Rental Details
Villa Esplendorosa
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| Brand new BEAUTIFUL home in Pedasi |
Bedrooms: 5 | Sleeps: 12 | Bathrooms: 6
May 1 - Oct 31: $750/night with 6 night minimum, additional per person charges for more than 6 people
Xmas/New Years: Provided upon request
ABOUT THE HOME
Villa Esplendorosa offers luxury accommodations with uncompromising service in a beautiful ocean side setting. This Magnifcent Private Villa is located within the coastal community of AZUEROS.
Designed by and built by world renowned architect, Gilles Saint-Gilles, Azueros is the premiere luxury residential community in Panama and perhaps one of the most unique in the world.
For Relaxation, hear the sounds of birds chirping, surfs rolling, breezes rustling through palms with an occasional howl of a monkey in the distance and let our staff spoil you.
For Adventure, the area offers world class fishing, surfing, diving and snorkeling.
This spectacular Villa features:
- 5 Luxurious Master Suites with King Beds, Private Baths and Sitting Areas
- 6.5 Bathrooms in total
- Dining Room with seating for 12 people
- Open Air Covered “Rancho” with BBQ and Full Bar
- Inside Formal Bar
- Game Room with Billiard Table
- Swimming Pool
- Home Theatre with 100” Screen
- Fully equipped exercise room
- Sauna
- Turkish Bath (Steam Room)
- Internet, Fax and Printer
- Satellite TV
- Staff of 4-5, including Houseman & Chef
- Mountain bikes provided
- Sea Kayak provided
- Fishing equipment provided
Esplendorosa features five luxurious master suites with private baths and sitting areas. The beautiful furniture and woodwork are hand crafted from local hardwoods by craftsman trained by some of the best artisans in Europe with unparalleled attention to detail. All 5 Master Suites are essentially the same size and floor plan.
Four of the Master Suites are situated on the main level and have vaulted ceilings that create a dramatic affect. Three of these four have Spectacular Ocean Views, the other opens to a peaceful Bamboo Tropical Garden. The 5th bedroom is located on the lower level on the Southeast Corner that affords a Spectacular Ocean View. Each Master Suite features a King Bed , flat screen TV an inside sitting area and a shaded sitting area outisde the bedroom on the expansive terrace.
In the morning, relax with a cup of rich Panamanian coffee or head to the Villa's private gym, sauna and steam room to meet the day with vigor. Later you can bask in the warm sun or take cover in the shade of the "Rancho", a luxurious outdoor living area that is elevated on the third level of the villa where fresh breezes and spectacular ocean views greet you. After the sun goes down, retire to the lower level entertainment complex that features a home theatre, game room and full bar.
PLEASE NOTE: At Villa Esplendorosa, being private and secluded doesn't mean "roughing it". On the contrary, our friendly staff will offer an outstanding level of service while providing the comfort and privacy that you have come to seek.
ACTIVITIES
Deep Sea Fishing: Due to the proximity of the continental shelf, this area hosts some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world, just minutes away from Pedasi. Our staff can arrange simple and inexpensive trips on small boats or trips on fully equipment deep sea fishing boats.
Surfing: The Pedasi area boasts some of the best surfing in Central America.
There are several surfs breaks in the area, including one on our beach in Azueros. The most popular in the are is located about 30 minutes from the Villa called Playa Venao.For aficionados of the sport or for those who want to learn and get an excellent workout, Venado's surf is tops in Central America. In the months of March through May, visitors from all over the world join the world's top surfers who battle for surf and boogie board trophies, not to mention the beautiful young people that follow the sport. This spot catches just about any swell, so it is a good bet when there is little or no surf anywhere else. It is best surfed at medium to high tide.
Whale Watching:From July through September, you will encounter Humpback Whales migrating from South America to the warmer waters of the tropics. Further out to sea during the months of January to April pods of Orcas are sometimes spotted.
