Weston Residence at Playa Bonita: Inside Panama's First Marriott-Branded Residential Building

Picture this: You're sipping your morning coffee on your balcony, watching cargo ships light up the Pacific Ocean as they wait their turn to cross the Panama Canal, with Taboga Island creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. That's not a vacation - that's Tuesday morning at Playa Bonita. Austin Hess, COO of DoPanama Real Estate, calls this location 'the best of both worlds,' and once you understand the geography, you'll see why savvy expats are jumping on this opportunity. Playa Bonita sits just 15-20 minutes from downtown Panama City - close enough that you can grab dinner in Casco Viejo on a whim, but far enough that you wake up to ocean waves instead of traffic. Compare that to other popular beach destinations like Coronado or Buenaventura, which require 1-2 hours of driving each way, and the convenience factor becomes crystal clear. The game-changer? A new bridge currently under construction over the Panama Canal will make Playa Bonita essentially an extension of Panama City, reducing travel times even further and eliminating traffic concerns entirely. As Liz, the investment advisor for Weston Residence, explains: 'When that new bridge goes in, Playa Bonita and Panama Pacific really is going to become like an extension of the city. You're not going to have to worry about traffic.' But here's what makes this location truly special for expats and investors: You're not sacrificing anything. Across the street in Panama Pacific, you'll find Arrocha (Panama's best pharmacy chain), Super 99 grocery stores, medical facilities with English-speaking staff, and even an international school. Starbucks just opened. There's a Novey hardware store. A new metro station is planned that will connect directly to Tocumen International Airport - imagine your guests or tenants taking the metro from the airport and arriving at your beachfront condo without ever needing a car.

Let's talk about what 'Marriott-branded' actually means for your investment and lifestyle, because this isn't just a marketing gimmick - it's a fundamental difference in how this building will operate and maintain its value. The Weston Residence represents Marriott's first branded residential project in Panama, bringing decades of hospitality expertise to residential real estate. The developer, Burns Hotels and Resorts, isn't some newcomer - they're Panama's largest hotel group, operating the Meridian, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, and the famous Gamboa Rainforest Resort. They know how to run branded properties at the highest level. What does this mean practically? First, amenities that rival five-star resorts: multiple swimming pools, restaurants and bars on-site, a fully-staffed wellness and lifestyle center, pickleball courts (yes, Panama's pickleball scene is exploding), co-working spaces for digital nomads and remote workers, and a beachfront clubhouse with additional dining and fitness facilities. As Liz points out, 'You've actually got all the amenities that you would have in a beachfront resort.' Second, professional property management through Burns' corporate rental company, Bespoke Collection. This is crucial for investors: instead of juggling Airbnb listings and fielding 2 AM calls about broken air conditioners, everything is handled on-site by hospitality professionals. They market your unit, handle bookings, manage maintenance, clean between guests - completely hands-off passive income. Third, the Marriott name itself carries weight with renters willing to pay premium rates for trusted brands. The neighboring Casab Bonita building has already proven the demand - DoPanama clients report strong occupancy rates for short-term rentals, and many snowbirds use it seasonally while renting the rest of the year. But here's the flexibility that makes Weston Residence special: You're not locked into any single use. Want to live there full-time? Perfect. Spend 3-4 months as a snowbird and rent the rest? The property management makes that seamless. Pure investment property? Let Burns handle everything while you collect checks. It's residential ownership with resort-level services.

Let's get into the numbers, because understanding the pricing structure and payment timeline is crucial for planning your Panama move or investment. Weston Residence offers three distinct unit categories, each designed for different buyer needs and budgets. The entry-level units are 80 square meters (just under 900 square feet), configured as two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos. These start in the mid-$400,000s - let's say approximately $450,000 for units in Phase A, with Phase B launching next month. These are perfect for couples, small families, or investors maximizing rental income potential with lower acquisition costs. The mid-range units are the crowd favorites: larger two-bedroom, two-bathroom units positioned right on the building's front with direct ocean views. Here's where it gets interesting - these feature a 'lockoff concept,' essentially creating two apartments in one unit. You can rent the entire space as a premium two-bedroom, or separate it into a one-bedroom and a studio, giving you incredible flexibility for different rental markets or family situations. These start around $640,000-$650,000 and have been, in Liz's words, 'super popular.' At the top end, the penthouse collection occupies the building's top three floors, offering three and four-bedroom configurations starting at approximately 169 square meters (just under 2,000 square feet) and going up to 4,000 square feet. Pricing begins around $860,000. These are for buyers wanting serious space, multiple living areas, and the ultimate Panama coastal lifestyle. Now here's where Weston Residence becomes accessible even if you don't have hundreds of thousands sitting in cash: the payment structure is designed for pre-construction, meaning you pay in stages as the building rises. The standard structure requires 40% during construction through milestone payments: 15% at contract signing, then 10% payments every six months until you've reached 40%. For a $450,000 unit, that's $67,500 initially, then $45,000 every six months - manageable for many buyers who couldn't swing the full price at once. The remaining 60%? Due at completion in 2029. But wait, it gets better. The developer offers in-house financing for that final 60%: put down just 10% at completion, and they'll finance the remaining 50% for five years with interest-only payments and no prepayment penalties. As Liz explains, 'A lot of our clients when the building's done, they may not have that other 60% to put down. So the developer will allow them to put down just 10% and they'll finance the balance of the 50% for 5 years.' You make small annual principal payments (around 10% of the balance), then a balloon payment at the end - or pay it off anytime without penalty. No bank approval required. No credit check. No prepayment penalties. For investors, this means you can control a valuable beachfront asset with relatively modest capital while your other money works elsewhere. And here's a pro tip from the DoPanama team: Many clients are using self-directed IRAs to purchase these units, keeping their retirement funds active and invested in tangible real estate instead of volatile stocks. One final note: Phase A is selling fast (most good views are already gone), and Phase B launches next month with new view options. More importantly, pricing increases are scheduled for October, so anyone price-conscious should act before that deadline.

