Canadian World Traveller Spring 2017 Issue

ountry Inns...Luxary Safari Camps...Ecolodges...Ice...Cave...Treetop... Hotels
61
In the morning, pass the time by the adults’
pool, go for relaxing beach strolls, or have a
spa day at the Sensory Spa by Clarins where
spa guests can book the intense 75-minute
Swedish massage if inclined. I did.
Unwind at the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama
Front row seats to witness the world’s largest
ships in waiting and four pools to boot who
could ask for more?
At the Westin Playa Bonita on the edge of the
windswept Pacific in Panama, sun seekers,
couples, and families are indulging in an
exotic vacay where every whim is met.
As the massive Panamax ships and cruise liners
dot the horizon in a surreal floating city
waiting for their turn to enter the must-see
Panama Canal, beachcombers hit the sandy
shoreline. For corporate types, it’s a two-inone
stay at this jungle beach paradise good
for work with the ample meeting rooms and
play. Mine was to shake off the city stresses
and splurge in solitude.
The secluded beachfront property is nicely
spread out – not a huge footprint like most
other brands – making the luxurious hideaway
manageable and enjoyable. Guests
by Ilona Kauremszky
check-in at the spacious, sun fused marble
interior lobby then are whisked away to cozy
suites.
At my Renewal Suite overlooking the coastline
the one-bedroom suite was stylishly furnished
and boasts two private balconies with exquisite
sea views. The sprawling living area uses
neutral tones with golden accents and teakstyle
furniture and has a separate mini bar
area. There is a large HD wall TV if inclined
to watch it. I preferred my balcony seats
zooming in on the bobbing vessels in the distance.
For those interested in hosting an ensuite private
meeting the adjoining bedroom is separated
by a clever sliding pocket door that
closes off the living room. The bedroom is
equipped with an open deep soaker tub, an
enclosed relaxing walk-in rain shower, duo
marble sinks, including another walled HD
TV facing the plush king-sized bed.
In the evenings, the lobby bar becomes lively
with performances from a local band and
the a la carte restaurants teem with guests
interested in quiet sit down dinners. The
seafood restaurant Starfish Grill serves a
delicious Peruvian inspired ceviche while my
go-to restaurant for fish and steaks was
Tierra Y Fuego, an upscale Latin steakhouse.
A filet mignon was grilled to perfection as
was my generous fresh seared tuna. The
wine menu also has a good selection of vintages
from Australia, California, and Chile.
Sightseeing is another bonus at this property.
While the hotel is located outside the city
centre a local tour operator Gamboa Tours
provides half day and full day guided tours.
Guests also can take a round trip complimentary
hotel shuttle bus with scheduled
pick-ups to the nearby Allbrook Mall where
designer labels are heavily discounted.
When the tours were over afternoons turned
into more renewal time spent lounging at the
pools and enjoying sweets at the hotel’s
sleek pastry and ice cream parlour aptly
dubbed, Ice Cream & Sweets. After a necessary
caffeine and cookie fix, it was off for
another beach stroll, this time to inhale the
warm sea breezes and to see the mystical
floating city as the illuminated ships glittered
like jewels in the horizon.
I checked the time as speckled sunlight hit
the horizon and decided before hitting one
of the a la carte restaurants a beach cocktail
would make the ultimate vacay at splendid
Playa Bonita.
www.starwoodhotels.com
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