Isla (Island) Iguana: Only 4 miles off the coast of Pedasi, or 20 minute boat ride, you will find Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, a 150 acre wildlife reserve. Isla Iguana has crystal clear waters and a beautiful white sand beach. In addition to swimming and snorkeling , the island is habitat to many types of crabs, black and green iguanas and red throated frigates. It is a vital nesting ground for several species of frigates as well as sea turtles. Bring a picnic lunch and refreshments and have a relaxing morning or afternoon on this beautiful tropical paradise.
Diving and Snorkeling: The area hosts some of the top scuba diving spots in Panama, including Isla Iguana National Park, a pristine white sand beach as well as a seagull and dolphin sanctuary. For the leisure snorkler, Achotines Bay provides 150 species of fish, and hosts the largest coral reef in the oriental mainland coast of the Americas.
Turtle Nesting: During the months of September to November, something incredible happens in neighboring Isla Cañas; thousands of female sea turtles come here to nest. The young of the hawksbill, green, loggerhead and sometimes leatherback turtles will hatch from the hundreds of laid eggs and their instinct will lead them to the sea. Tours are available.
International Tuna Commission Lab: Nearby Achotines Bay is also home to the International Tuna Commission lab, which has the world's only aquarium with live tunas. It maintains a 1,000 acre natural forest reserve where it raises and studies Yellow Fin Tuna from embryos to maturing to 150 lb where they are released into the bay. Private tours may be arranged by our Houseman, Erick.
Reforestation and Native Species: Headed by the Smithsonian Institute and the Yale University School of Forestry, the Azueros development has a privately-funded reforestation project with native plant species. Learn about the dozens of hardwood plants that are endemic to the region, and the scientific methods used to replant them.
Carnivals and Festivals: The Azuero Peninsula is the center of Panamanian folklore, including the national dress, the pollera, the national music, the cumbia, and many other traditions inherited from Spain.
During summer, visitors can enjoy the world famous carnivals in Pedasí and Las Tablas, where beauty queens battle for people's support, as hundreds of thousands watch and enjoy week-long festivities dancing on the streets.
On any night, tours can be arranged to the town of San Jose to watch women stitch the delicate fabric used for making the pollera, the colorful national dress.On weekends, visitors can visit villages to watch a rodeo or a horse race in this highly agrarian society that prides itself on its dominance over nature.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the weather like? We are located only about 10 degrees above the equator and blessed with warm temperatures all year round with the average temperature of about 78F (26C). The average high temperature averages normally between 88F (31C) and 92 (33C) and average low temperature averaging between 68F-72F (20C-22C) . Important: DO NOT LOOK at weather information from Panama City, which is where most weather is reported from. Esplendorosa is located in a "Tropical Dry Forrest" whereas Panama City is located in a "Tropical Rain Forrest". The Azuero Peninsula is the driest region of Panama and is made up of a Dry Season and a Green (Rainy) Season. Even in the "Green" season, rains in Azuero are normally intermittent and most days have plenty of sunshine. Naturally, there are transitions from one season to the other that may be a mixture of the two seasons.
Dry Season - December to May
* High Temperatures - Low 90's
* Low Temperatures - Low to mid 70's
* Rainfall - Virtually none, particularly from December through April
* Breezes - Almost constant breezes from the NE particularly from December through April
* Humidity - Not exactly sure, but less humid that Rainy Season
* Sunshine - Abundant, nearly constant
* Landscape - Golden Brown "savannah like"
Green Season - June to November
* High Temperatures - Upper 80's
* Low Temperatures - Upper 60's to low 70's
* Rainfall - Rains are normally intermittent, peaking in September and October
* Breezes - Normally late morning through early evening from the SW
* Humidity - Not sure, but high humidity during this season
* Sunshine - Mixture, but most days have sunshine
* Landscape - Lush Green "Tuscan like"
Villa Esplendorosa is designed with abundant shade, shelter and breezeways to maximize outdoor comfort 12 months of the year.
How close is sport fishing? There are several options within 15 - 30 minutes of the Villa. Our houseman Anel will be very happy to arrange a fishing trip for your group.
How close are the nearest surf breaks? Our beach, Playa Distilladeros has a nice break, but there are several others within 15 - 30 minutes from the Villa, including popular Playa Venao, perhaps the most famous in Central America.
