Grupo VerdeAzul is one of the most important players in the real estate market in Panama. Its portfolio combines the experience of creating and managing the best hospitality concepts in the country as well as developing the best and most renowned amenity based communities in the country.
“Panama has it all. Starting with the city, where you can see all of the Pacific bay and visit the Caribbean in under an hour. Even more, it has archipelagos, mountains and a biodiversity like few other places on the planet”, this is how the interview with Laura Morales, Complimentary Business Coordinator for Grupo VerdeAzul starts.
For this economic conglomerate – one of the most important in the country – tourism is a key piece in the nation’s human and economic development, betting on it for over 20 years.
The signature of the group is evident in emblematic projects such as Bristol Hotel, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection, The Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort – a Luxury Collection, communities such as the ones in Buenaventura and Santa María, both considered icons at the beach and the city respectively, and both with 18-hole golf courses designed by Nicklaus Design, and of course, Santa Mónica, the first eco city planned for the interior of Panama.
For Laura, the real estate market is moving fast and its new consumers are looking for better experiences. The growth of platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO have changed the dynamic of tourism and the relationship between owners and their real estate.
And the search for innovation and an exceptional quality of service is what the Group is aiming for with Buenaventura Rentals.
“Nowadays we find more people are interested in renting. ‘Millennials’ look to invest in experiences, and these types of programs provide the flexibility with which you can visit a destination multiple times, without the responsibility of property ownership.
Furthermore, the market for second homes has also changed and Panama, having so much to offer, needs to keep offering products that will allow our clients take advantage of the country, while we ensure we provide an experience that fulfills all our standards.
Rentals can be the best opportunity to discover, love and stay in Panama. And why not, to invest. Buenaventura is a paradise, the perfect combination of pleasure and proximity to the capital.
“While staying in Buenaventura, one can visit the Pearl Islands Archipelago on a boat that leaves the Marina; the following day, you can visit El Valle which is located approximately 45 minutes away and completely change ecosystem.
You can play golf or visit nearby areas such as Venao – where the group has another hotel – or the coffee zone. And having the city only 90 minutes away you can travel to multiple destinations, all only a short distance from each other”, expresses the executive after telling us more about Rentals and its benefits.
PL: What is Buenaventura Rentals?
LM: Buenaventura Rentals is a short and long term rental program in Buenaventura, through which you can choose a property from our inventory and additionally receive exclusive benefits such as 24/7 assistance, discounts for Nicklaus Design’s golf course, the Buenaventura Sports Club, spa, restaurants and more.
The properties in our inventory are under our management program, thus they comply with all Buenaventura standards and are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the guest has the most pleasant experience.
PL: How was the idea born?
LM: As a response to the market’s needs. Many foreigners came to Panama to spend a season and Buenaventura is the perfect option.
It also allows our owners to rent their properties under our standards, entrusting us with the marketing of the property, customer service, cleaning services, payment and any incidents that can occur while the property is rented, among others.
This ensures that the guests that stay in our properties enjoy a unique and unparalleled experience.
PL: What are its benefits?
LM: By renting through Buenaventura Rentals, guests are provided with a complete Buenaventura experience, receiving benefits that would only be provided if they were owners.
For example, by being in direct contact with Buenaventura security, we can offer expedited entry to the property, instead of asking for their information every time they enter the complex.
Additionally, through our event services with The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, we can offer event planning within the rental properties. This is perfect if looking to celebrate a birthday or a special occasion at the beach, where you want to be in an ideal spot but also maintain privacy with your friends and/or family.
The guests of Buenaventura Rentals are also given discount rates in the spa and the restaurants in the complex, and have access to all of the amenities in Buenaventura.
PL: How do these benefits apply to a foreigner that is visiting Panama?
LM: In this case we have two sides of the same coin. One one hand, a foreigner can come visit, discover Buenaventura and stay for an extended period of time with confidence that the property will be in good shape and will be given the best service.
On the other hand, if the foreigner is interested in buying in Buenaventura as an investment, they can have the property under the management program to rent for the time they desire, generating a return on their investment and having the ability to use it whenever it is possible for them to visit the country.
PL: How has the program evolved?
LM: Buenaventura Rentals started operating as such in 2018, and even at that time the main focus was the upkeep of the properties and ensuring good conditions. Today, we have added everything that we consider that would improve the clients’ experience.
We have barbecues available to rent if the person wishes, all our properties are pet-friendly, we offer special packages when groups are extra-large or multiple families that wish to visit at the same time, we have chefs that can cook a special meal directly on the property and we also have spa and beauty salon personnel that can provide their services on the property.
We noticed how the market kept growing with a strong focus on experiences, thus we developed new and better ways to introduce Panama to foreigners, always backed by GrupoVerdeAzul and with the luxury and service that characterizes us.
PL: Can a foreigner come to Panama to discover and have this trip be recognized as part of their investment?
LM: Definitely. Those who have visited Buenaventura know that, really, no other place compares to the country. We consider the rental program as a useful tool for people considering purchasing, but that are not completely sure.
Anyone who is interested can contact us to negotiate a rental with the option to purchase and a percentage of the monthly payment will be recognized within the selling price.
The 6 months that the tourist visa allows in Panama are a good opportunity to visit the complex and decide once you have experienced it.
PL: What properties and in what areas are the properties in the program available?
LM: As of right now, we have properties in Puntarena, Oceanlake, Paseo de las Casas and Laguna. Our properties range from lofts for 2 people up to houses with capacity for 14 people with a private pool.
Additionally, renting with Buenaventura Rentals allows access to private social areas within the complex that was chosen as well as all the benefits.
PL: What backing does Grupo VerdeAzul provide the foreigner?
LM: We are an investment group that holds and operates real estate and hospitality assets. This combination of hospitality, construction and property sales, is what makes Buenaventura Rentals shine, because it has the promoter’s support for any topic related to the properties as well as the support of the hotel in training as well as services that provide a complete experience.
Also, by renting through the promoter you have a test run of the apartment you are interested in, and you can receive the benefits of living in Buenaventura without the long term commitment.
PL: Why Coclé?
LM: Because it is one of the cultural spots of the country where you can visit historical centers and archaeological museums.
Furthermore, we are in the “Panamanian Pacific Riviera”, with amazing weather that provides our residents with 365 days of golf year round and we are only one hour and half away from Tocumen, one of the most interconnected airports in Latin America.
Before ending, Laura expresses a final reflection about Rentals. “I think that this is the product that can best work for all foreigners in multiple ways, because it provides a lot more flexibility that any other real estate product.
Be it that the foreigner is looking to invest or generate a return of investment, having a home in Buenaventura that is well kept all year, coming to spend a few days or weeks, or thoroughly discovering before buying.
Buenaventura Rentals is the option that provides all the benefits without the responsibilities, and I think everybody can benefit from that”.
