Best resorts in Panama

If you thought Panama was just about the canal and coffee, think again. This narrow strip of land wedged between the Pacific and the Caribbean is home to some of the most jaw-dropping resorts in Central America. And no, you don’t have to choose between jungle adventure and beachside cocktails—you can have both, preferably with a hammock involved.

Panama has often played second fiddle to its neighbors when it comes to tourism, despite having similar natural attractions, biodiversity, and adventure opportunities. For a long time, this potential wasn’t fully realized in the luxury travel sector. It wasn’t until the 2000s that a handful of upscale hotel openings began to address this gap, slowly offering travelers more sophisticated options.

Even with one of Latin America’s strongest economies and a bustling banking hub in the capital, most hotels historically leaned toward standard business-chain offerings. While countries like Costa Rica and Belize developed jungle lodges and eco-resorts, Panama’s upscale hotel scene remained relatively modest and unadventurous beyond the city. Here’s our list of the best resorts in Panama;

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The American Trade Hotel, Casco Viejo

The American Trade Hotel is a striking blend of history and modern luxury, true to its origins as a bustling hub for American and international merchants. Built in 1917, the hotel’s architecture and atmosphere offer an immediate sense of Panama’s past and present even before stepping inside.

Directly in front of the hotel lies Plaza Herrera, once a venue for bullfights where youthful bulls unleashed their rage. Today, it’s the starting point for Fortaleza’s guided tours of the old city. The hotel features 50 uniquely designed rooms spread across three of its four floors, ensuring that no two accommodations are exactly alike.

Guests can enjoy views ranging from charming colonial cobblestone streets and the calm expanse of the plaza to the sea and the canal. Luxury is understated but evident in every detail. Here, you’ll find everything from custom sleep mattresses, Frette sheets, and handwoven Mexican coverlets to Panamanian furniture, Turkish cotton bathrobes, and 32-inch TVs. All rooms feature Aesop bath products and free Wi-Fi.

Also Read: Best Warm Places to Visit in Winter.

Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Río Hato

Opened in 2009, Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort initially operated as a JW Marriott for six years before joining Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The open-air lobby doubles as a reception area and lounge, offering views of the bustling plaza at one end and the expansive pool complex at the other. The resort’s dining scene is anchored by five restaurants surrounding a central courtyard adjacent to the lobby.

Criollo, the courtyard restaurant, serves buffet and a la carte breakfasts, with kids dining free when accompanied by adults. Guests can also enjoy casual poolside meals, Asian cuisine at Tai Kai Sushi & Martini, or a relaxed drink at the chic Bar a Lago. For a touch of exclusivity, the El Faro Beach Club offers a tranquil pool environment with palm-fringed beaches, cabanas, and a more private setting.

A glass-encased, thatched-roof Palapa extends into the moat, hosting Sunday buffets and available for private events. Families will appreciate the Buenaventura Zoo, introduced in 2018, along with a variety of scheduled activities designed for children. It’s the perfect family getaway.

Laguna Azul Eco-lodge, Bocas del Toro

Laguna Azul Eco-lodge offers a distinctive escape for travelers seeking an immersive experience in nature without sacrificing comfort. Unlike the overwater bungalows at Punta Caracol or Coral Lodge, Laguna Azul emphasizes harmony with the natural surroundings while honoring local architectural traditions.

Its two-story wooden structure echoes the waterfront homes and hotels on Colon Island, yet sits a 35-minute speedboat ride from town. Despite its remote setting, the lodge is far from rustic, with spacious suites featuring pillow-top mattresses, soft linens, and elegant cedar and wicker furnishings.

The avocado and light-blue façades create a seamless blend with the lagoon, and the absence of TVs encourages guests to attune themselves to the calls of nature. Facing north, the lodge captures the Caribbean breeze, ensuring breezy patios and balconies, natural ventilation that minimizes mold, and surprisingly few insects.

Guests can also explore the nearby reef or join a guide to catch fresh lobster, which the lodge’s chefs will expertly prepare. Trips to and from Colon Island are available for those who wish to venture further, offering both convenience and adventure in one serene package.

Hacienda del Mar Hotel, San José Island

Arriving at Hacienda del Mar Hotel on San José Island is an adventure in itself. After touching down on a dirt airstrip, guests are met by four-wheel drive trucks that whisk them along a palm-lined dirt road. A brief 15-minute ride brings you to the open-air reception at the entrance of a three-story building at the base of the property.

Just steps away, the two-story main lodge, built from caña blanca, opens its splayed facade like a giant oyster, revealing the expansive second-deck dining area. Here, macaws soar overhead and keel-billed toucans make regular appearances while guests savor coconut ceviche, freshly caught seafood, and flavorful dishes.

For those looking to relax after a day in the sun, the ground floor of the lodge offers plenty of indoor entertainment. Here, you’ll enjoy indulgences like a full bar, pool table, darts, table games, and a giant flat-screen TV where you can swap stories of your adventures. A children’s recreation room is conveniently located just across, ensuring fun for all ages.

Valle Escondido Resort, Golf and Spa, Boquete

Valle Escondido Resort, Golf and Spa offers an exclusive escape tucked into a forested valley. The resort’s architecture is a charming mix of Mediterranean influences, from cobbled walkways and tejas-roofed villas to Moorish arches, Spanish patios, and Santa Barbara–inspired silhouettes. The effect is one of refined elegance, with each villa framed by meticulously maintained grounds and the gentle flow of the Quebrada River.

Golf enthusiasts will delight in the nine–hole executive course at Quebrada Grande Country Club, Panama’s only course situated at an altitude of 1000 meters. Here, the cool mountain air makes for a refreshing round any time of day. Families can also enjoy a putt-putt course, while tennis and racquetball courts offer additional options for staying active.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a jungle wanderer, a beach bum, or a city slicker with a taste for the finer things, Panama has a resort to match. The real challenge? Deciding if you want to trade your laptop for a hammock, or just perfectly balance both. Either way, you’re winning.