VISTA MAR GOLF AND OCEAN RESORT

Steve's house at the Vista Mar Golf and Ocean Resort is the best! Steve is extremely gracious, accommodating and kind-- very quick to respond to emails and questions. Vista Mar is located about an hour-ish from Panama City, and only about 10 minutes from Coronado, which makes this house a perfect weekend getaway. Although the house is not ocean front, it feels like is it! The house sits up on a bluff with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean and the sandy beaches of San Carlos. The constant sea breeze can be felt while lounging at the pool or in the hammock, and each bedroom is extremely private with its own access (via sliding glass doors) to the pool and garden. We loved the single story layout, and the fact that the kitchen came with two fridge units! The beach club has an amazing beachfront infinity pool and a nice restaurant-- and it's only about a 5 minute walk down the street from the house. The house is very private, and perfect for a beach getaway for friends and family.

My family and I stayed at this home in the Vista Mar resort in late April 2011. The house and backyard are gorgeous and comfortable. Each bedroom has its own bath and patio doors that open to the backyard pool. The house can easily sleep 6-8 people very comfortably. The town of Coronado is only 10 minutes away for gas, groceries, local cell phones, and anything else you might need.

San Carlos makes a great central location for exploring Panama. Panama City is an easy one hour commute on the Panamanian highway. My family thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Panama Canal, and the Gamboa rainforest north of Panama City. We took a Monkey Boat Tour at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and saw a multitude of wild monkeys, baby crocodiles, and turtles. The zoo in the rainforest is worth a visit. The animals are well cared for and so tame you can pet some at the edge of the cages. At Mira Flores Lockes you can watch huge cargo ships pass through canal lockes.

We also enjoyed visiting El Valle about 40 minutes from San Carlos. The drive into the mountains is beautiful and there is a well-stocked market with fresh produce and crafts on Sundays. We also ziplined there through the rainforest over a beautiful waterfall.

In El Palmar, we took surf lessons through the Panama Surf School. The instructors were fluent in English and very patient and informative. You definitely get your money's worth for a two hour lesson.

Panama is a beautiful country to visit and has not yet been spoiled by excessive tourism. You can experience the authentic culture and beauty. But come prepared to speak a little Spanish. Most folks only know a few words of English, unless your on a tour of some sort.

We highly recommend a trip to Panama and a stay in this beautiful home and resort.

Three of us stayed at this property the first two weeks of November, 2010, on a girls only trip. The house is very spacious and offers a lot of amenities. (Photos of the property are very accurate and the property is well maintained) Best of all are the views from the patio and pool of the Pacific Ocean. The Bohio is great for dining, which we did most nights. Just a great place to kick back and relax.

Coronardo is about 8 miles east of the house and offers two great markets, shops, dining and a spa. West is Santa Clara Beach where we spent a couple of days soaking up the sun and watching the fishing boats. Very pleasant! About 10 miles away and a few shops on the way to check out.

The Mountain Village of El Valle is a must see with an open air market on Sunday, nice shops and great food at Ty's Sport Bar, within a 40 minute drive west.

Panama City is about 1.25 hrs east and is a must see. We did a partial Panama Canal Transit, which was incredible, enjoyed a ride through Panama City where the Police are very helpful and toured
Reprosa Jewelry Factory. Very nice jewelry. Must make a reservation for the tour which can be done on line.

A great trip and a wonderful home to stay in. Would definitely recommend!