Westin Residences by Marriott: The First Branded Residential Project in Panama is About to Break Ground

Playa Bonita is exactly what it sounds like: a beautiful beach that sits just 15 to 20 minutes from Panama City's financial center. That commute is about to get even shorter too. A new bridge is slated to open around the same time the Westin Residences completes, and the new metro line tunneling under the Panama Canal is expected to be operational in two years – well before this project wraps up. So you get the tranquility of oceanfront living without sacrificing city conveniences like world-class restaurants, shopping, and top-tier medical facilities. Just around the corner in Panama Pacifico, you will find private schools, cafes, and even a Starbucks – which, as Austin Hess from DoPanama notes, is a market trend worth paying attention to. Golfers will love that a beautiful 18-hole course is only 9-10 minutes away and playable 365 days a year.

This is not just another beach condo. It is the first-ever branded residential project in Panama, brought to you by developer Empresa Bern – the largest developer in the country with over 45 years of experience and nine other hotel and resort properties under their belt, including the InterContinental and multiple Westin hotels. The Westin Residences sits next to the existing Westin Playa Bonita hotel, but it is a separate residential building with its own two floors of social areas on the 28th and 29th floors. Amenities will include manned restaurants, bars, a wellness center on the rooftop, and a beach club where you can relax by the pool with towel service. This is a resort lifestyle that you can actually own.

What sets Westin Residences apart from many other branded residences is the incredible flexibility. You can live here full-time, part-time (say 3 or 6 months a year), or use it purely as an investment. There are no restrictions limiting your personal use. When you are not there, Empresa Bern's on-site property management team handles everything: check-ins, check-outs, marketing on third-party websites, and even monthly or weekly rentals (no nightly rentals to keep the riffraff out). Many expats love that this building focuses on monthly rentals, so you avoid the high turnover of typical Airbnb buildings. It truly is a one-stop shop for those who want a plan B in paradise.

The smallest units start at 80 square meters (just under 900 square feet) with prices in the mid $400,000s. There is also a clever lock-off concept that combines a studio and a one-bedroom apartment into one unit of about 1,400 square feet – many buyers use the studio for themselves and rent out the other half. Those medium-sized units range from low $700,000s to high $700,000s. For those seeking something grander, the top two floors feature penthouse units starting in the millions. Liz confirms that only a few penthouses remain, and most ocean-view units are already sold. Prices will only go up once construction breaks ground, so early buyers have already seen appreciation of around $75,000 on some units.

Panama's tourism numbers hit an all-time record in 2024 with 3 million visitors, nearly double the typical 1.4-1.7 million of previous years. That surge is driving demand for both vacation rentals and permanent homes. And it is not just North Americans – buyers are coming from Germany, Italy, France, Australia, and all over the world. The Westin Residences is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this growth. As Austin Hess puts it, 'the market is cooking right now.' If you have been thinking about investing in Panama real estate, this is the moment to act before prices climb further.

DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation (dopanama.com) is your trusted local partner. As a licensed and bonded company (PJ-1430-2023), they specialize in helping expats invest and relocate. With over 140 affiliates across Panama, they act as buyer brokers – representing your interests every step of the way. The team maintains VIP relationships with developers like Empresa Bern, meaning you get priority service. You can reach them at +507 6443-3341, visit their office at the Waldorf Astoria in Panama City, or stop by their desk at the Hilton on Avenida Balboa. Start with a free 23-question relocation survey on their website to see which area of Panama suits you best.