Discover These 3 Panama City Escapes – From Castles to Beach Houses
Editor’s Note: This story appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
Anyone who has lived in Panama for any length of time knows that the city can be chaotic.
If you forget that you are in paradise, you will go down the rabbit hole and find yourself stuck day to day, complaining about traffic, the price of gas, or the health of the developing world as a whole. It is often easier to focus on the negative.
To keep your peace of mind, take a step back and remember that this world holds the key to your own personal paradise. Each of us has our own version of paradise.
A friend reminded me of this when he texted me from his hotel in Toronto: “This is great, I’m in paradise right now!”
My paradise is where I can feel the sand between my toes, the salty air in my hair, and feel the crashing waves while watching the sky change from gold to cotton candy color…a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other.
When the city heats up and there isn’t enough cold drink, my version of paradise changes. I imagine myself getting cold enough to need a jacket, watching the sun rise above the green mountains, the birds singing, the monkeys howling, and the bajareque (soft mist) falling from the sky. It fills my senses and reminds me how good it is to live to experience it.
Fortunately, Panama offers all that and then some.
When I’m stuck and want to go, I’m amazed at the number of options on offer.
Do I feel like I’m getting dirt and facials to wash away the stress of the city? Or maybe I’m feeling lucky and ready to take a route that will make my legs burn. Either way, Panama is full of opportunities. Here are three of my favorites.
Bambuda Castle
Boquete has a variety of experiences, activities, and spectacular views. If you want a unique stay, Bambuda Castle is not to be missed.
It is the only fortress in Central America, full of moat and koi fish. Ranked among the best hostels in Panama, you can stay in one of the “Hobbit Homes” – domes covered with grass and flowers that blend into the garden.
Bambuda Castle is the perfect place to relax and de-stress, surrounded by coffee plantations and mountains. Amenities include a hot tub and indoor heated pool – perfect for rejuvenating your body after an adventure like climbing Volcan Baru.
Villa Caprichosa
This is the most luxurious way to discover Taboga Island. Owned and designed by interior designer Diane Burn, Villa Caprichosa is a three-bedroom, seven-bedroom villa with ocean views. Its 18th century European design exudes romance and fantasy.
Villa Caprichosa has a popular restaurant, and golf carts provide transportation to the boat and beach. Diane, who has been featured in Architectural Digest, often comes to give advice or talk about her work.
The closest getaway to Panama City. Taboga Island is only a 30-minute boat ride from Amador, perfect for spending the day on the beach and relaxing in abundance afterwards.
If you want privacy or have a large group, you can rent the entire villa.
Casco Viejo
If your schedule doesn’t allow for an escape, you’ll find several options in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town. You can walk the historic streets, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the sunset from the Plaza de Francia. You’ll find affordable accommodation here through Airbnb, and most have pools.
The term “paradise” is a matter of personal preference. Panama boasts just about every type of paradise imaginable (unless yours includes snow). The next time you feel tired, remember which version of Panama makes you happy. Coastal Panama, highlands Panama, or perhaps colonial Panama.
Breaking your routine with an escape to paradise is healthy and will remind you why you fell in love with Panama in the first place.
Expats and locals alike…we all need a vacation to paradise from time to time, even if we already live in paradise.