Let's talk money - specifically, the rental income potential that makes Weston Residence attractive beyond just lifestyle considerations. The proof of concept already exists right next door: Casab Bonita, the existing residential building at Playa Bonita, where DoPanama clients are currently generating strong returns through short-term rentals and seasonal rentals. Austin Hess mentions seeing 'incredible results' with clients using Casab Bonita for rentals and snowbird arrangements. What makes this location particularly lucrative for rentals? First, proximity to everything while maintaining beach resort appeal. Panama City business travelers and tourists want beach access without sacrificing urban convenience - Playa Bonita delivers. International visitors want the 'Panama beach experience' but don't want to commit to remote locations - again, Playa Bonita wins. Second, the on-site professional property management through Burns' Bespoke Collection eliminates the biggest headache of rental properties: management. As Liz explains, 'They'll actually be doing the rentals on site in conjunction with Burns' corporate rental company called Bespoke Collection. They'll look after everything for investors. So it is definitely very hands-off.' You're not listing on Airbnb personally, responding to guest messages at midnight, coordinating cleaners, or fixing toilet issues. Burns handles marketing, bookings, guest services, cleaning, maintenance - everything. You literally just watch your bank account. Third, the Marriott Weston brand attracts premium-paying guests who trust the name and are willing to pay for that assurance. Branded residences consistently achieve higher occupancy rates and nightly rates compared to non-branded competitors. Fourth, flexibility for personal use. Many investors employ a hybrid model: use the unit yourself for 2-4 months annually (avoiding Panama's rainy season from May-November, perhaps), then rent it the remaining 8-10 months. This gives you a personal Panama retreat while generating income to offset or exceed your ownership costs. The upcoming infrastructure improvements (new Panama Canal bridge, metro station at Panama Pacific, continued development of Panama Pacific commercial areas) will only increase property values and rental demand over time. You're buying in before these catalysts fully materialize - classic value investing. For investors seeking portfolio diversification outside their home country, Panama offers additional advantages: no capital gains tax on real estate sales, a stable US-dollar economy (no currency risk), and a government actively encouraging foreign investment through various visa programs. One important note: While Burns provides on-site management, owners aren't required to use it. If you want to self-manage or use a different company, you have that freedom - but why would you turn down professional hospitality management from Panama's largest hotel group?

