Casa de Campo Farallon Wins US Lawsuit (Royalton Playa Blanca)

On 10 February 2011 Penrod Management International presented a frivolous claim against Casa de Campo Farallon (Nikki Beach Panama). We are delighted to report on 5 April 2011 United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, summarily denied Penrod’s motion, dismissed the case, ordered the case closed, and denied all pending motions as moot. This decision is a clear and resounding legal victory for Casa de Campo Farallon (Nikki Beach Panama).

Although Casa de Campo Farallon (Nikki Beach Panama) continues to have both the legal and contractual right to use the “Nikki Beach” name and branding for our project, as evidenced by the US District Court decision, poor past performance, mismanagement, and questionable business practices on the part of Penrod Management International have prompted us to reconsider our ongoing business relationship with them. Therefore we reaffirm our strategic decision to rebrand our project as the “Royalton Playa Blanca in Panama” and to seek new strategic partners.

On 14 March 2011 Casa de Campo Farallon and RG Hotels in Panama entered into a management agreement with Blue Diamond, a hotel operations company owned by the Sunwing Group of Canada, and TUI Travel PLC, a UK-based travel company, to manage the hotel property under the “Royalton Hotels” brand. The 5-star project at Playa Blanca in the Republic of Panama offers 240 rooms, five restaurants, two pools, an events hall, and entertainment amenities.

Maru Galvez, the company owner and chief executive officer, said “The Royalton Playa Blanca is one of the most stunning resorts we have ever worked on, and now, thanks to our partners at Blue Diamond, our guests will enjoy an unparalleled luxury experience. Immaculate service, attention to detail, and casual beachside elegance at one of the country's most desirable locations is a winning formula.