I spent a night in Panama’s richest neighborhood, often called a ‘little Dubai’ or the ‘Miami of Latin America’

• Punta Pacifica is Panama City’s most expensive neighborhood.
• The neighborhood has man-made islands, private marinas, and penthouses worth $5 million.
• I stayed at the five-star JW Marriott Panama and experienced the neighborhood’s luxury firsthand.

Duncan McGowan describes Panama City’s Ocean Reef Islands as “perfection.”

The landscaping is manicured flawlessly, never a leaf or branch out of place. You’d have to hunt to find trash anywhere on the islands, and instead, you’re more likely to notice bird songs filling the air.

Looking one way, all you see is the endless ocean. Turn around, and there’s a stunning cityscape behind you, McGowan, the president of Punta Pacifica Realty, told Business Insider.