Palmas del Mar

A community built around the water

Palmas del Mar began in 1970, when the Sea Pines Company bought 2,400 acres of a former coconut plantation with six miles of beach. Today Discover Puerto Rico describes it as a gated residential resort community of about 2,500 acres with more than six miles of Caribbean frontage. Other sources give a larger figure, around 2,750 acres, with more than 25 neighborhoods.

Marina and golf

The Yacht Club Marina accommodates yachts up to 175 feet and wide body catamarans, with in slip fuel. The Palmas Athletic Club offers two golf courses, Flamboyán by Rees Jones and the original Palm course by Gary Player, along with tennis, a beach club, and a 40,000 square foot clubhouse. An equestrian center and Los Lagos Spa and Fitness round out the amenities.

Schools

Palmas Academy, founded in 1992, teaches preschool through grade 12, mainly in English, and is accredited by Middle States and CADIE.

Property types

Buyers find villas and townhomes, waterfront homes near the marina, golf course homes, and condominiums. With more than 25 neighborhoods, ask which associations a property belongs to and what each one charges.

What to verify in Palmas del Mar

• Both association fees: the neighborhood and the master community.
• Athletic club membership options and costs.
• For waterfront homes: dock rights, slip size, and water depth.
• Generator coverage and cistern capacity.
• Flood zone designation and elevation for marina and beachfront properties.
• Age and condition of homes built in the community's earlier decades.