Everything at AMA Estancia - from the bed you wake up in, to the forest trails you walk, and the technique with which you are taught to surf, to the plate set in front of you - is completely unique to our estate, sourced from local materials or traditions, and carefully crafted by one of our in-house artists.

Reforestation & Adventure

Horacio José Peralta Pineda (you can call him “Kusy”) is a native to the nearby town of Pedasi, and grew up watching slash and burn farming eliminate most of the dry tropical forest in his beloved peninsula. Originally hired to take care of the grounds, Kusy has worked side-by-side with Emilio Mariscal, one of the most important reforestation engineers in Panama, as he researched and designed our long-term reforestation and sustainable development project. Kusy is now passionate about sharing the forest with AMA Estancia guests, and about restoring his homeland’s native ecosystem -- he personally creates all the trails and is the first to spot new species as they return to the wildlife corridor. For any adventure on the estate, Kusy is your go-to guy -- not to mention one of the best surfers in the peninsula.

Gourmet Grown Onsite

Flavia, your personal chef, started as a line cook to internationally trained Chef Andres Morataya, but after two years, he said she didn’t need him anymore and returned to the city! Melding world-class international technique with a lifetime of homestyle cooking in her native Pedasi, Flavia will cater to your every craving during your stay. Working with Kusy and the grounds team, Flavia designs your daily menus around what is in season. She orders her produce from our onsite farmer who cultivates the organic gardens and orchard to cater to the kitchen, and works with local ranchers and fishermen for the freshest possible cuts. If you like to taste the local culture when you travel, make sure to let Flavia know -- she’ll pull out her cast iron skillet and fix you the best tipico food in the country.

The Art of Vacation Design

Your dedicated experience curator will ensure that no two experiences at AMA Estancia are alike, and will work with your travel party before and during your stay to ensure that everything you desire from your vacation is achieved. A sunrise summit hike culminating in a beachfront brunch? Surf lessons with a local legend? A trip to visit Panama’s famous coffee at the farm where it’s grown? Whatever you dream, our team can make it happen, and does so with a contagious enthusiasm. Our team is native to the area, and passionate about the ecosystems and beaches they grew up on, as well as the traditions and recipes of the area. They are passionate about preserving and sharing their beloved Peninsula with you.

Architecture & Interiors

Ama Estancia is a collaboration between internationally acclaimed design firms and a local in-house team of designers, makers and artists, with the aim of creating a design experience that is as unique as the land itself. The main house was designed by award-winning NYC architectural firm, Selldorf Architects, under the direction of Annabelle Selldorf. The landscape has been prepared by the renowned Edwina von Gal & Co., who also runs the environmental non-profit Azuero Earth Project, which aims to reforest the natural corridor in our peninsula. The project is managed by IM-KM, whose principals, architects Ivan & Kristin Morales, spent years studying local Panamanian culture and living within this rare tropical ecosystem while overseeing the completion of the estate. Leading a team of local makers, they guide the production of every tangible element of the interior and exterior spaces in the onsite design studio, handpicking sustainably salvaged hardwoods and locally sourced leather and integrating the practices of local craftsmen.