Frequently Asked Questions
Investment
1. What is the purchase process?Payment Schedule Whole and Fractional Ownership
$5,000 USD reservation fee payable at the time of signing reservation agreement. The fee is fully refundable up to 14 days of signing the reservation agreement.
The first payment of 20% is due 14 days after signing of the reservation agreement. The purchase contract, trust and rental agreements are signed at that time. The $5,000 USD reservation fee is credited to the first 20% payment.
The second payment of 30% of the sale price is due 75 days after the first payment of 20% or at the time your villa arrives in Panama from Bali, whichever is later.
Final payment (remaining 50%) is then due at closing and issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Your funds will be secured and managed through a Trust. A Trust is a legal entity, which holds assets, until a designated time when the beneficiary receives the assets.
Yes, you are able to sell your property. Owner must give Developer and Manager notice of intent to sell property.
A $5,000 USD reservation fee is required at time the reservation agreement is signed. See item # 1 above for more details on payment schedule.
There are no guarantees that any property will continue to increase in value. The opportunity for sustainable and long-term property appreciation rests on the fact that the Panamanian government is consistently working to strengthen and broaden their tourism, investor and retiree base. The Panamanian government has dedicated $5 billion USD to the expansion of the Panama Canal and it is expected to increase annual revenue by $20 billion USD. In 2008 the GDP of Panama grew by 11% with trade, tourism and construction all flourishing. Panama also has the second largest banking community and free trade zone in the world. Panama is continuously ranked among the top five places in the world to retire, attracts many foreign retirees due to their low cost of living and the Pensionado Program, which offers significant benefits and discounts. In addition, Panama requires no special authorizations, permits or prior registrations for foreign investors.
Construction of infrastructure on the island commenced in early 2009. Villas are being constructed in Bali, inspected, dismantled, shipped to Emerald Monkey, reconstructed and inspected on-site. The certificate of occupancy is issued at closing. First villas will arrive at Emerald Monkey in February 2010 and ready for viewing in March 2010. Resort will open in the fourth quarter of 2010 with approximately 50-60% of the villas constructed and all amenities operational.
Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences is a Preferred Hotels & Resorts member and you will contact them to reserve your stay. Preferred Hotels & Resorts will provide the owner with quarterly statements, identify owner's rental income and expenses.
Whole and fractional owners participating in the rental program are paid quarterly. Whole owners may have up to 8 weeks free personal use per year and 1/10th fractional owners may have up to 2 weeks free personal use. Owners also receive a 30% discount on the room rate for additional personal use.
If in the rental program, the weeks typically allocated to the owner will be placed back in the hotel's room rental inventory. Thereby allowing the opportunity for the owner to realize rental income for that period.
The resort management company and developer will manage the maintenance process on behalf of the owners. Normally maintenance occurs when owners and guests are not utilizing their unit.
Travel
12. Are there direct flights to Panama City?Yes, there are direct flights available to Panama. The following cities offer direct flights to Panama City: New York City, Newark, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Amsterdam, Madrid and major cities in the Caribbean. There are also many regular scheduled European flights to US cities with easy connecting flights to Panama City.
From as far north as New York, the flight to Panama City is approximately 5 hours and from Los Angeles approximately 6 hours. Houston is less than 4 hours and Miami only 2 hours. Although there are no direct flights from the UK, the trip normally takes approximately 14 hours from London.
Once guests arrive in Bocas del Toro, a 45-50 minute flight from Panama City, Emerald Monkey is only a short 15-minute boat ride away.
Local transportation is available in Panama City and Bocas del Toro. However, guests and owners will be met by Emerald Monkey representatives who will escort them between airports and hotel destinations both in Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
Visas & Health
16. Are Visas required when traveling to Panama?Visas are not required for stays up to 90 days, however, nationals of Australia, Canada and USA will be issued a tourist card for stays up to 30 days and are extendable to 90 days at the discretion of immigration authorities. Passports are required for all foreign travelers.
Panama has a quality health care system and does not require immunizations before visiting. However, we advise you see your doctor 4-6 weeks prior to your trip. They will determine what you need, depending on factors such as your health, immunization history, areas of the country you are visiting and planned activities.
Weather
18. What is the weather like in Bocas del Toro?Panama enjoys a tropical climate, with marked dry and wet seasons and an average temperature of 27°C/82°F. The archipelago of Bocas del Toro typically has at least 320 days of sunshine a year - tempered by cool Caribbean breezes.
