Panama

The Canal is the first thing many people think of when they think of Panama. But a cruise through the famous shipping route might not even make the list of top ten of best Panamanian experiences. It's this default to the canal which makes Panama a bit of an untapped resource, and many of the best places to stay in Panama have stayed below even the keenest of travel radars.

But this spectacular country offers the same kind of attractions as its Central American neighbours: sizzling nightlife, elegant colonial architecture, exotic coffee plantations, and rainforests teeming with life. Plus it's ringed with beautiful beaches, from the perfect white sands of the Caribbean coast to the wild swells of the Pacific on the other.

If you want to explore Panama's mysterious cloud forests and its amazing biodiversity, La Palma, with the best of the countries national parks, is one of the best places to stay in Panama. If you're here for a dash of the Central American lifestyle, Panama City is for you. So the best places to stay in Panama range from chic city hotels, through beach hideaways and luxury resorts, to remote national park ecolodges.

In summary, Panama is a destination ripe for discovery. Much of the country has good infrastructure, but it still feels unspoiled, and when you traipse through the jungle and come upon Spanish ruins, snorkel on the reefs off Bocas de Toro or spend some time with one of Panama's seven indigenous groups, you still get a real sense of wonder.

Below, we have deivded the best places to stay in Panama into three distinct categores: Panama City, beach and island life, and its natural treasures.

Panama City

Cosmopolitan Panama City is that curious animal, a tropical capital of International finance. Its skyscrapers are an ever growing work in progress, but the salsa rhythm from its old dance halls, a la old Cuba, are as unchangingly South American as can be. Most of Panama's historic attractions are in the elegantly dilapidated Casco Viejo. which is where you'll find many of the best bars and restaurants and entertainment. But it's also worth visiting Panama la Vieja, the ruins of the old town, sacked by pirate Henry Morgan so badly in 1671 that it was easier just to build a new city a couple of kilometres away rather than rebuild the old one. You should also not miss a visit to the Canal, a fascinating visitor attraction in its own right.

• For a cool hotel with a party feel, book into the Tantalo Hotel. Hip roof terrace bar, with superb city views and delicious tapas restaurant.
• The upmarket American Trade Hotel, located in the historic centre, offers smart well-lit rooms with antiques and parquet flooring. Boasting a rooftop pool as well as a jazz lounge, this is a great base from which to explore all the city's hotspots.
• Las Clementinas, located in the UNESCO area of the city, offers huge suites with high ceilings, antique furnishings and colourful modern artwork. Come back after a day out sightseeing to relax on the rooftop terrace with a good book.
• La Concordia is boutique hotel which occupies an iconic 19th-century property nearby. Renovated suites are spacious are romantic, and offer views of the historic centre; expect traditional tiled floors, cosy rugs and a luxury bathtub. Head to the roof terrace for cocktails; a chic city hotel.
• Finally, the ultra-modern Global Hotel Panama, in the commercial hub of the city, has sleek accommodation featuring floor to ceiling windows and wonderful views. Once again, there's the obligatory rooftop pool for your pleasure, and two excellent restaurants.

Panamas's Beach and Island Life

Off both coasts there are a number of idyllic, desert island type resorts. On the Pacific side you'll find great surfing towns and the opportunity to dive with whale sharks. Here are the best of them:

• Villa Caprichosa is a traditional property on Taboga island just 8 miles from Panama City - a 30 minute ride by boat - so in a sense you get the best of both world. The proerty is a converted colonial villa set in lush gardens, with sea views from floor to ceiling windows. The best suite features a private pool. It's also just a five minute walk from the beach.
• Further up the Pacific coast towards Costa Rica you come to The Resort at Isla Palenque, which offers an untouched tropical island experience in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Hide away in luxury bungalows under a thatched roof, with tropical vegetation just outside your front door. It's a great base for island hopping and dive excusrions.
• Twenty five miles out into the Pacific you reach the Islas Secas Resort on the Islas Secas tropical island archipelago. Stylish guest villas are built of natural materials, with wooden louvred slats and sliding panels opening onto a beautiful natural setting. It's a great place for families, with plenty of unspoilt marine life to explore.
• For the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience, cross to the Caribbean coast due north, and check into one of Al Natural Resort's glorious bungalows on a secluded beach on the south side of Bastimentos Island. These simple rooms are made from entirely natural materials. Dine 'family style' on superb fresh and healthy cuisine, and spend days exploring land and sea. Beach perfection.
• Finally, back on the Pacific coast, Bocas del Mar - though not on an island - is a stunning property with great sea views. Contemporary decor is white on white with minimalist furnishings. A poolside restaurant serves gourmet food - not surprisingly they specialises in seafood. This is a perfect spot to completely unwind.

Panamas's Natural Treasures

Panama has quite a few national parks, encompassing volcanoes, rain forests and cloud forests.

• Just fifteen minutes from Panama City, Parque Nacional Soberania is probably the easiest tropical rainforest to access,
• La Amistad International Park is one of the largest and spreads into Costa Rica,
• Volcan Baru Nacional Parque has the highest peaks, and the second largest inhabited volcanic caldera in the world,
• and Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui has some of the world's best whale watching.

• If you're here to see the famous green, yellow and red Quetzal bird, one of the best places to visit in Panama is Boquete - also the country's coffee capital - and the place to stay here is the pretty Finca Lerida, set right in the middle of a coffee plantation. This boutique finca offers chic rooms with light hues and wooden interiors. Enjoy stunning seasonal cuisine at their restaurant, made using only the best of local produce. It's the ultimate relaxing stay in a beautiful location.
• Finally, if you are a group or family you might like to consider an exclusive rental of the divine El Otro Lado Private Retreat. It's set in the sublime Portobelo National Park and offers a unique mixture of Caribbean nature and culture. A swimming pool, room service and bar are included. It's a short walk to white sands, and it's a great base for excusions into the rainforest and national park, or the colonial town of Portobello.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer the flexibility of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The best time to visit Panama is between January and mid-April, which is the driest part of the year in this tropical country. For heavy rain, the months to avoid are May, October and November.
• Most major cities have their own airports. The main airport is in Panama City - the Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport.
• If you fancy exploring independently then consider hiring a car from Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Still undecided? Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Panama, or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.