the site. The archipelago is home to the San San Pond Sak wetlands, the tropical coral reef.

Zurcher Arquitectos is designing the development and Wimberly Interiors will handle the interior design.