Wonders of Costa Rica and Panama

Overview

Finca Rosa Blanca is the sort of place that’s difficult to leave once you’ve settled in. Mornings are spent sipping fresh Costa Rican coffee, grown right here on the plantation, overlooking the lush forest that surrounds the lodge, while by night you can gaze out to see the twinkling lights of San Jose in the distance, listening to the sounds of the Costa Rican wilderness around you.

The architecture of this lodge is immediately striking, with its round turrets and vaulted ceilings clad with solid wood, and inside the decor brings a little bit of the jungle indoors with hand-painted murals and leafy lounge areas. Activities abound here: soak in the indoor pool or the patio hot tub, take a tour of the plantation, go whitewater rafting or explore the enchanting cloud forests beyond the lodge’s doors.

When you return to the lodge after a day’s exploring, there’s excellent farm-to-table food on offer in the restaurant, and more of that fresh Costa Rican coffee to finish off a fine meal.

Overview

This traditional and elaborate mansion in the city’s downtown district is surprisingly cosy, but naturally classy and luxurious.

Grano de Oro is a grand and tropical Victorian casona, very familial in feel with its heavily embellished interiors strewn with antiques, faded family photos, original art pieces, dark woods, deep carpets and stone tiles.

Lit by the warm glow of wall lanterns, its forty rooms are well equipped with TVs and internet. Choose a standard room for comfort and a more modern style. Both the views and decor improve with the category rank. The Vista de Oro suite is wonderfully decorated in period ceramic floor tiles, wood panelling, with rich rugs and throws. The Garden Suite is similarly adorned but also has its own private garden and patio.

On the ground floor is the restaurant with half its tables set in the hotel’s charming atrium circling a Spanish-tiled fountain surrounded by stained glass windows and the shuttered corridor balconies spilling over with vivid green plant life. The chef is French, the menu extensive, and its tables are often frequented by locals as well as guests. At night the rooftop terrace is a great place to relax, have a drink or try out the Jacuzzi.

Set in the heart of San Jose in the Barrio don Bosco neighbourhood, this is a delightful hotel; a great place for exploring the city or stopping over on your way further into Costa Rica or flying out.

Overview

The luxury Playa Cativo Eco Lodge is unique in the beauty of its secluded surroundings: accessible only by boat, it’s set on 1,000 acres of private rainforest with both the Piedras Blancas National Park – a former extension of the Corcovado National Park – and its own pristine, sandy beach on its doorstep.

The lodge is well aware of the value of its environs and practices high sustainability policies. It was built using precious indigenous wood salvaged from an older lodge and a fallen-tree program and fittingly, each of its comfortable rooms have been decorated using reclaimed hardwood and colourful tile works crafted by local artisans. The bathrooms feature hot-water rain showers and biodegradable bathroom amenities, and each suite is just a few steps away from the beach with majestic ocean views.

Surrounded by some of the most unspoilt rainforest in the world, Playa Cativo Eco offers an unrivalled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Speak to your travel designer about adding excursions such as kayaking in the Rio Esquinas Mangrove-Ocean, hiking in the Piedras Blancas Nature, guided expeditions to the Nocturnal Rainforest, beach, rainforest and wetland birdwatching tours, Golfo Dulce half-day snorkelling trips, standup paddle boarding adventures, and dolphin and whale sightseeing to your stay.

Overview

Located in one of the most diverse primary rainforests in the world, the Corcovado National Park, this ethically-responsible hotel does all it can to blend inconspicuously into its delicate surroundings and to create as little disturbance to the environment as possible. Guests enjoy exceptional intimacy with nature in authentic comfort.

Its lodgings are 17 simple, spacious and stylish open-sided thatch bungalows decorated with bamboo furniture, warm wood flooring, and private bathrooms with two showers. There are two spacious new lapa villas with plunge pools, and four new premier villas with balconies. As such Lapa Rios’ assimilation into its rainforest habitat means that you often get toucans visiting your bungalow balcony, and the adventure and wildlife activities have never been so close to hand. It’s the perfect place to escape and unwind. There is WiFi available throughout the lodge.

The hotel and each bungalow have sweeping views of the Pacific and rainforest canopies, and it’s a short downhill walk to a quiet and beautiful beach for a dip in the ocean.

The main lodge has a high roof and open sides, magically lit by candlelight in the evenings. Tuck into hearty meals made using responsibly-caught local seafood, ethically-sourced meat and fresh vegetables at Brisa Azul Restaurant and Bar. And sip on organic South American wines with your fellow guests as the sunsets.

Overview

Set in its own 185-acre nature reserve buffering the Corcovado National Park, El Remanso eco-lodge is the perfect place for nature lovers, adventurers or those simply looking for a peaceful getaway.

