I am trying to plan a trip would like any input on Bahamas vs Republic of Panama. I have never been anywhere remotely like these 2 destinations and am having a hard time deciding which I should choose for my vacation! Any advantages, disadvantages to either over the other?

Panama is fantastic. The Canal, the jungle, hugely diverse population of animals, especially birds, and gorgeous beaches.

What are you looking for in a vacation? When are you going? What is your budget? We can't really help you much with so little information.

Destinations are really so dissimilar that it's hard to do a comparison for you without you telling us more about why you chose these two destinations and what you're looking for out of your vacation.

My best friend works for a company who offers insintive vacations. She has hit goal, and now we are able to choose between The Cove and Reef at Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas) and Westin Playa Bonita Panama (which looks to be on the Pacific ocean side not the Caribbean). Both are all expenses paid (flight, room and food). We are trying to get an idea as to what both destinations have to offer. I have only ever been to Hawaii and Mexico, and my friend has never traveled so this is is first for us both

Anyone who can give insight as to what both destinations have to offer would be appreciated. From what I can tell by looking at photos, Bahamas seems to be the more "tropical" of the two, where as Panama is more city life & exploring the town? It is the Pacific side of Panama so the beaches don't look as pretty looking at photos (compared to Bahamas). Not sure how accurate that is though?

We are not really looking for a vacation where we will spend time exploring the city and shops.
Beaches, zip-lining, wildlife, and relaxing are the things we are looking for. Our "vision" is white sandy beaches with turquoise/ bright blue/clear waters.

Well, I don't think that Panama is "more city life" - quite the contrary! But if you're limited to a specific hotel, I think that you're better off comparing the hotels and their surroundings, not the countries.

The hotel in Panama is located on the beach of what was Fort Kobbe. It is a bit out of the city amd would give you access to El Valle and Santa Clara. Panama is a multifaceted destination. Nice beaches are just a part of the draw.