Emerald Monkey EcoLuxe Resort

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Panama will soon have its first large-scale eco-resort.  A five-star property, Emerald Monkey EcoLuxe Resort will be located on 85 lush tropical acres on Shepherd Island, which is part of Bocas del Toro, an island in the Caribbean Sea close to Panama’s mainland.

Emerald Monkey will feature 170 villas.  They will be built in the architectural style of homes in Bali and French Polynesia with a design adapted to life on a tropical island. 

The amenities of the resort will be first-class in every way.  They’ll include:

• Two private beaches
• Infinity-edge saltwater pools
• Full-service spa
• Butterfly farm
• Five-star restaurant & bar
• Private marina
• Scuba diving center
• Organic produce farm
• Village containing shops and restaurants
• Lagoon for snorkeling, complete with fish and sunken Balinese artifacts
• Tropical gardens and stone trails throughout the grounds

The resort will offer a lifestyle based on principles of ecological sensitivity and sustainable living.   Heralded as the first zero-carbon footprint community in the world, Emerald Monkey will rely on hydropower (river water) as its main energy source.  The pools will be saltwater to eliminate the need for any chlorine or other chemicals. 

Potable water will come from natural mountain springs.  The onsite organic fruit and vegetable farm will be operated without use of pesticides.  Even the buildings will be made of sustainable materials.

The setting for Emerald Monkey is lush tropical foliage spread over rolling hills and dotted with prehistoric boulders.  It’s an exotic landscape that will provide incredible views of the blue Caribbean waters that surround the island. 

Preferred Hotels & Resorts will manage the property.  It is a leading hospitality company known for its exceptional luxury properties located around the world.

Construction has already started on Emerald Monkey, and the resort is scheduled for opening in 2010.  It will be built in three phases.  Its homes will feature large open verandas and comfortable outdoor seating.  Buyers will have a choice of either a saltwater plunge pool or a meditation courtyard. 

Available are floor plans of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, ranging from 2,450 to 4,594 square feet.  Prices start at $527,750 and go up to $1,077,710.  An added incentive is the Panama law that exempts residence buyers of properties like Emerald Monkey EcoLuxe Resort from paying any property taxes for the first 20 years of ownership.