Panama to Get New Golf Course


Cielo Paraiso will open the first 18-hole golf course in Boquete, Panama, in January. The new layout marks the completion of the first phase of Gladstone Development's new residential resort, which also includes 14 completed homes and 30 homesites for purchase.

Located in the scenic mountains of Boquete, Panama, the 750-acre development is the newest residential resort community in Central America.

Designed by J. Michael Poellet to preserve the indigenous flora and wildlife, Cielo Paraiso's layout will offer views of Baru Volcano, the Jaramillo and Talamanca Mountain ranges and the island-dotted Pacific Ocean. The 7,200-yard, par-72 track involves woodlands, meadowlands, ridgelines and riparian valleys coupled with dramatic elevation changes.

"Our goal with Cielo Paraiso was to create a course that blended seamlessly into the unique topography of the land," Poellet said. "I sincerely believe that we have created one of the most visually stunning courses in all of Central/South America."

Housing lots are currently available at Cielo Paraiso, starting at $150,000. The home sites range from ¾ acre to over 2 acres. Found throughout the property, they offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Talamanca and Jamarillo Mountains, Volcan Baru and the course.

"Cielo Paraiso is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Boquete, one of the most desirable destinations in Panama for those who seek to retire comfortably or invest in a vacation home in increasingly popular Central America," says Gladstone Development president Colleen Lal. "The wonderful year-round climate and scenic beauty of the region makes Boquete a perfect location for an active lifestyle that can include championship golf, hiking, birding, mountain biking and rafting, as well as many other activities."

Gladstone Development is currently working on plans for Phase II, which will include smaller lots. "Although our home sites are a very affordable option to own in Boquete, we plan to diversify our product mix to accommodate demand for clients looking for a smaller second home." says Lal. The master plan for Phase II will be released later in 2010, with construction beginning in early 2011.

Located 30 minutes from David, the capital of Panama's Chiriquí Province, Boquete is nestled in the country's most mountainous region, at 3,600 feet above sea level. Boquete enjoys a temperate climate thanks to its position between the Caldera River to the east and Baru Volcano to the west.

Known as the "Valley of the Flowers and the Eternal Spring," Boquete has established itself as one of the fastest-growing retirement and tourism destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Its lush vegetation, population of rare birds and the hiking opportunities provided by the Baru Volcano, the highest point of the country, have established Boquete as one of the world's top eco-tourism destinations.

Recently ranked by the AARP as one of the top destinations to buy a home, Panama offers good infrastructure of roads, business services, medical care and telecommunications. Panama has a sophisticated capital city, rain forests, bird-watching, scores of exotic beaches and islands, snorkeling, diving, sport fishing, white water rafting, rock climbing, fine restaurants, and a multitude of historical sites.

For additional information about Cielo Paraiso, visit www.boqueterealestate.com/index.php.