Discovering Panama's Paradise: Golf, Beaches, and Pure Living in Buenaventura & Santa Maria with Diego Vallarino of Grupo VerdeAzul

Discovering Panama's Paradise: Golf, Beaches, and Pure Living in Buenaventura & Santa Maria with Diego Vallarino of Grupo VerdeAzul

Host: Doris Muscarella – Avid golfer, world traveler, style enthusiast, and champion for women in golf; Founder of The Traveling Golf Diva.  Guest:  Diego Vallarino Lewis – CEO and Executive President of Grupo VerdeAzul, a leading Panamanian investment and real estate group focused on sustainable development, tourism, and community growth.  Diego also serves as Vice Chairman of Tocumen S.A. (managing Panama's airports) and holds degrees from Harvard, Cornell, and the Universidad de Panamá.  In June (year of award), he was honored with the "Presidente Juan Demóstenes Arosemena" medal by the Governor of Coclé in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Panama's development projects.

Episode Summary: Doris takes listeners on a virtual journey to Panama, chatting with Diego Vallarino about the country's booming golf and luxury tourism scene.  As CEO of Grupo VerdeAzul, Diego oversees transformative projects including the world-class Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort—a gated paradise on Panama's Pacific Riviera—and The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort in Panama City, the city's only urban resort featuring a championship Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.

This episode dives into why Panama is emerging as a top destination for golfers, expats, retirees, and adventure seekers: stunning beaches, championship golf, marina living, wellness amenities, and a harmonious blend of nature and luxury.  Diego shares insights on standout properties like Buenaventura's iconic Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course and Santa Maria's lush, verdant urban golf oasis managed by Troon, plus exciting developments that make Panama accessible and irresistible for international visitors.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Grupo VerdeAzul's vision: Leading investments in real estate, hospitality, and tourism that drive economic growth and community enhancement in Panama, with flagship projects including Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort and The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort.
• Spotlight on Buenaventura: A premier gated community on the Pacific coast featuring world-class amenities—championship Nicklaus golf, pristine beaches, marina, clubhouse, spa, fitness center, kids' areas, and luxury residences—ideal for full-time living or vacation getaways.
• Spotlight on The Santa Maria: Panama City's exclusive urban resort, just minutes from the airport and downtown, centered around an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design (Jack Nicklaus signature style with strategic challenges, water features, and stunning views); includes luxurious accommodations, multiple restaurants, pools, spa, and more for a seamless blend of city convenience and resort luxury.
• Golf in Panama: The appeal of uncrowded, scenic courses with ocean or city views, tropical breezes, and year-round play; highlights include Buenaventura's coastal layout and Santa Maria's meticulously groomed, playable design suitable for all skill levels (managed by Troon for top-tier maintenance).
• Panama as a golf tourism hotspot: Easy access via Tocumen International Airport (overseen in part by Diego), proximity to vibrant Panama City, tax incentives for expats, and the rise in international buyers discovering Panama's "sunny side" lifestyle with options for beach escapes or urban golf retreats.
• Sustainability and community focus: How Grupo VerdeAzul prioritizes harmony with nature, wellness, and inclusive growth—creating spaces where residents and visitors "live fully."
• Tips for women travelers and golfers: Safe, welcoming environments; group travel options; blending golf with beach relaxation, wellness, spa experiences, and Panama's rich culture.
• Future of Panama tourism: Expanding international appeal through strategic partnerships and high-end resort experiences like Buenaventura and Santa Maria.

Memorable Quotes:

• Diego Vallarino: "We are creating a community where people live a full life, in harmony with nature and focused on wellness."
• (On Buenaventura) "Enjoy the simple life with amenities right at your doorstep, such as the Par 72 championship Nicklaus Design 18-hole golf course, marina, clubhouse, restaurant, luxurious spa, countless pools, fitness center and many more."
• (On Santa Maria) "Immerse yourself in an oasis of luxury and comfort in the heart of Panama... where luxury, hospitality and golf are all in one place!"

Resources Mentioned:

• Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort: www.buenaventura.com.pa – Explore residences, rentals, golf, amenities, and virtual tours.
• The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort: www.santamariapanama.com or Marriott Bonvoy site (search "The Santa Maria Panama") – Details on the hotel, Jack Nicklaus golf course, dining, spa, and bookings.
• Grupo VerdeAzul: www.grupoverdeazul.com – Learn about their portfolio in real estate, hospitality (including Santa Maria and Buenaventura), and sustainable investments.
• Follow for updates: Search for Buenaventura Panama (@buenaventuraresort on Instagram), The Santa Maria Panama (@hotelthesantamaria on Instagram), or Grupo VerdeAzul on social media for stunning visuals of the courses, beaches, and lifestyle. Grupo VerdeAzul doesn’t have a dedicated social media account, but it does have a website. We also have a social media account for GVA Hospitality @gvahospitality_ and the Foundation account (@verdeazul_porunmejorpanama).
• Panama tourism info: Visit official sites or contact Grupo VerdeAzul for personalized golf trip planning and residency opportunities.

Dreaming of teeing off on a Nicklaus masterpiece with ocean or city views, then unwinding in luxury? Panama's Buenaventura and Santa Maria await—head to buenaventura.com.pa or santamariapanama.com to start planning your escape. Subscribe to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for more global golf adventures, empowerment, and insider tips—available on all major platforms.

Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and more—search "The Traveling Golf Diva with Doris Muscarella."

This episode celebrates Panama's dual golf gems—coastal paradise and urban luxury—where great golf meets unforgettable hospitality!.