Do Hurricanes impact Panama? No - Due to its position near the equator, there have been no recorded hurricanes in Panama. Sometimes, tropical systems can cause a lot of rain/flooding in some areas of Panama, but this is not typical in the area of our Villa, which is the driest region of Panama.
Which Airlines Fly to Panama? You will first arrive in Tocumen International Airport in Panama City which offers excellent connections from the U.S. from Miami, Orlando, Houston, Newark, New York, Washington DC, Dallas, Atlanta and Los Angeles with American Airlines, Delta and Continental. Panama offers direct flights from Europe from Amsterdam through KLM Airlines. There are also local flights from Panama City to Pedasi.
How do we get to Villa Esplendorosa from Panama City? If you have been to Panama before and wish to make your own arrangements to fly or drive to Villa Esplendorosa from Panama City, you are certainly welcome to do that. On the other hand, for most people, particularly first time visitors to Panama, we recommend our "DOOR TO DOOR" Package. The "DOOR TO DOOR" package (including some site seeing options), the basic package includes the following:
* Our English speaking guide will meet you upon arriving at the airport.
* Our guide will provide a comfortable private transfer to a nearby hotel for a relaxing evening there.
* IF you prefer to dine outside the hotel, our guide will provide restaurant recommendations and arrange transfer there and back to the hotel
* After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, our guide will provide a transfer for you to Allbrook Airport for the short 35 minute flight to Pedasi.
* Our Houseman, Anel Vergara, will pick you up at the Pedasi Airport and delivery you directly to the Villa
* From there, prepare to relax and enjoy an incredible experience at Villa Esplendorosa
Do we need advance shots for tropical diseases? - NO - Fortunately, the diseases of Yellow Fever and Malaria that plagued construction of the Panama Canal a century ago are no longer threats today. While there are some remote jungle areas in the Darien Province where caution needs to be taken, all areas of Panama readily accessible to tourists are safe from disease and inoculations are not necessary. If you are arriving from certain countries where tropical diseases are prevalent (not the U.S., Europe, etc.) you may be required to show inoculations.
What currency does Panama use? The U.S. Dollar - Since, 1914, the Republic of Panama has used the U.S. Dollar. Technically, they use the "Balboa", however, one Balboa equals one dollar and Panama does not print any of its own paper currency. You will see some local coins that are sized the same as U.S. dimes and quarters. However, all denominations of U.S. currency are accepted and used in Panama every day.
Should we rent a car? Its up to you. We can also reserve a car for you in Pedasi.
Are taxis readily available? How do we get around on our own? Taxis are available a few miles away from Pedasi and will pick up and deliver to the Villa.
Are mosquitoes and other pests a problem? We have been to Panama many times as well as many coastal areas in Mexico, Latin American and Florida. We find more mosquito problems in our U.S. home in Missouri than any of these places. Being a Tropical Dry Forrest, there is virtually no standing water during the dry season of Dec through May and we do not have much of the pests such as snakes, etc., that you will find in the tropical jungle areas. The "No Seeums" occassionally are encountered but and seem to be selective as to whom they target. We will have deet based repellents at the Villa for such occassions.
I have heard about frequent Electrial Outages in places like Costa Rica. What is the reliability in Panama? Panama is well ahead of Costa Rica and other countries in Central American in almost all areas of infrastructure including roads, telecommunications, power delivery, water delivery, security and transportation services. Electric reliability is still not equal to the U.S. or Europe and outages sometimes do occur. They typically do not last long, but can be annoying. HOWEVER, we have installed state of the art backup generator and water storage just to insure that there are no disruptions of either during your visit.
How much money should I bring? Bank's and ATM's are readily available in nearly all towns in mainland Panama, so 2-3 days of cash is plenty upon arrival. Credit Cards such as VISA and Mastercard are generally accepted in most restaurants, nearly all hotels and many gas stations and convenience stores. If you explore some of the Islands or plan to visit or drive into remote areas, then it is a good idea to have some extra cash and keep the gas tank topped off.
