Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
Anyone who’s lived in Panama for any amount of time knows the city can be chaotic.
If you forget that you’re in paradise, you’ll go down a rabbit hole and find yourself caught up in the day-to-day, complaining about the traffic, the price of gas, or life in a developing country in general. It’s usually easier to focus on the negative.
To keep your peace of mind, take a step back and remember that this country holds the key to your personal paradise. We each have our own version of paradise.
A friend reminded me of this when she texted me from her hotel in Toronto: “This is beautiful; I’m in paradise right now!”
My paradise is where I can feel sand between my toes, a salty breeze in my hair, and hear the crashing waves while I watch the sky change from a golden hue to a cotton-candy color … book in one hand and a cocktail in the other.
When the city is scorching hot and no cold beverage suffices, my version of paradise changes. I envision myself feeling cold enough to need a jacket, watching the sun rise above the green mountains, birds singing, monkeys howling, and bajareque (a soft mist) falling from the sky. It overloads my senses and reminds me how good it feels to be alive to experience it.
Luckily, Panama offers all that and then some.
When I’m stuck in a rut and feel like getting away, I’m amazed by the number of options on offer.
Do I feel like getting a rubdown and facial to cleanse the city stress away? Or maybe I’m feeling adventurous and ready to take on a trail that will make my legs burn. Either way, Panama is bursting with possibilities. Here are three of my favorites.
Bambuda Castle
Boquete boasts a variety of experiences, activities, and breathtaking views. If you want a unique stay, Bambuda Castle can’t be missed.
It’s the only castle in Central America, complete with a moat and koi fish. Ranked among Panama’s best hostels, you can stay in one of the “Hobbit Homes” — domes covered in grass and flowers that blend into the garden.
Bambuda Castle is the perfect spot to relax and de-stress, surrounded by coffee fields and mountains. Amenities include a hot tub and a heated indoor pool — ideal for soothing your body after adventures such as a hike up Volcan Baru.
Villa Caprichosa
This is the most luxurious way to experience Taboga Island. Owned and designed by interior designer Diane Burn, Villa Caprichosa is a three-level, seven-bedroom villa with ocean views. Its 18th-century European design radiates romance and fantasy.
Villa Caprichosa has a gourmet restaurant, and golf carts provide transportation to the ferry and beach. Diane, who has been featured in Architectural Digest, is usually around to offer advice or talk about her work.
It’s the closest luxury escape to Panama City. Taboga Island is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Amador, perfect for spending the day at the beach and relaxing in extravagance afterward.
If you want privacy or have a large group, you can rent the entire villa.
Casco Viejo
If your schedule won’t allow a getaway, you’ll find several options in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town. You can walk the historic streets, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the sunset from Plaza de Francia. You’ll find affordable accommodations here with Airbnb, and most have pools.
The term “paradise” is subjective and depends on personal taste. Panama boasts almost every type of paradise imaginable (unless yours includes snow). Next time you’re feeling burned out, remember what version of Panama makes you happy. Coastal Panama, highlands Panama, or maybe it’s colonial-reminiscent Panama.
Breaking your routine with an escape to paradise is healthy and will remind you why you fell in love with Panama in the first place.
Expats and locals alike … we all need a vacation to paradise every now and then, even if we already live in paradise.
