2002 through 2006 were good times for real estate investors. And during those years the Viva Tropical founders, Park Wilson & Josh Linnes, were able to amass a portfolio of over 200 real estate transactions in both commercial and residential sectors, with valuations well into 8 figures.
But in 2006, they began to notice that investment fundamentals no longer made sense. The market was awash in capital and prices had been pushed through the ceiling. This signaled the time to exit.
After several scouting trips, the founders packed up their families and moved to the region and founded Viva Tropical.
Since that time they have scouted more than 3 million acres of property, driven the Pacific Coast on investment scouting trips from Mexico to Ecuador, purchased 8 miles of coastline, completed a successful real estate project in Panama, and most recently, created Viva Tropical, the fastest growing brand for living and investing in the Latin tropics.
They currently have a large and satisfied investor pool of individuals who enjoy the benefit of owning land in Latin America without the hassle of managing it on a daily basis.
Also during this time, the founders were increasingly disillusioned with the North American market in general.
A lawsuit addicted society, government spending that was growing wildly out of control, and increasingly authoritative restrictions that seized the sovereignty that they had over their own fortune. At the end of the day, they hated that ever increasing loss of freedom.
Josh had been investing in Costa Rica for 10 years, so at his suggestion they decided to broaden their scope for investments and investigate opportunities abroad.
After 9 months of due diligence, they landed on Panama as an ideal place for investment.
With its Canal expansion underway, billions flowing in from foreign direct investment, and a real estate market that was the darling of the international media for North American retirees, Panama was and is an obvious choice.
Due both to prior experience and some lucky timing they were able to purchase the entire Island at a substantial discount.
After completing the initial transaction along with their larger investors, they have completed all due diligence, finalized all engineering studies and architectural master plans, created a multi-faceted marketing program, and wrapped up the sale of their initial phase of parcels.
These parcels were sold to investors who have built and are continuing to build a fishing lodge, a high-end residence, and a tropical modern home specifically designed for the island.
The time is now perfect for developing an eco-lodge on the best part of the island.
Purchase: 85 acre (34 Hectare) Over 2km of coastline, with elevations up to 80 meters covered in primary rain forest. The land has several building areas perfect for a hotel/residential eco-development.
Building Plan: Build 5 room lodge, Tree house, roads, docks, plan building sites and community.
Exit strategy 1: Market and sell working lodge to real estate developer. Projected return 35.53% over 3 years
Exit Strategy 2: Market sell lots and homes in planned development. Projected return 61% over 7 years
*Projected returns are based on current island sales prices.
The project will span 85 acres (34 hectare) of trails for hiking and biking, space to grow food, and a lifestyle that will revive anyone who steps foot on its soil.
Development plan consists of designing and building lodge, docks, roads, community development plan, and a tree house.
All buildings will be completely run with off-grid technology. 25% of all food will be grown onsite.
Site prep, planning of future lots, and community design are included in the initial phase of the project
This building will set the tone of the whole project. Nestled 40 feet above sea level on the end of the island’s south point, with 270 degree ocean views, this space is intended to inspire speechless states.
Pull up a chair and enjoy the hardwood accents of this open space as you watch the dolphins swim by below. Enjoy a meal picked freshly from the nearby gardens with family, specially prepared by one of the onsite cooks.
Photo: Looking at Boca Chica Island from across the bay.
The lodge will have 3 rooms built for double occupancy and a bunk room to sleep another 8 people.
The idea is to create an environment to be rented by small groups as a retreat for yoga, fishing or just family getaways, but also to be the key building for selling property.
Adding rooms will be easy with our modular plan
Each room will be built to take advantage of the incredible views the island has to offer just meters above the ocean.
Don’t be surprised to watch the sunrise from your bed while the green parrots fly from tree to tree while the howler monkeys call. Turn your head in the other direction and watch the frigates dive into the ocean for their evening meal.
It took centuries for nature to build this forest. Not being able to sit and enjoy it would be a crime.
Photo: Sitting in the Mango Bay Villa located on the north side of the Island. A great example of inside outside living.
* Examples of the feel the lodge will have
Designed as a community perk, this memorable space will be perched at the top of one of the trees at a 300-foot peak, the island’s highest point.
With views for miles over the pristine surroundings, it will be hard to find a treehouse with a better view. Hike up with the family and spend the night in a place you will never forget.
The remaining 78 acres will be planned as residential development. This is best property on the island and has views and topography that pleads to be developed.
The land majority of the land is very usable, most all of the planned residential areas will have ocean, mountain, and jungle views, many will have 180 degree views off both sides of the island.
The island offers buyers an opportunity to live with old growth trees that extend hundreds of feet to the canopy, while simultaneously living on the ocean, this combination is difficult to find on the earth.
Home on Lot 6 included 1 acre and sold for $200,000 USD
Dock and Entry for lots 5,8,9,10 and 11, one new house is planned on lot 8 this year.
Mango Bay Villa built in 2014 built on 11 acres
Read Adventure Colony to learn how we find wild and beautiful places and transform them into retreats where you can escape, simplify, and recharge.
Pay Dirt is our 56 page guide to investing abroad. In it, you’ll learn our framework for profit overseas.
To learn more about Panama, here are a few more resources:
Viva Tropical – our main website that has dozens of articles and resource guides.
Testimonials – See what others are saying about us.