Casual and comfortable clothing is recommended for your stay in Bocas del Toro and trip to Emerald Monkey. Cargo pants/shorts, hiking shoes, tennis shoes or other types of shoes with rubber soles are recommended for the walking trails at Emerald Monkey. The natural terrain is also uneven and temporary paths are composed of loose stone/gravel. All dining and activities in Bocas del Toro are casual. Most activities are geared around water sports. Swimsuits, water shoes, sundresses and flip flops are a must to enjoy the turquoise Caribbean waters and breath taking surroundings. Guests may wish to bring less casual clothing contingent on their plans to spend time in Panama City and based on their itinerary.
Food
20. What are the traditional foods/drinks in Panama?Due to its location, Panama has an array of fresh and delicious fruits, herbs and vegetables. Panamanian food has influences from Native Americans, Europeans and other Latin American cultures. Fresh seafood is always a staple in Panama and their amazing variety derives from fishing on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The usual big brand drinks, such as Coca Cola, and global spirit brands are available. Try a local beer or fruit juice too. Panamanian coffee is known for its vivid aromas and luscious color and the Boquete region offers some of the finest coffees in Central America.
With its strategic geographic location, Panama has been influenced by many cultures providing Panama with a wide variety of foods and flavors. Panama is home to some of the best cuisine in Central America and will satisfy every palate with dishes from the exotic Far Eastern to European flavors to Panama's own specialties and seafood dishes. In addition to major chain restaurants, Panama has many delectable local restaurants and cafes for visitors to enjoy. The archipelago of Bocas del Toro offers a range of restaurants from casual, cozy dining to beautiful slightly formal restaurants. Bocas delights the taste buds by fusing local traditions, seafood and international influences. Treat yourself to one of Bocas' culinary delights while dining at a restaurant overlooking the tranquil, blue waters of the Caribbean.
Tips should range from 10%-15% of your bill if you have enjoyed your service and food.
Panama & Bocas del Toro - Entertainment & Activities
23. Where is there to go?Few places offer the spectacular combination of history and culture in a gorgeous Caribbean setting. Panama's beaches remain very accessible to visitors and there are always mountains and rainforests to explore. The country offers exquisite handcrafts, an opportunity to explore historic ruins, experience a unique culture and indulge yourself in the breath taking scenery.
Emerald Monkey activities and local amenities include:
Emerald Bamboo Spa
Moon Orchid Restaurant
Fitness & Aerobic Center
Yoga & Pilates Center
Green Leaf Tea Hut
World of Cigars & Wines
The Great Tree Temple
Gourmet Food Shop
Weave the Authentic Bali Furnishings & Gift Shop
Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Over two miles of trails
Private beaches
Beach volleyball
Flutter Farm
Children's Activities Center
Deep sea fishing
Kayaking
Leisurely boating
Dolphin watching boat excursions
Sunbathing
Local shops and boutiques
Daily excursions & BBQ
Regional activities include:
Surfing at Wizard Beach
Rainforest trekking
Explore the Zapatillas Islands
National Park tours
Boating, fishing, and photography trips
Bocas Town: unique restaurants and boutiques
Shopping
25. Where are the places to shop?Within Emerald Monkey you will have access to the shops in the Banjar Village (see Question 25 in Entertainment & Activities). Bocas Town also offers a wide array of shops that feature local handcrafted jewelry, clothing and artwork. Bocas Town is only a 15-minute boat ride from Emerald Monkey.
The currency in Panama is officially called the Balboa and the exchange rate is 1 Balboa to 1 US Dollar. The Balboa has been tied to the US Dollar making the US Dollar the legal tender in Panama.
Universal bank and credit cards are accepted in most places. Travelers can easily withdraw money from ATMs in most cities and tourism areas. Before your visit, it is recommended that notify your bank that you will be traveling internationally for your own security and access to your account while abroad but also to confirm that your credit cards and bank/debit cards will work in Panama.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for summary purposes only and subject to change without notice. For most current details see official sales contracts and contact an official representative of Island Living Resort and Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences. Date published: 07/14/2009 Real estate purchased at Emerald Monkey is an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the use of a luxury lifestyle and should not be regarded as an investment product. US citizens should be clear that they are not being offered this property linked to any program to guarantee income, pool income or share in the profits of the operator or developer. Interested parties in any doubt should contact a suitably qualified real estate attorney or advisor.

