Volcan Springs Ranch Estates in Volcan, Panama.

PRLog (Press Release) – May 30, 2008 – On a recent business trip to Panama, American developers Ken Engle and Bernard Rothermund were looking for a little adventure break after several days of meetings with architects, engineers and lawyers for their project, a gated community called Volcan Springs Ranch Estates in Volcan, Panama.  

The two developers were looking for a place to go snorkeling, diving or fishing for the day.  Engle and Rothermund found an unexpected gem on one of Panama’s numerous islands in the Pacific Ocean.  Based on a tip from an airline employee in David airport, they had driven down the Pan-American Highway from David, Panama’s third largest city, east towards Panama City for about 40 kilometers and then took a right turn towards the coast. After another 30 minute drive on a fast smooth dirt road they arrived at the sleepy little port village of Boca Chica.


There were a couple of tiny resorts nearby on the water with their own docks and boats.  One resort with the unlikely name of “Gone Fishing” has six very nicely decorated rooms, a beautiful bar and pool.  It even has a dock where visitors can go kayaking, boating, fishing, snorkeling or island exploring.


Engle and Rothermund hired a boat to take them out for a few hours to explore the area.  From a large tropical island across the bay they could hear birds calling and howler monkeys bellowing in the distance, establishing their territory.  


Engle and Rothermund were here to visit an eco-resort called Cala Mia. The boat took 15 minutes over protected calm seas to get to the far end of an island called Boca Brava.  As they approached the shore at Cala Mia they began to see the unusual features of the resort.  The boat was tied to the dock and two congenial, English speaking people from the resort came down to greet the two visitors.  On both sides of the gangway leading up to the island there were huge trees hanging out over the bay that were covered with orchids and other native tropical plants.


At the top of the ramp, foot paths led to eleven thatched roof bungalows, all with spectacular views of the ocean and coastline.  The rooms are amazing in their décor, views and amenities.  The bungalows were designed and built by the Italian owners of the resort.  Some of the doors and beams used in the construction were imported to Panama from India. Electricity is provided by solar panels and water comes from wells on the island.


The two travelers then made their way to the bar and restaurant which was built to maximize the ocean views and had an excellent lunch and good cold Panamanian beer as they gazed out over the island.  Adventurous folks can climb up the spiral stairway to the top level and look out over the island.  Just outside the bar was an inviting infinity pool built looking over the ocean. Rothermund commented, “I could easily get used to this life!”


At the end of the island was another little rocky island only about 100 feet in diameter.  There was an Indiana Jones style rope bridge that connected the two islands and ocean waves crashing underfoot through the channel between the islands. On the small island was a thatched roof room that had a spa, hot rock massage tables and a yoga exercise area.


The idyllic day ended much too quickly and the two intrepid travelers signaled the boat operator that they were ready to go back to shore.  Engle vowed to come back and spend a few days here with his wife Susie sometime in the very near future.


The weather was a little hot and humid as it almost always is in coastal Panama but what was so amazing was that this astonishing place on the Pacific Ocean was just a couple hours drive from the “forever springtime” weather of Volcan.  


Volcan is where Engle and Rothermund chose to build the gated community of  Volcan Springs Ranch Estates.  The coast of Panama is beautiful and great to visit for a day or weekend but most North Americans and Europeans find the cool highland areas much more comfortable for longer term living.


Volcan Springs Ranch Estates or VSR is a community of 125 homesites and 40 condos on 133 acres. Some of the features include a lake, hiking trails, several nature areas, five underground springs, many natural waterfalls. It also features a clubhouse with a pool, spa, massage rooms, wine and coffee bar and an equestrian center and 24 hour security for the entire community.  VSR is located a short drive from two huge, pristine national parks but also very close to the town of Volcan where restaurants, stores and all other daily essentials can be found.