To be honest, my expectations weren’t high. I’d never heard of it as a top vacation destination, but after visiting the rest of Central America, I wanted to give it a try. Well, let me tell you… Panama and the Westin Playa Bontia blew me out of the water! From the activities and amenities to the view and the service, every experience was a “Wow” moment and I will definitely return for more.
I arrived in Panama in the evening. I was tired and sick and just wanted to get to the hotel. The driver from Gamboa Tours was awaiting my arrival. He had a sign and was easily visible. Without a second thought, he had my bags in his hand and he directed me toward the van. I gratefully followed behind. He opened the door and had ice cold water waiting for me. His knowledge of the city was exceptional and the drive passed by more quickly than I anticipated.
After a quick and easy check-in, I made my way up to the room. I didn’t need to walk all over God’s creation to get to another building and another floor around another corner; nope, it’s all one building with a centrally located elevator. I just had to push a button and wait a few seconds. My room was the first door on the right. I saw the double doors and started to smile. I bet it’s huge!
I swiped the key and pushed open the door. Wow!
With warm wood furnishings and pale beige ceramic floors and seating, the room inspired relaxation from the moment I arrived. The crisp white linens were calling my name but only after a hot bubble bath in the huge soaking tub.
It wasn’t until morning that I drew back the curtains and realized my spectacular ocean view. The large sliding doors opened onto a private balcony that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It was the perfect spot to enjoy room service and the warm ocean breeze. In complete privacy, I reveled in the natural beauty of Panama and the Pacific Ocean.
By 9 am I was ready to transfer to Gamboa Rainforest Reserve with Gamboa Tours. All Gamboa Tours can be arranged in the lobby of Westin Playa Bonita making them quick and easy to plan.
A boat tour took us through the Panama Canal where Capuchin and Howler monkeys were leaping through the trees above. One curious little fellow even came onto the boat to eat a piece of fruit. I’d never been so close to monkeys in the wild before. It was awesome enough to make me giggle like a school-girl the entire ride. It was only the first tour and I was already more impressed than expected.
One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal made it possible for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in half the time previously required. On August 15th, 1914, the S.S. Ancon became the first ship to pass through this man-made wonder, making August 15, 2014 the 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, we made our way to Mirflores Locks.
My Gamboa Tours guide pulled some strings and got us spectacular views of the Mirflores Locks so we could watch the first ship journey through the canal on its anniversary. Music played and the ship’s crew waved Panama flags as they passed hundreds of spectators.
Before returning to the hotel, we made one last stop atop a mountain to get a bird’s eye view of the city. I still can’t believe all of the skyscrapers that dot the city skyline. As if that’s not impressive enough, there are beautiful bridges that surround the city and parks around every corner. Even at night, people were walking, running, and biking through the parks and trails.
All of that was in one day. I didn’t think it could get any better. Then, on the second day of tours I was more impressed again. Once again, I was promptly met in the hotel lobby by the Gamboa Tours driver for our Embera Indian Village excursion. Even the heavy rainfall didn’t dampen my spirits on this tour.
In a dug-out canoe, we made our way up a beautiful river surrounded by rainforest to an authentic Embera Indian Village. Before arriving at the village, we stopped at a hidden waterfall. Sometimes you just have to jump in so I took the plunge in the refreshing water.
Part of the adventure on the river was the heavy rainfall. Luckily, my guide had ponchos so I didn’t arrive at the village with wet camera gear.
Greeted by dozens of friendly Indians in traditional attire, I learned about their way of life, history, and traditions. A few of the local children took the time to braid my hair and I felt more connected than usual. It’s always in the presence of children that I feel most at home.
Exhausted from an amazing two days in Panama, I returned to the hotel for a spa treatment at Sensory Spa and dinner at Tierra y Fuego.
I enjoyed Sensory Spa‘s hydrotherapy room while waiting for my massage. I began the circuit with the Raindance Rainmaker Experience Showers, then moved on to the Vitality Pool. Afterwards, the cold plunge sealed in the warmth to sooth my muscles. I did all of this before my actual spa treatment.
