Guatemala news

Celebrate Guatemala tonight at Carla Bonten Realty

By Mark S. Krzos
mkrzos@news-press.com
Originally posted on July 26, 2006

Carla Bonten Realty is hosting a special Guatemalan Night tonight to introduce Southwest Floridians to what she believes will be the next hot Central American tourist destination.

"It's the new Costa Rica," Bonten said. "At least that's what we're hoping it will become."

At the event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., tonight at the Spanish Wells offfice of Carla Bonten Realty, there will be door prizes, free gifts, an abundance of free appetizers, beverages and plenty of Guatemalan cultural displays on hand.

The event — Guatemalan Night Celebration — is to introduce the public to the luxury development, The Mayan Jungle Resort in Guatemala, and to help raise money for Miracles in Action, a Naples-based non-profit organization which serves orphanages and indigenous communities in Guatemala.

"There's a lot of wealthy people in Guatemala, but there's a lot of poor people too," Bonten said. "If we can make this a big tourist destination, it will help these people out."

Miracles in Action will be on hand selling Guatemalan jewelry and Mayan handicrafts. All proceeds from donations or sales will go directly to the charity, Bonten said.

Bonten was recently chosen to be the exclusive broker for The Mayan Jungle Resort Marina and Golf communities in the Central American nation. She was recruited for the project because of her international expertise as a member of the International Real Estate Federation.

"A lot of people don't even know where Guatemala is," Bonten said. "It's a beautiful country with very friendly people. It has a Mayan culture. There's jungles, beaches and so much to do. They're really starting to cater to tourists."

Condos at the Mayan Jungle Resort start at $180,000 and 5,000 square foot estate homes are fetching more than $1 million.

The resort, located on 1,500 acres abuts a jungle and a pristine Caribbean beach. "There's a marina, canals, golf courses and shops — and they're building an airport next door," Bonten said.

So far, 10-15 estate homes are already built on the site — as well as a 61-room hotel, Bonten added.

For more information about the resort, go to http://www.mayanjungleresort.com or contact Carla Bonten Realty at 949-9122. Carla Bonten Realty is inside the European American Building at 28000 Spanish Wells Blvd., Suite 103.

RESOURCES
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS0102/60726012/1004

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