Inside Panama’s Most Luxurious Country Club: Santa Maria & P.H. Ébano

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club isn’t just a neighborhood – it’s a self-contained paradise just outside Panama City. The suburb was recently planned, meaning modern zoning, underground electrical grids, and wide sidewalks with green spaces. It’s home to multinational giants like Procter & Gamble, Adidas, Nestlé, and Estée Lauder, making it a hub for international professionals. The community is adjacent to Costa del Este, where you’ll find a Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital, Town Center mall, a huge dog park, indoor and outdoor go-karts, paddle tennis, pickleball, and even English-language movie theaters. A safe walking corridor connects everything, so you can stroll anytime day or night. For foodies, the restaurant scene is exploding with cafes, bars, and fine dining.

P.H. Ébano is the newest project inside Santa Maria, described by investment advisor Mariana as “right out of the oven.” It features 151-square-meter (approx. 1,625 sq ft) apartments with layouts overlooking either the golf course or a sea mangrove. The architecture draws from the “artico” era, blending modern design with nature. Amenities include a grand lobby with a private cafe for residents, a sanctuary with spa, gym, Pilates, and yoga areas, co-working spaces, and terraces with pools and kids’ play zones. Pricing starts at $538,000, which is competitive for a country club community that rivals neighborhoods in Palm Desert or Indian Wells, California.

Panama is consistently ranked as the safest country in Central America and the second-safest in all of Latin America, according to the Global Peace Index. The country offers world-class healthcare at a fraction of US costs – a doctor visit can cost $40-$60, and private health insurance for a couple runs about $150-$250 per month. The cost of living for a couple can be as low as $1,500 to $2,500 per month, excluding rent. Plus, Panama’s Pensionado Visa (for retirees) and Friendly Nations Visa make residency straightforward for expats. No wonder International Living magazine names Panama one of the top retirement destinations year after year.

DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation is a licensed and bonded company (PJ-1430-2023) founded specifically to assist foreigners investing and moving to Panama. They offer a VIP Buyers Program that goes beyond listings – their in-house agents work side-by-side with you to find both on-market and off-market properties. With over 140 affiliate agents across the country, they give you the most options in one place. As Austin Hess, COO, says: “Our number one goal is assisting foreign buyers looking for property here.” You can visit their headquarters inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Panama City, or their info desk at the Hilton on Avenida Balboa.