The massage was Heaven on Earth and I reflected on my unbelievable journey while rejuvenating my mind and body. All that was left to create Utopia was a perfect meal.
Tierra y Fuego is the property’s chic steakhouse. The food was so delicious that I kept waiting for them to bring the bill to the table. I couldn’t believe that it was part of the all-inclusive package.
I ordered a Classic Caesar Salad to start. Then, the Filet Mignon with Merlot Peppercorn Sauce, Steamed Asparagus, and Mashed Potatoes. I finished it off with a special dessert selected by the waiter.
I climbed into the massive king-sized bed completely fulfilled. What a surprisingly awesome experience with exceptional greatest around every corner. I had no idea what to expect from Panama or the Westin Playa Bonita but its now on my list of top five places to visit. You can expect to see me here again.
Bucket List Publications 
I visited Panama last year, I was shocked at the beauty!
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Where did you stay? What activities did you do while you were there? I truly loved it! What an amazing experience. I think I enjoyed the Panama Canal tour with the monkeys the most. Where you able to do that too?
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I stayed with a friend in Panama City…did not do much sight seeing. I was expecting a rather backward country and was amazed at the beauty and sophistication of Panama City.
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Did you notice all of the parks and sporting facilities around the city? That was the most impressive part. And the skyscrapers; who expected that? 🙂
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I have been to Panama as well Lesley and really enjoyed the canal tour. It looks like your stay was a whirlwind but marvelous.
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It was busy, Sue, but that’s the way I like it. I usually only have a few days and I like to take in as much as possible 🙂
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Just from the pictures, Panama gets my vote!
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I love the pic of you in the waterfall!!
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Thank you! I had a blast playing in the water and I met a few new friends while I was there. Awesome day 🙂
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This looks an amazing place Lesley. Could do with a visit to that lovely spa!
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The spa was top-notch. I love when spas have small, twinkling lights in the ceiling like stars. It’s so beautiful. That was my favorite part.
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It looks stunning!
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Oh my. I had no idea Panama was so gorgeous. I have a friend who goes there for the winter each year but she never mentioned how heavenly it is. What a full day. You’ve the right idea: a spa after a day like that. Wonderful pictures. Yep. You can sell me a ticket right now. 😀
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I really wasn’t expecting the insane beauty either. It was magical 🙂
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We live to learn. 😀
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Panama is definitely on my bucket list.
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holy cow, now i want to go…
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Greetings Lesley, As a newbie to your circle, let me fist say thanks for following me.
Being able to venture the world and sharing it on a platform for others to experience what you did and see. There are no words that I could really say that has already been said. Thanks for allowing me to follow you.
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Looks like a dream vacation come true!
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This just made it on my list…
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Sounds like your experience was amazing! I was in Panama only for the day on a cruise years ago, we didn’t get to do much but thankfully at least got to see and experience the Panama Canal. Now I know where to stay if we ever return! On a sued note, it’s amazing to think they built that canal through dense, mosquito-infested jungle so many years ago-just blows my mind!
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That was an awesome blog posting. Your descriptions were specific and vivid but not overly long. There were no extraneous, wasted words. And the photos were fantastic — they provided a wonderful visual thumbnail sketch of your experience in an under appreciated,hidden jewel of a city. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m so happy you enjoyed my beautiful country. 🙂
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How lucky are you! Looks lovely.
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My husband and I live there part time, Boquete, in the Chirique province. It’s wonderful and the perks for Americans are not to be missed! Glad you had a great visit!
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Monika & I are looking forward to cruising through the Panama canal on our way to Chile, I’m sure it will be a high light for us. This place looks like it’s the place to stay for sure.
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I love this Hotel and all of it’s amenities but the best part was the spa, pools, and the food looked amazing. I never thought of a family vacation on the Panama Canal but you have once again inspired me. The monkeys reminded me of the monkeys in the Rain Forest in Costa Rica. Great post and great information, Lesley. On my bucket list and thanks to you, it’s growing. 🙂
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