Aptly named after the magnificent 16th century fortification situated in Toledo, Spain, this architectural masterpiece has a true Spanish flavor. This modern day El Alcazar is to be found in Coronado, on the Pacific coast of Panama. Painted a Mediterranean coral pink, with 4 wings, this is a very unique landmark indeed.
Just a 75 minutes drive from Panama City, or 10 minute flight by helicopter, this is an ideal weekend or holiday home destination. Living here, one can easily enjoy the 3 mile sandy beach or the Tom Fazio designed golf course at Coronado Beach and Country Club Resort.
The 65 apartments range from 1710 to 2850 square feet of luxury real estate. The apartments offer whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms, balconied bedrooms, maid’s quarters, emergency health alarm and underground parking for one car, plus one golf cart. Each bedroom has its own in suite bathroom; with a further guest half bath. These 2 and 3 bed apartments will meet the requirements of the most discerning businessman, family, retiree or pensionado.
Built with stunning views of the Playa Coronado (Coronado Beach), the Pacific Ocean, the established golf course and the rugged mountains, these apartments literally take your breath away.
Subscribe to this blog's RSS feed
Situated in the Coronado Equestrian Center, 3 km. south of the Pan American Highway on the Playa Coronado road, this is more than just a good eatery. Most Saturday nights, whilst sampling the limited, but delicious selections from their menu (mostly steaks), enjoy the Horse Show and Dressage Exhibition going on just outside the open-sided restaurant. On other weekends, they offer plenty of music, live bands and dancing.
This is one of the places to offer jubilado (senior citizen) discount for those eligible – 25% off your entrée, and there are many restaurants throughout Panama which honor seniors with this discount. Entrée prices range from $8 - $14. Go as a group and have a memorable night out, but call first to confirm what kind of entertainment you can look forward to enjoying.
Now firmly entrenched in the beautiful new architecturally designed premises, Don Chacho’s is more popular (and slightly more expensive) than ever.
Famed for his outdoor spit, turning chickens night and day, Chacho’s offers a very extensive menu in both Spanish and English. The choice is excellent, the quality good and the Corvina Marinara ($12) keep me returning for more. The ribs are also favorites for the locals, although a little tough for me.
Waitresses understand Spanish, pointing and mime, so Gringos will have no problems being understood. Enjoy!
Don Chaco’s is just off the Pan American highway on the left hand side of the Playa Coronado road.
As one who ‘lives to eat’ rather than vice versa, let me share with you a few of the choice eateries the Panamanian Pacific coast has to offer. One thing is for sure; you will not lack good food and fine wine in interesting yet varied locales, at incredibly low prices in Panama. Amazingly, standard tipping rate is just ten percent, and the serving staff are happy to receive it.
Are you dreaming of fancy Chinese food? Try eating at Restaurant Sam’s, authentic Chinese food at low Panamanian prices. I swear I ate the tastiest “Arroz Frito” or fried rice, I have ever had in my life. The large and spotlessly clean restaurant is situated just east of the Correos, in the little town of Chame, on the Pan American Highway (aka - Carreteria Interamericana), about 60 kms. west of Panama City.
I ordered two Atlas beers, which arrived pronto with glasses – 50 cents each. What a bargain. They cost more than that in the local El Rey supermarket. No sooner had I ordered the fried rice, than the waitress was flip-flopping her way back to our table with 2 plates piled high with steaming food. Was the woman psychic? I swear I only ordered 90 seconds before.
Ignore the flimsy tissue wrapping the cutlery(it is a local napkin), and tuck in. This is the best and tastiest fried rice anywhere – and I have lived in Malaysia and Hong Kong so I know my onions, sorry – fried rice. Every forkful was laden with prawns, pork, chicken, carrot, onion and ham. Be warned – do not be tempted to order a full portion. A half portion is “Hungry Man” size and costs just $3.20. You have to round the tip up to a dollar to save embarrassment, and that’s on a good meal and beers for 2 people!
A wonderfully tasty, cheap night out.
Driving west on the Pan-American Highway out of Panama, one is seemingly assaulted by numerous billboards advertising the new developments of beach homes and condos along the Pacific coast, for those seeking a relaxed Panamanian lifestyle. Several of these boards advertise Coronado construction options, but Coronado Golf and Beach Resort is surprisingly different.
Developed in the 1950’s by Bob Eisenmann, the present owner’s grandfather; Coronado was developed as a gated community offering beachside lots and homes to those desiring a weekend retreat from Panama City. Now many people live there year round.
Just 83 km. away from the city in reality, it is a world away, in another sense. Coronado offers not only two long, luxurious, volcanic sand beaches, but also Hotel Coronado, the Beach Club, an equestrian center, a selection of four restaurants, and Coronado Golf, an 18 hole, par 72 course designed by Tom and George Fazio.
Unlike the myriad of newly constructed communities further West on the tropical Pacific Coast, Coronado is established with many older properties on large garden lots, avenues of ancient acacia trees, dotted with properties featuring homes large and small, newly built glass wall homes, alongside traditional Panamanian construction styles. There is something fulfilling for every heart in Coronado Beach.
But the word is out. Prices have been rising; long-empty lots have been cleared and posted for sale, and the building demand keeps workers and the local ferreteria (hardware store) busy and prosperous.
Take a long weekend and visit Coronado. Peruse the brochures of the new homes in the area; the smart and the vulgar, the outrageous and the pipe dreams are all interesting to see. And then treat yourself; take a long look at Coronado from your lounge chair by the pool, from the Terrace Bar on the 19th hole, or from your solitary walk along the firm sands, and see for yourself, that you agree: Coronado es Vida!
