Grupo del Sol, one of Central America’s most respected and experienced developers, has partnered with the renowned Mexican architectural firm GVA & Associates and Dr. Dan Chiras of The Evergreen Institute to create an exclusive island destination located off of Panama’s Pacific coast. Part of the pristine Las Perlas Archipelago and overflowing with rich natural and cultural wonder, Isla Saboga is a $18 million master development that spans 755 acres, presenting the finest green community committed to preserving the integrity of this magical island setting. Already attracting several travelers and investors in search of an exclusive eco-luxury resort, Isla Saboga’s first phase, El Encanto, which offers nature, inspired Oceanfront Estates and Beach Treehouse Villas, is already over 40% sold.

“We have assembled an expert team to gently develop Isla Saboga in the most sensitive and unobtrusive way,” states Armel Gonzalez, President of Grupo del Sol. “In fact, all phases will be constructed on the coastal rim of the island, therefore less than one third of the land will be used for construction and the rest will remain intact. Our promise is to preserve the natural beauty, charm and history of the island, while creating a world-class resort community and fostering an upscale modern lifestyle for our residents and visitors” he adds.

Grupo del Sol is actively seeking like-minded developers and investors who are interested in creating new projects on the island. Only 15 development sites ranging from 1 to 15 hectares (2.5 to almost 40 acres) along the coastal rim of the island are available for development. These sites have specific associated uses, such as, condominiums, townhouses, fractional residences, single-family estate homes, and both luxury and boutique hotels.  A marina site is also available.  Grupo del Sol is giving possible investors direct exposure to a variety of properties at different stages of development ranging from land-only opportunities to sites with development plans and drawings already in place. Sub-development land parcels have been made available for sale at wholesale pricing with attractive terms for other developers, such as flexible finance plans for the lots, which is very appealing considering the current economic climate.

A very important component of the master development is the infrastructure plan, which Grupo del Sol has already implemented on the island. The plan includes initiatives for roads, water, sewage, electricity and plumbing system, following the necessary standards to preserve the environment and making it a “developer-ready” land for upcoming investors and sub-developers. The water reserve, which is already in place, obtains fresh water in three ways; collection of rain water that is purified and stored in tanks, a freshwater well which gathers water from hundreds of meters below the surface, and a desalinization plant. Isla Saboga’s plan to reserve water will provide an abundant supply of fresh water on the island. In addition to the power plant already there, Group del Sol and its team of experts is studying various energy alternatives on the island. Other eco-friendly initiatives include the repopulation of confiscated birds and iguanas as well as the replanting of trees and greenery.

Isla Saboga’s first eco-luxury development, El Encanto is discreetly nestled among tropical hardwood and rolling hills by the glistening ocean and will showcase Oceanfront Estate Villas and Beach Treehouse Villas, as well as, an intimate boutique hotel and spa wellness center. Perfectly positioned towards the west to enjoy picturesque Pacific sunsets, the homes are built in harmony with the surrounding environment and anticipate reaching Platinum LEED certification – the highest standard for environmentally-friendly construction. Five Oceanfront Estate Villas and 33 Beach Treehouse Villas present residents with an opulent tropical lifestyle and are slated for completion in mid-2010. All of the homes will feature an open great room, spacious kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, certified tropical hardwoods, as well as beautiful pergola-covered decks that allow for spectacular views.

Isla Saboga is member of the Camara de Turismo Sostenible de Las Perlas (CTSLP), which is responsible for the interests on environmental, social and economic interest of the Archipelago, and follows their regulations and initiatives. Isla Saboga also follows the Special Management Zone established by the Maritime Resources Authority of Panama (ARAP) to protect the marina resources of the area. Additionally, Grupo del Sol is establishing a set of covenants, codes and restrictions (CC&R) that will be applied to all of the architecture and construction on the island. The CC&R will be administered by a Regulatory Board and guarantees the standards in quality and most importantly, protection of the environment.