Let's paint a picture of what daily life actually looks like at Weston Residence, because 'beachfront living' can mean vastly different things depending on location and amenities. Your morning starts with coffee on your balcony watching the sun illuminate cargo ships anchored offshore - these massive vessels waiting their turn to cross the Panama Canal create a constantly changing seascape unique to Panama. Taboga Island, often called the 'Island of Flowers,' provides a lush green backdrop. This isn't generic ocean views; it's a working maritime scene that's fascinating to watch, especially at night when the ships light up like floating cities. Feel like a workout? Head to the on-site wellness center with professional staff and equipment, or try the pickleball courts (Panama's expat community has embraced pickleball enthusiastically). Multiple swimming pools give you options - main pool, family pool, adults-only pool, lap pool - depending on your mood. The beachfront clubhouse offers additional wellness facilities and swimming options right on the sand. Hungry? On-site restaurants and bars mean you don't need to leave the property for great meals. Craving variety? Jump in your car for 15 minutes to Panama City's incredible food scene - from world-class fine dining in Casco Viejo to authentic local fondas (small family restaurants) to every international cuisine imaginable. Need to work? The co-working spaces provide high-speed internet and professional environments for remote workers and digital nomads. As Liz notes, 'We understand that most people that come to Panama - not everyone is retired. A lot of people are still working online or doing something.' Panama has become a major hub for location-independent professionals precisely because of infrastructure like this. Kids in the family? The international school at Panama Pacific is literally across the street. Medical needs? English-speaking medical facilities at Panama Pacific offer everything from routine checkups to specialized care. Panama City's hospitals (Hospital Punta Pacifica, affiliated with Johns Hopkins, and Hospital Nacional) rank among Latin America's best and are just minutes away. Weekend adventures? This is where Panama shines. You're positioned perfectly for exploring the country's incredible outdoor offerings. Want mountain hiking and coffee plantations? Boquete is a scenic drive away. Caribbean beaches and Afro-Caribbean culture? Bocas del Toro is accessible via short flights from Panama City. Indigenous cultures and pristine rainforest? The Darien region awaits. San Blas Islands with picture-perfect white sand and crystal water? Day trips available. Mountain retreat vibes? El Valle is under two hours. Pacific surfing? Multiple spots along the coast. Austin Hess captures this perfectly: 'My kid is in football one week and the next week he's in triathlons and then we're doing mountain biking and it's like - I mean it's sunny year round so we can do it all.' The year-round summer climate (temperatures consistently 80-90°F) means outdoor activities never stop. Compare this to locations where you're truly isolated (beautiful, but limiting) or pure city living (convenient, but lacking nature access). Playa Bonita gives you the beach-resort feeling with five-star amenities while keeping Panama City's resources immediately accessible. One final lifestyle note: The expat community in Panama is robust, welcoming, and diverse. You'll find retirees, digital nomads, families, entrepreneurs, and investors from dozens of countries. The Playa Bonita area attracts particularly active, social expats who want both beach relaxation and easy access to Panama City's energy.

Understanding Panama Pacific's development is crucial to understanding Weston Residence's long-term value proposition, because this isn't just about buying a condo - it's about positioning yourself in a major emerging urban center. Panama Pacific is the massive mixed-use development directly across the street from Playa Bonita, built on the former Howard Air Force Base (returned to Panama when the US transferred the Canal Zone). This 1,400-hectare development is transforming into a self-contained city with residential, commercial, educational, and logistical infrastructure. Why does this matter to you? Because everything you need is being built within minutes of Weston Residence. Recent and planned additions include: Starbucks (recently opened), Arrocha pharmacy (Panama's premium pharmacy chain), Super 99 and other grocery stores, Novey hardware store, medical facilities with English-speaking doctors, international schools including a major campus, commercial office buildings attracting international companies, logistics and light industrial areas creating local employment, and most significantly, a planned metro station connecting to Tocumen International Airport. As Liz explains, 'Once that new bridge goes in, more and more amenities are going to open up in Panama Pacific.' The new bridge over the Panama Canal is the catalyst that will accelerate everything. Currently, traffic across the existing Bridge of the Americas can create delays during peak hours. The new bridge eliminates this bottleneck entirely, making Playa Bonita and Panama Pacific essentially an extension of downtown Panama City with unobstructed access. The metro station deserves special attention. Panama's Metro system (Central America's first) already connects major parts of Panama City. Extending it to Panama Pacific and the airport creates seamless public transportation from your condo to anywhere in the city and to international arrivals. Imagine your rental guests or visiting family members simply taking the metro from their arriving flight directly to Playa Bonita - no taxi negotiations, no traffic concerns, no car rental needed. For investors, here's the key insight: You're buying before these infrastructure improvements are complete, meaning you're acquiring at today's prices that reflect current access, not future access. When the bridge opens and the metro station begins operation, property values will adjust upward to reflect the improved connectivity. Those who bought early (now) will capture that appreciation. For residents and lifestyle buyers, the Panama Pacific development means you truly can live at the beach without sacrificing any urban amenities. Need to see your accountant or lawyer in Panama City? Easy 15-minute drive or metro ride. Need hardware store supplies for a home project? Novey is across the street. Kids need school? Right there. Medical appointment? Across the street. Fresh groceries? Multiple options within minutes. This is fundamentally different from traditional beach towns in Panama (or anywhere) where you're trading convenience for coastal living. Playa Bonita, thanks to Panama Pacific, offers both.

