Two Readers Reinvent Themselves in Paradise

Dear International Living Reader,

It's all over. But for the attendees at IL’s Live Overseas Conference, it's all about to begin.

I'm writing to you from the lobby of the Bahia Mar Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For the past four days, attendees have been enjoying expert presentations and workshops, learning how to retire overseas on a pensioner's budget...how to reduce their tax burden...how to own world-class property for pennies on the dollar…and more.

“Six short months from now,” we told them, “you could be living your dream life overseas.”

Judging by the conversations I hear as attendees make their way to the bonus open day in the Commodore Ballroom, I think some will achieve that goal in a shorter timeframe.

The Conference is over, but today we’re running a bonus Your Own Second Home in the Sun Real Estate Expo.

I’ve just enough time before we get started to give you a sneak preview of one of these “second homes in the sun,” a new golf development on the Pacific Coast of Panama.

About 18 months ago, I visited what was at that time the beach resort furthest along in its development on the Pacific Coast of Panama. Our roving Latin America editor, Lee Harrison, visited this development recently in his ongoing search for the perfect beach home. As he reports below, the folks at Vista Mar have been busy…

Lief Simon
Real Estate Editor, International Living

--------------------

Two Readers Reinvent Themselves in Paradise

Dear International Living Reader,

I’m a firm believer in early retirement and beginning a new life overseas. In fact, I spend most of my time these days traveling, and writing about my discoveries for publications like International Living. There’s nothing quite so rewarding as meeting expats who’ve done the same thing--reinvented themselves and plunged into a new and fulfilling life abroad. This is the case with IL readers Jim and Donna Hawley, who I met soon after my arrival in Panama (regular readers will know I’m scouring the Pacific Coast of Panama for the best beach home).

Jim and Donna originally came to Panama to visit the Vista Mar Golf and Resort Community. They liked what they saw so much, they decided to stay, and now manage sales at Vista Mar, 56 miles from Panama City.

Vista Mar Golf and Resort Community is not just an upstart, “on the drawing board” development. It’s built and it’s first-rate. There are lots of people already in residence who are enjoying the elegant Beach Club facilities, upscale restaurant, pool, and white-sand beach. The owners of Vista Mar--who were kind enough to share their home with us--actually live here themselves, and have set the standard for fine beachfront homes.

The par-72 championship golf course is under construction and scheduled for play for spring 2006. It will be enjoyed by this international community of expats, hailing from the United States, Switzerland, Uruguay, and elsewhere.

Property at Vista Mar includes spacious custom villas from $195,000, and large oceanview lots. But my favorite is the sparkling new condo building called Las Olas (“The Waves”), which will offer not only a golf course view, but a spectacular ocean view as well. Here a spacious 1,700-square-foot unit with two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a balcony starts at $247,000. At the luxury end, you can spend more than $700,000 on a 3,900-square-foot penthouse, which comes with its own 3,400-square-foot terrace.

I was surprised to learn from Jim and Donna that appliances, air conditioning, and a basic lighting package is included in the price…as well as membership of the golf club. I haven’t seen this type of offer anywhere else. Plus, they’re throwing in a free golf cart for the first 50 buyers in Las Olas...don’t worry if you don’t play golf, you can always use it to scoot around the property. Property management services are available, too.

For more information about Vista Mar, you can contact our Panama Office at http://www.il-ireland.com/il/questionnaire/vista-mar/. If you’re ready to start your new life abroad, they’ll be glad to help you on your way.

Lee Harrison

Roving Latin America Editor, International Living

P.S. Although the golf course is not yet open, be advised that Donna is already out there practicing as the construction is completed. Be warned: She’ll be ready to sandbag anyone who’s foolish enough to put down a friendly wager on what they believe is a course never-before practiced on….

Editor’s note: As Lief reports, IL’sLive Overseas Conference is now over, but don’t despair--if you couldn’t join us in Florida, we’ve found a way to bring the Live Overseas Conference to you. Your Passport to a Luxury Retirement...on $19 a Day contains CD recordings of all the top speakers from this event--including Lief Simon and Lee Harrison--telling you how you can retire overseas on a pensioner's budget...reduce your tax burden...own world-class property for pennies on the dollar... Plus, you can explore all these opportunities from the comfort of your living room.

But the Live Overseas Conference CD recordings form just one part of this new “passport” we’ve prepared especially for you (and if you reserve your pack before Dec. 5, you save $59). With access to this information, six short months from now, you could be living your dream life overseas. For full details, visit http://www.isecureonline.com/reports/120SR19K/W120FBRP.

Important Note: In the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know that International Living receives commissions from sales at Vista Mar.