Its six cabins range in size and speciality, but are impeccably and simply decorated in tropical hardwoods, bamboo furniture, natural stone and wood screens. The private terraces are hung with hammocks and set with elegant chairs. There is a magnificent group cabin that can sleep eight people, making it perfect for families or groups. Similarly designed in rustic fashion and in harmony with its jungle habitat are two deluxe rooms and four standard rooms, although if you’re after an ocean-view it is worth mentioning this.

The spectacular setting of El Remanso is matched by its knowledgeable and helpful staff who make every attempt to make your stay a personal one. The international cuisine fused with a few ‘Tico’ touches served at the hotel’s restaurant is very good.

Being completely immersed in the pristine and richly biodiverse rainforest, surrounded by the sounds of macaws and howler monkeys, El Remanso has the advantage of also offering a range of private and bespoke activities. The hotel can also provide you with two in-house naturalists should you want a true, local expert to show you around.

El Remanso now has eight bungalows and six rooms in Casa Poniente.

Overview

The story of Panama’s history unfolds at Hotel La Compañía in the heart of Casco Antiguo. Its three wings have been meticulously restored to reflect the grandeur of the past while also offering you modern comfort. Choose from the elegant French Colonial wing, originally built by Jesuit priests in 1739; the charming Spanish Colonial wing from 1688; or the sophisticated Beaux-Arts rooms in the American wing, dating back to 1904. The hotel’s site is steeped in history, once home to La Compañía de Jesús (The Company of Jesus) after the original Panama City was destroyed in 1671. Following the foundation of the new city in 1673, the Jesuit Convent became a cornerstone of Casco Antiguo.

Discover spectacular spaces with private balconies, vibrant Casco Antiguo views and diverse designs in each wing of the hotel. The 88 guest rooms and suites boast a unique mixture of contemporary luxury and historic grandeur.

Indulge in world-class dining with five exceptional in-house restaurants and two vibrant bars, offering unforgettable culinary experiences. Wine enthusiasts should certainly take the time to experience an authentic wine tasting with an experienced sommelier at La Cava, the underground wine cave. The carefully curated collection here consists of over 1,800 bottles from 12 different countries.

Overview

Located in the heart of the historic Casco Viejo district, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo offers you a luxurious place to call home during your time in Panama City. Here, French elegance blends seamlessly with Panamanian heritage, the historic building, adorned with colonial furnishings and a curated local art collection, preserving its legacy while embracing sustainability for the future. The serene and stylish rooms and suites feature modern comforts and spacious bathrooms adorned with hand-painted tiles. Most accommodations boast stunning ocean views from private balconies.

When you’re not out discovering all the city has to offer, relax poolside with views over the Pacific ocean or spoil yourself with a holistic wellness treatment at Sofitel Spa, designed to restore balance to your body and mind. When it comes to meals, the hotel has two restaurants, three bars and an artisan café to cater to a variety of tastes. Savor Mediterranean fusion at the elegant brasserie, enjoy afternoon tea in the verdant Plaza Courtyard, or end the with a refreshing cocktail on the rooftop.

Overview

Amarla Boutique Hotel offers you a home away from home in the heart of Panama City‘s Casco Viejo. From the moment you step inside, you’ll experience the warmth and attentive service that the hotel’s team prides itself on. Within walking distance, you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Canal Museum, the Cathedral Basilica Metropolitana and the Molas Museum. For a relaxing escape without leaving the hotel, enjoy a soak in the rooftop Jacuzzi, with breathtaking views of Casco Viejo and Panama Bay.

With only eight en-suite rooms, each one uniquely designed and adorned with handcrafted pieces by local artisans, Amarla ensures a personalised stay. The small size of the hotel allows the team to connect with each guest, sharing their love and knowledge of Panama. Every room is thoughtfully decorated with a blend of antiques, local crafts and original art, reflecting the vibrant culture and beauty of the country.

The signature restaurant, Kaandela, is an experience in itself. Specialising in raw, cold and open-fire cooking, the team fuses local and global flavors, bringing their passion to every dish. The dining experience is complemented by expertly paired drinks crafted by a skilled mixologist and sommelier, leaving you with memories that linger long after the meal.

Overview

Set in the historic Casco Viejo district, Central Hotel Panama invites you to make yourself at home in a space where high-end luxury meets the enchanting charm of Panama. Located on the iconic Plaza de la Independencia within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the exquisitely restored property is just steps away from the Presidential Palace, National Theater, Panama Canal Museum and other architectural highlights.

There are 135 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites to choose from, each with captivating views of the Old Town and equipped with the finest modern comforts. The rooms are thoughtfully furnished in Panamanian style, blending colonial-era features with contemporary flair. Whether you choose a cozy deluxe room or a lavish suite, each stay promises an inviting space to call home.

Dining is at the heart of the Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo experience. Begin your day with a complimentary breakfast, and unwind in the evening with a cocktail on our scenic rooftop or at the Terrace Bar. No visit is complete without savoring the finest Argentinian cuisine at La Central. For the ultimate relaxation, visit the spa or take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool.