La Playa Panama - Volume 13, February 2014 | Page 19

P. 19 - LA PLAYA FEBRUARY / FEBRERO 2014 WWW.PLAYACOMMUNITY.COM To advertise / Para Publicidad: [email protected] HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF HIGH SEASON IN PANAMA By Liz Laroquette compelling reasons to be here. Every year, I meet remarkable people from around the world- and I love that I needn’t try hard to find them. Stop by any of the area’s popular Happy Hours or Expat Nights, and get ready for some vibrant social time. Be The First On The Scene I f you were to ask me 5 years ago what the Gold Coast would look like today, you might have found my answer hard to believe. Back when the Gold Coast was just a sleepy stretch of beaches along the Pacific, it was hard to imagine it becoming the epicenter of progress and promise that we know today. But I saw it coming, as both a community member and an investor of real estate. I felt in my bones that this area had something special going for it- a rare combination of benefits; spanning from its ideal location and natural beauty to the breed of residents it had already begun to attract. I had no doubt- the Gold Coast was destined to be the next big thing in Panama. Never is the rapid growth of the Gold Coast more apparent than during High Season. From December to April of every year, Panama fills to the brim with travelers, vacation homeowners, potential buyers, and family and friends of all the above. A sizeable portion of these newcomers and repeat visitors head straight for the Gold Coast- excited to see first-hand the coastal communities they’ve heard so much about. I’ve seen many High Seasons come and go, and I’ve fashioned a few strategies for making the most of it. From meeting new friends to seeking a break from the crowds, here are a few tips that may come in handy this High Season. Fly Early, or Late If you’re one of the many flying to Panama to escape the cold gusts of winter, avoid some of the chaos by traveling slightly before December or after April. The airport won’t be quite as hectic, and your tickets will cost less. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to see what the Gold Coast is like in the off-season- a good thing to experience if you’re considering moving here full-time. Hello, Happy Hour The Gold Coast’s thriving expat community is one of the most If you live in a building like Coronado Golf, you have plenty of resort-style amenities right at your fingertips. There’s the fitness center, 18-hole golf course, multiple swimming pools, cozy lounge areas, not to mention a sauna and game room. Sharing these facilities can be half the fun, but sometimesyou just want some privacy. On those days, hit the facilities in the morning hours and you’ll find yourself with a lot less company. Become a Weekday Warrior Weekends on the Gold Coast are much busier than weekdays. Arrange your out-of-house errands so you’re hitting the stores between Monday and Thursday; you’ll find the lines and parking lot much more navigable. If you prefer to have the beach to yourself- wait for a weekday to hit the shore, as families tend to visit on the weekends. Answer the Door If you frequently visit or live within the Gold Coast, you’ve doubtlessly noticed the area’s rapid pace of development. It’s not unusual, when I get together with friends and clients, to hear “I can’t believe how much has changed in a year!” You see opportunity knocking, so answer. The Gold Coast is the bed of roses in Panama’s garden of real estate; nowhere else on the isthmus will you find the beauty, the luxury, and the certain demand for it. If you’re in town this High Season, or even year-round, be sure to check out the area’s investment opportunities while the garden continues to grow. All the best, Liz Larroquette [email protected] ([phone] Liz Laroquette PS: Every month, I send out a newsletter that provides current and unfiltered insights on the Panama real estate market. Visit LizLarroquette.com/Subscribe to reserve yours. Liz Larroquette is a hub of knowl- edge for the Panama real estate market. Her unique buyer-focused approach to property investment enables her to foster the deepest level of awareness, engagement, and satisfaction amongst her clients. Visit LizLarroquette.com to learn more.