Private Island Resort experience blending seclusion, sophistication and unspoiled natural beauty 2016 projected as opening date.
PANAMA CITY – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is expanding its collection of Reserve hotels with plans to open a luxury sanctuary on Pearl Island, a private island situated 45 miles south of Panama City. An exclusive leisure experience that blends intuitive individual service, exquisite indigenous design, and luxuriously relaxed ambiance, the resort is the sixth planned Reserve property, joining current locations in Phulay Bay in Thailand and Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico, and upcoming locations including Molasses Reef in Turks and Caicos, Tamuda Bay, Morocco and Cabos San Lucas, Mexico, among several projects slated for the near future.
Surrounded by pristine beaches, one of the most bio-diverse marine environments on the planet, sublime azure waters and virgin tropical forests, and enlivened by hundreds of species of indigenous flora and fauna, the centerpiece of the Reserve will feature an open-air resort offering 80 intimate rooms, and a range of select luxury amenities and exceptional services to include a lavish spa, private beach club, three swimming pools and three restaurants, as well as access to a world-class marina, dive and fishing village and equestrian center. The spa will include outdoor treatment pavilions and separate tree-top villas, all of which will incorporate indigenous treatments in a lush remote setting.
Capturing the striking character of Pearl Island, one-and two-story villas situated on the beach reveal oceanfront views, all boasting oversized guestrooms with private plunge pools, spacious outdoor private terraces, and the expansive Signature Suite, a standalone private oasis spread along the coastline. For executive retreats, the property will feature a 1,800-square-foot function pavilion and boardroom with ocean views.
Reachable by boat, helicopter or plane through a private airstrip, Pearl Island is a virtually untouched paradise featuring an extensive private natural reserve with over half of the island undisturbed. Located in the Gulf of Panama on the Pacific Ocean, minutes from Panama City, the 3,500 acre private island is the third largest in the Archipelago of Las Perlas. Co-owned by Dolphin Capital Investors and Grupo Eleta, the island is one of approximately 250 different islands inhabited by fishing communities throughout the archipelago.
“With an abundant forest environment and stunning beaches with a premium on privacy, Pearl Island is a perfect site for the Reserve experience. Guests will enjoy an exclusive and secluded private location, with a wealth of recreational options to choose from,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton “Pearl Island is a destination that our discerning customers will find extremely appealing, with the coastal serenity and unspoiled natural attractions offering our guests the beauty and privacy they seek in an exclusive getaway experience,” added Humler.
Populated by an extraordinary collection of exotic natural life, Pearl Island is home to a remarkable 150-species bird sanctuary, one of the greatest in the world, including a vast population of migrating pelicans, 700 species of fish and 15 species of coral that fill the surrounding waters, in addition to 16 species of mammals, sea turtles, and whales that visit the island for a great part of the year. Through an environmental stewardship program, Pearl Island’s abundant environmental diversity and recently uncovered 6,000-year archaeological relics will remain forever protected by world-class sustainable planning and establishment of the Island Foundation, a not-for-profit organization to ensure that its natural treasures remains preserved for future generations.
“We are honored to partner with The Ritz-Carlton in bringing a premium Reserve property to the stunning untouched private island of Pearl Island. It will be the reality of a vision that was inspired by the natural beauty and historical legacy that we wanted to preserve,” said Pierre Charalambides, Founding Partner of Dolphin Capital Investors. “We are delighted to be able to offer such an exquisite place that truly pays homage to the unspoiled heritage around which it is built. We are pleased to have signed with The Ritz-Carlton as our management company of choice, a globally luxury brand leader that should establish Pearl Island as one of top luxury resort destinations in Latin America,” added Guillermo de Saint Malo Eleta, CEO of Grupo Eleta.
To ensure the island remains unspoiled, approximately 70 percent of the acreage will stay permanently undisturbed. Stringent development guidelines will result in minimal environmental impact through state-of-the-art engineering and environmental sciences, as well as sustainable practices for water, energy, waste, and transportation. The architectural integrity of the island will be maintained through a series low low-density villages and distinctive sustainable architecture showcasing a harmonious blend of location, style and finishes.
“We are thrilled to forge this partnership with Dolphin Capital Investors and Grupo Eleta, who are developing this remarkable project,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer, Caribbean & Latin America, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “It has been years in the making and we’re so pleased to have reached an agreement to make this private sanctuary a future Reserve property,” he added.
The developers of the Reserve are also creating a collection of Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded Residences which will be available for sale during the construction phase. Designed in the same unique architectural style of the resort, each privately owned three to four bedroom Residence will offer exquisite design and a one-of-a-kind luxury experience for owners.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a complete escape to the unexpected – a private, exclusive travel experience blending unique elements of the local culture, history, heritage and respect for the environment. For the most discerning travelers seeking a personalized and luxurious escape, Reserve properties are tucked away in the most exquisite corners of the world, featuring chic, relaxed and intimate settings that weave indigenous flavors with highly responsive and individualized service.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
