Hostal Hacienda Doña Victoria

The charming and comfortable Hacienda Doña Victoria.

Only 40 minutes drive from Panama City the Hostal Hacienda Doña Victoria nestles in the foothills of Cerro Campana, a cool and inviting spot for anyone wishing to relax and enjoy nature.

Colorful hammocks on the patio.

The owner, Lupita Rodriguez, came up with the idea of converting her old family ranch into a country retreat for visitors. Her plan is to keep it small and intimate (there are only seven air conditioned bedrooms). The ranch house is charming and comfortable, set in a beautiful garden. There is a swimming pool, a small stream with a waterfall, a court for football and volley ball and a camping area.

Swimming or waterfall-take your choice.

Guests can enjoy horseback riding or take a tour in a small carriage to watch the cows being milked or visit a chicken farm. Meals are included and Lupita also offers to cater for private parties, seminars or retreats. Tel.: 236-4152, 6618-8370. hostalhdvic@cwpanama.net

3,600 originals on offer

ArtAmericas, located in the heart of Panama City's banking and hotel district, is an art gallery with a difference. This difference is in the quantity of paintings on offer --- more than 3,600 originals by some of the region´s most talented artists.

The owner of ArtAmericas, is Mr. Lloyd Rubin, an investment banker who decided to retire in Panama and indulge his passion for art. Mr. Rubin is also the publisher and editor of Art Knowledge News. www.artknowledgenews.com a free online art magazine with over 185,000 subscribers worldwide.

With a banker’s savvy, he doesn’t hang works on consignment in his gallery. He either comissions work from artists whom he sponsors or accepts paintings he likes; but the difference is he buys every painting outright. Thus he can sell at prices less than most other galleries who sell consigned art.

But that is the only financier's principle which applies to the gallery. Comments Mr. Rubin: " Its a good thing I love art because this is certainly not a profitable business... but I do help many emerging artists achieve recognition".

Mr. Lloyd Rubin in a corner of ArtAmericas.

Visitors will find approximately 200 paintings on display at the gallery´s showroom while the rest may be viewed as digital images. The gallery offers free internet and e-mail services for clients needing to consult with third parties. They will offer a free C.D. so you can view the entire collection in your home or office.

Prices start from as little as US$50.00. There is no charge for quotations, packing or shipping arrangements. ArtAmericas also offers a leasing program with purchase option, without interest nor instalation charges to commercial clients.

ArtAmericas is located on Aquilino de la Guardia Street opposite Arrocha Pharmacy just off Vía España across from the El Panama Hotel. The gallery opens Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m.

For details, call: (507) 214-9612/ 9613, or e-mail: rtamericas@cwpanama.net