Above: a rendering of the Sarani Resort in Panama

By the Caribbean Journal staff

A new luxury resort property has broken ground on the private island of Isla Pastor off the Caribbean coast of Panama.

Construction has begun on the 37-suite first phase of the Sarani Resort in Bocas del Toro.

Union Hanover, a London-based real estate investment and development company, is developing the project.

“Bocas del Toro has been billed as one of the last remaining untouched paradises in the world and we are excited to bring the experience to an upscale market with Sarani Resort,” said Sam Trotter, director of new business and development and ecommerce.

The eco-boutique property is located on a 75-acre site about 20 minutes by ferry from the airport and main island of Isla Colon.

It is slated for completion in August 2015.

Miami-based hotel operator Boutique Hospitality Management has been tapped to operate and manage the resort, which has joined the Preferred Boutique collection.

“We’re thrilled to support Boutique Hospitality Management on this exciting project,” said Philipp Weghmann, Area Managing Director of Latin America and the Caribbean for Preferred Hotel Group. “The addition of Sarani Resort to our Preferred Boutique collection represents our commitment to continuously enhancing our portfolio of true luxury properties in key destinations across Central America. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”