Fodor's Expert Review Dreams Buenaventura Panama

Editor's Note: This location is reported to be under new ownership and therefore this review may contain inaccuracies.

One of only two beach hotels near Panama City, this resort has extensve landscaped grounds, a long stretch of khaki sand, and great ocean views, all a short drive from most city sights. The hotel's design mixes Panamanian and Mediterranean motifs—orchid displays, indigenous handwork, Spanish tiles, and Grecian domes—that work together surprisingly well. Its 303 guest rooms are in a series of white, five-story buildings that spread out to the east and west of its vast, gleaming lobby like the wings of a giant seagull. They are spacious, well equipped, and have large balconies that afford panoramic views of the tropical gardens, beach, and blue Pacific. The beach is lined with coconut palms, behind which are two restaurants and a bar, several pools, kayaks, volleyball, and other diversions. The hotel's large spa is one of the city's best.