Set amidst lush rain forests rich in ecological diversity and bustling metropolitan areas with world-class dining options, Panama City, Panama, is bustling with kid-friendly activities and welcomes families with open arms to this eclectic Panamanian playground where adventure meets old-world sophistication.
The Republic of Panama sits on the southernmost section of Central America on the isthmus that connects North and South America, and runs an annual average temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus a few degrees throughout the year. With the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the North, this Spanish-speaking country is rich in biodiversity and history both on land and in the water, making it an exciting place to explore with the whole family.
Where to stay
Conceived as an oasis of natural adventures and luxurious serenity, the Westin Playa Bonita Panama is perfectly located 20 minutes outside of the city’s busy downtown areas on a quiet, one-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Ocean side of the isthmus. The hotel is only a year old, celebrating its Grand Opening on January 27, 2012, making it the perfect spot to bring the kids for a pristine Panamanian vacation.
Each of the guest rooms and suites features views overlooking either the tropical rainforest or the ocean where kids will love watching the cruise ships line up in the distance to enter the Panama Canal. The entire beach and pool areas feel more like a backyard play area with full bar and food services (kids menu included) where families can simply hang out by any of the three infinity edge swimming pools or the children’s pool and then head to the beach to search for seashells (there are tons here … sand dollars, too!) or take a dip in the bath-temperature ocean water.
Along with a brand new Clarins Sensory Spa, full fitness facility and WiFi throughout the property for moms and dads to enjoy, the hotel offers some pretty cool kids’ activities through the Westin Kids Club next to the children’s pool. This cozy hut is the perfect playground for discovery and adventure for kids age 4–12 while mom and dad get some much needed rest and relaxation. The club offers arts and crafts, board games, movies, outdoor volleyball tournaments, nature walks, Spanish lessons and more, all from a secure and supervised location on the property.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama
507/304-6600
westinplayabonita.com
Where to eat
Although the hotel offers six world-class restaurants ranging from a robust international buffet at Oceanica to Mediterranean tapas and wine at Soléo to a the super-chic Latin steakhouse at Tierra Y Fuego, Panama City boasts some great dining opportunities for families looking to get out and explore the city and experience that local Panamanian flavor.
For traditional Panamanian food, look no further than El Trapiche in downtown Panama City. This popular spot boasts authentic Panamanian décor and local favorites like sancocho, a local chicken soup with yams and tons of flavor, and carimañolas, a cassava croquet stuffed with ground beef.
For a fun night out for the adults, check out any of the cafes and restaurants in the Casco Viejo neighborhood. Manolo Caracol offers decadent tasting menus of Spanish cuisine paired with delicious and high-quality Spanish wines while Ego y Narcisco offers an intimate atmosphere for cocktails and appetizers while looking out on the Iglesia de San Francisco.
El Trapiche
facebook.com/eltrapichepanama
Manolo Caracol
507/228-4640
cascoviejo.com/manolo-caracol
Ego y Narciso
507/262-2045
cascoviejo.com/ego-and-narciso
What to do off the resort
No matter your interest in history or museums, a trip to Panama would be amiss without a visit to the Panama Canal. This feat of modern engineering runs 48 miles and is one of the most significant waterways ever created, providing passage from the Atlantic and Pacific for approximately 15,000 ships per year. The canal will celebrate its 100th year anniversary in 2014, but this year marks a big milestone as the canal undergoes a $5 billion expansion, giving visitors (young and old) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see history in the making. Sit back and watch the ships travel through the canal from the observation deck or tour through the interactive museum where kids can ride in the simulator to see what it would feel like to pass through the canal on a ship.
An affiliate of the Westin Playa Bonita Panama, Gamboa Tours is a fantastic destination management company that can arrange for group, individual or family tours throughout the country. Some of their most popular tours include Monkey Island, the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, and the Embera Indian Village where a band of friendly tribesmen and women will greet your family with music and smiles as you enter the village from a hollowed-out canoe. After a traditional lunch of tilapia and plantains served on a banana leaf, mom and dad will have the chance to shop the local artisan crafts made by the Indians while the kids learn traditional dances from the children of the village.
Panama Canal
507/276-8325
pancanal.com
Gamboa Tours
507/269-1262
gamboatours.com
