Step inside a luxury Panama City resort attracting business travelers with its exclusive, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and high-end dining
September 25, 20240
A view of Panama City’s Santa Maria neighborhood.
Punta Pacifica Realty
Duncan McGowan, the president of Punta Pacifica Realty, told Business Insider that there are two neighborhoods Panama’s wealthy residents gravitate toward.
The first is the Ocean Reef Islands, a private neighborhood built on two manmade islands in the Pacific. The second is Santa Maria.
McGowan said that while Santa Maria is a relatively new neighborhood in Panama City, it’s quickly become one of the city’s most expensive places to live.
That’s partly due to its proximity to the Costa del Este neighborhood, which is filled with international businesses and offices. McGowan said many people who work in Costa del Este live in Santa Maria.
The neighborhood has everything from single-family homes to impressive condominiums designed by Fendi. While real estate can range in price, McGowan said property typically ranges between $3,000 and $4,700 a square meter.
At the edge of the neighborhood is the five-star Santa Maria Hotel, part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection.
The doorway between the suite’s living room and bedroom.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I originally booked a deluxe king room with city views. The deluxe room, the most basic accommodation at The Santa Maria, cost $340 for one night.
On the afternoon of my stay, bellhops greeted me at the entrance and ushered me to the check-in desk.
A view of the author’s hotel suite.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I had spent the morning envisioning my night in a standard-sized hotel room. I figured there’d be just enough room for a small mini fridge and coffee maker. If I were lucky, I’d be able to squish my luggage into the corner of one room.
But size was no complaint in the 893-square-foot suite. Two rooms — a living area and a bedroom — made up my expansive home for the night.
The entryway had a half bath and a coffee bar.
The suite’s living room area had a couch, two chairs, and a TV.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The living area had enough seating for four people. I stretched out on the couch and eyed the magazines on the coffee stand.
As I flipped through The Business Year’s Panama edition, I thought the hotel was clearly appealing to a certain traveler.
The room naturally led to the bedroom area.
A view of the author’s hotel suite.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
To the left of the bed were a chair and a side table. Adjacent to them were the suite’s second TV and second dresser.
One wall had large windows with views out onto the property’s golf course and pool.
The suite had a walk-in closet as well as a bathroom.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Across from the windows were two more of the suite’s rooms. I had a walk-in closet, where I found the third and final dresser.
The other door led the the suite’s full bathroom.
The bathroom was the highlight of the space. Inside the enormous room was a rainfall shower, a large bathtub, and a glowing vanity.
The author’s king-sized bed.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The suite had other traditional hotel amenities like a hair dryer, robes, alarm clocks, and access to 24-hour room service.
Guests at The Santa Maria can choose between four bars and restaurants.
The entrance to The Santa Maria spa.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
Guests can book services like massages, facials, body scrubs, and manicures.
Perhaps the largest draw of the hotel is its golf course.
The resort’s on-site pool.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
While I’ve never set foot on a golf course, I can confidently say I’m a pro at lounging.
Instead of opting for the green, I headed to the pool. Earlier, the front desk told me the hotel was completely booked, so I was shocked to see only a few others lounging by the pool.
Since I was in one of the city’s wealthy neighborhoods, I decided to go for an evening stroll. But my walk was promptly cut short.
A shopping center outside the Santa Maria neighborhood.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I did see one new shopping center and the neighborhood’s country club, but there weren’t many other shops, restaurants, or businesses within walking distance.
So I headed back to the hotel.
The author at The Santa Maria.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
While I felt more immersed in Panama’s culture and history at other Panama City hotels, The Santa Maria was a relaxing way to end my Panama trip. During my one-night stay, I felt transported to a manicured, luxury property that I never needed to leave.
There were moments I felt far away from Panama City, but thankfully, the city’s skyline in the distance was a constant reminder of the beautiful city I had just explored.