How expensive is traveling in Panama? If you are coming from the U.S. or Europe, you will find local food, beverage and services to be very inexpensive, particularly outside of Panama City. For example, the funky little beach cabana at Playa Venao is home to $.50 beers and a $3 red snapper lunch.
How much do we tip the staff? Tipping of the household employees is voluntary-however, it is customary and expected. The amount of the tips would, of course, depend on the service, the length of stay, the number of guests, special service and so forth. We are frequently asked how much to tip and have established a guideline that may be of help to you. We believe that $10.00-$15.00 USD per guest per day is an appropriate range.
The staff uses a formula to distribute the tips, with key people receiving higher shares but all staff will receive some share. You can ask Anel for an envelope. 100% of this money goes directly to the staff and none to the Villa owners.
Will we be safe in Panama? Panama is safe to very travel and its people are some of the friendliest you will find anywhere. Traveling along the InterContinenal Highway and in the Azuero Peninsula is very safe. Pedasi is an area where many homes aren't locked at night and serious crime is virtually unheard. Panama City and Colon are have some areas to avoid. However, if you use the same caution that you would use in cities in the U.S. or Europe, you should have no problems whatsoever. Yes, you will find U.S. state department warnings but really these apply to areas you shouldn't be traveling in anyway, such as the Darien Province along the Colombian border.
Do we need to speak Spanish? Finding English speaking people in Panama City is fairly easy, however, the rural areas and small towns outside of Panama City may not have many English speakers. We would recommend purchasing a handy phrase book with some phonetic pronunciation guides just in case. Our houseman, Anel, speaks fluent English as well as Spanish. As the center of trade and banking in the Americas, Panama City has many ethnic groups and tour guides can be arranged to travel with you that are fluent in many languages, including French, German, Russian and Chinese just to name a few.
Will our phones work in Panama? Probably, but it may be very expensive to use them. Before you depart for Panama, check with your mobile carrier to see what service you may have and the cost will be. Our experience is that U.S. phones will work well back and forth to the U.S. but will have difficulty making calls within Panama, particular to local cell phones. Prior to your depature, we will provide some useful tips learned the "hard$$ way" on how to minimize phone and data transmission costs when traveling in Panama. We will also provide a local cell phone for your use within Panama with pre-loaded minutes and a number of pre-programmed contacts.
What services does the staff provide? Any and everything you need. Services include but are not limited to cooking meals, grocery shopping, housekeeping, bar service, arranging tours, laundering and folding your clothes. You will be charged our out-of-pocket costs for all food and beverage purchased for your group.
Are there safe places to store money and valuables at the Villa? Yes, each bedroom is equipped with a combination safe like you would have in most hotels these days.
How are the beaches, are they safe for swimming? Our beach, Playa Distilladeros, is a great beach to walk, ride horses and a great beach to look at. Although it is safe for swimming at certain times, our recommendation is that you take advantage of a couple of other beaches nearby that are nearly always safe for swimming and body surfing. Our houseman, Anel can guide you there with a nice picnic basket and cooler of refreshing drinks. Just a short distance (about 3 miles) is our favorite beach that is virtually unused Playa Panameis - These PICTURES were taken by me (garyF) on Sep 10, 2009 (my son in the Photo) and these PHOTOS were taken last March on Isla Iguana, about a 20 minute boat ride.
Can we walk to the beach? How far is it? - The beach is not more than 125 yards from the end of our property. As our Villa sits up about 70 feet (20 meters) above the beach for spectacular views, there is a steep ravine to access the beach. We recommend that you load the beach stuff, the cooler, etc.a pleasant and take a short trip to the beach by the road. By your car our our Houseman's car. He will give you a Walkie Talkie so that you can communicate with him to bring you something or to pick you up for a return to the Villa.
Do we need to bring our own snorkeling equipment? We maintain our own supply of snorkeling equipment, life vests and many other items. They are cleaned completely prior to each arrival. Once you are fitted, they are yours to use throughout your visit to Esplendorosa. Please contact us before bringing anything, as we will like already have it for you upon your arrival. If we don't have it, we can most likely find it for you so that you can pack efficiently.