If you're seriously considering Weston Residence, understanding the current sales status and upcoming changes is critical for making a smart timing decision. Here's where things stand right now: Phase A, the initial release of units, has been extremely successful - as Liz reports, 'Most of the good views have sold now.' The oceanfront positions and prime floor levels are largely committed. However, Phase B is launching next month (the video was recorded in late 2024), which brings new inventory with fresh view options. For buyers who missed Phase A or weren't ready then, Phase B represents a second chance at prime positioning. But here's the urgency factor: Pricing increases are scheduled for October. The current pricing (mid-$400,000s for entry units, $640,000-$650,000 for lockoff units, $860,000+ for penthouses) represents introductory pricing. October brings price adjustments upward - Liz confirms this directly in the video. The exact increase amounts aren't specified, but pre-construction projects typically raise prices 5-10% at each phase milestone as construction progresses and inventory diminishes. Simple math: A 7% increase on a $450,000 unit adds $31,500 to your purchase price. On a $650,000 unit, that's $45,500. Buying before October locks in current pricing and saves you that increase. Beyond October, prices will likely increase again with Phase C (if there is one) and certainly as construction progresses and completion approaches. It's standard industry practice - developers reward early buyers with lower prices, then increase as risk decreases and completion nears. The penthouse collection is also launching soon. These top three floors (three and four-bedroom units from 2,000-4,000 square feet) will attract buyers seeking maximum space and luxury, but at premium prices starting around $860,000. If penthouses fit your budget and lifestyle, getting in early again offers the best pricing. So what's the smart move? If you're seriously interested, connecting with DoPanama now - before October, before Phase B sells through - positions you optimally. Even if you're not ready to sign immediately, establishing contact lets the team notify you of exactly when Phase B officially launches, what specific units are available, and what the post-October pricing will be. For buyers using the milestone payment structure (15% down, then payments every six months), your upfront capital requirement is relatively modest - around $67,500 for a $450,000 unit - making it feasible to secure today's pricing even if your full funds won't be available until later years. Remember, the building doesn't deliver until 2029. You have years to prepare for final payment (or arrange developer financing), but only weeks to lock in pre-October pricing. Austin Hess and the DoPanama team can walk you through exact availability, current pricing, and timing considerations specific to your situation.

Buying international real estate can feel overwhelming - different legal systems, language barriers, unfamiliar processes, and the high stakes of six-figure decisions. This is where working with specialists like DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation makes the difference between a smooth, confident purchase and a stressful, uncertain experience. First, understand what DoPanama is: a licensed and bonded real estate company (license PJ-1430-2023) specifically focused on helping expats relocate to and invest in Panama. This isn't a side business or hobby - it's their entire focus. The team includes Austin Hess (COO and lead relocation specialist), Nalini Navarro Guardia (President and Legal Director - critical for navigating Panama's legal requirements), and Adam Phillips (Content Director, creating the educational content you're reading now). They're headquartered in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Panama City with an additional information desk at the Hilton on Avenida Balboa, and they work with over 140 affiliate brokers across Panama to give you access to virtually every legitimate listing in the country. For Weston Residence specifically, DoPanama works directly with the project's investment advisors (like Liz, featured in the video) to guide you through: Understanding exactly which units are available in Phase A vs Phase B; Matching unit types and locations within the building to your specific priorities (view preferences, floor level, size needs); Explaining the complete payment structure and timeline; Coordinating developer financing if you want that option; Arranging self-directed IRA purchases if you're using retirement funds; Connecting you with mortgage brokers if you prefer traditional bank financing (30% down, longer terms); Walking through the legal purchase process, contracts, and closing requirements in Panama; Providing ongoing support through construction and delivery. But here's what makes DoPanama particularly valuable: They're not just selling you a condo. They're relocation specialists, meaning they help with the entire move to Panama. Need help understanding Panama's various visa and residency options? They guide you. Questions about healthcare, schools, cost of living, best neighborhoods, cultural adaptation? They've helped hundreds of expats through these exact questions. As Nalini Navarro states in the video: 'We are happy to connect you with the best real estate brokers, relocation experts, and attorneys at law. We're waiting to meet you here in Panama.' The practical process looks like this: Contact DoPanama via their website (dopanama.com), email (info@dopanama.com), or WhatsApp/phone (+507 6443-3341). Take their free 23-question 'Where Should I Live in Panama' relocation survey if you're still deciding on locations - this helps them understand your priorities and recommend appropriate areas. Schedule a complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation with Austin Hess to discuss your situation, timeline, and questions. If you're already in Panama, visit their office at the Waldorf Astoria (level P, by the pool) or information desk at the Hilton - Austin recommends messaging ahead so they can block adequate time for you. They'll present current Weston Residence availability, pricing, and payment options tailored to your budget. If you decide to move forward, they coordinate everything with the developer, attorneys, and financial institutions. Throughout construction (2024-2029), they remain your point of contact for questions, updates, and any issues that arise. At delivery, they ensure smooth handover and can continue assisting with property management, rentals, or any ongoing needs. The value of this hand-holding cannot be overstated when you're dealing with six-figure international real estate transactions in your non-native country. DoPanama's expertise means you avoid costly mistakes, understand exactly what you're buying, and have local professionals advocating for your interests throughout the process.