The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection

“First stop! BEST STOP!”

Panama was the very first stop on my retirement journey across the Americas, and what a wonderful way to kick things off. A good friend of mine, who moved to Panama a few years ago and stays at this hotel several times a year, highly recommended it. She told me it had the best service she'd experi… more

Panama was the very first stop on my retirement journey across the Americas, and what a wonderful way to kick things off. A good friend of mine, who moved to Panama a few years ago and stays at this hotel several times a year, highly recommended it. She told me it had the best service she'd experienced since moving here, and I can honestly say she wasn't exaggerating one bit. This place is a true hidden gem. It's tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Panama City, making it the perfect spot to slow down, unwind, and just enjoy some peace and quiet. From the moment we pulled up, we were welcomed with genuine hospitality. The bell staff and front desk team made us feel right at home, always smiling and ready to help with anything we needed. I especially want to give a shout-out to Arnold. Don't let his height fool you! That big fella is one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. He went above and beyond every chance he got and was always happy to lend a hand. And then there's Genesis, who is without a doubt the heart and soul of the front desk. She's always wearing the sweetest smile and is sharp as a tack. Whether you need recommendations around Panama or advice for the next hotel on your trip, she's the person to ask. We actually ended up using several of her suggestions after we checked out, and every one of them was spot on. When it comes to eating, Criollo was hands down my favorite. Breakfast every morning was outstanding, with a huge variety of fresh options, including plenty of sugar-free and gluten-free choices. I'd also like to thank Miguel, who made every breakfast extra special. He always found us a lovely table overlooking the lake, and enjoying that peaceful view with a good cup of coffee became one of my favorite parts of the day. He's also a pleasure to chat with. The Japanese and Peruvian restaurants were both excellent as well. The food was delicious, and the menus offered plenty of variety. My only wish is that they were open for more hours during the day. TaiKai is only open for dinner, and El Faro only serves lunch, so it would be nice to have a little more flexibility. The beach is quiet, clean, and never felt crowded, which was exactly what we were looking for. And that beach bar... well, let's just say they make one mighty fine margarita. I honestly lost count of how many we enjoyed while soaking up the ocean breeze. Our room was cozy, cool, comfortable, and incredibly relaxing. I slept like a baby every single night. If I had one suggestion, it would simply be to invest a little more love into the property's maintenance. The rooms, especially the woodwork, metal finishes, and paint, could use some refreshing. The restaurants, spa, and common areas are beautiful, but it's noticeable that parts of the hotel are ready for some upkeep. The front desk area in particular caught my attention! I noticed a section of the ceiling near the lighting that looked damaged and could definitely use some attention. That said, none of these things took away from what truly makes this place special: the people. Outstanding service is hard to find these days, and this team delivers it with genuine warmth every single day. I wish I could remember everyone's names, but at my age, my memory isn't quite what it used to be! I sincerely hope my comments are received in the spirit they're intended. I share them because this hotel deserves to be every bit as beautiful as the incredible people who work here. I look forward to coming back someday and seeing some of those improvements. Thank you all for such a memorable stay. Y'all made this retired traveler feel mighty welcome, and I sure hope our paths cross again.

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