More cruises are starting in Panama, so the question is, is it a viable destination itself? As more travelers try Belize, Costa Rica and even Nicaragua's only luxury resor,t Mukal,can Panama be far behind as a destination?
I spent some time there last fall checking out the Buenaventura coastal resort and the capital city. First, the climate is more humid and tropical than countries further north. This means winter months are best, for less rainfall. The city is a work in progress, with evidence of international investments everywhere, as illustrated by the impressive skyline and numerous cranes. What I loved was the ongoing renovation of the 17th century old town on a peninsula jutting out from the downtown. Beautiful colonial buildings that had been taken over by squatters for decades, were decayed badly, when the government offered the owners a choice to renovate or lose the building to the government. What you see now, are lovely pastel 2 and 3 story tiled roofed, balconied buildings, lining newly brick paved lanes. Even the Presidents residence is here. Shops, galleries and wine bars are sprouting, and I imagine in another year or two, this will become the primary attraction for visitors.
We stayed at the boutique Bristol hotel which has just had an Ian Schrager type restyling, in shades of grey, ivory and metallics. I loved the decor and the rooms are very generou,s set off by dark hardwood accents and huge bathrooms. Service is not up to Europe, but we must remind ourselves this city is on Latin time. The famous restaurant Sol el Puedes, is a major attraction for the city's elite, as evidenced by the 70 or 80 new SUVs and BMWs that pulled up for an event one night, disgorging glamorous couples dressed to the hilt.
2 hrs from the city, lies a resort development with a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, riding stables, hundreds of glamorous Mediterranean style homes facing a long stretch of Pacific beach.At the center lies the JW Marriott Buenaventura. With just over 100 elegantly appointed rooms, spectacular pools, 3 restaurants, it is the most upscale Panamanian resort, and attracts the upper crust for holidays and long weekends. This resort is close to being exceptional, because of its luxurious accommodations and facilities. What is lacking is maintenance and nightlife. But this is a resort community to watch, especially when the new airport is built, eliminating the 3 hour drive from Panama.
