GO...UP & AWAY - JAXFAX Travel Marketing Magazine

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Breezes Panama–A Pacific
All-Inclusive for Everyone
By Doug Cooke, CTC
Superclubs debuted their first all-inclusive resort in
Central America last fall with the opening of
Breezes Panama Resort & Spa. JAX FAX had a
chance to visit for a few days last November and
our onsite report follows.
Location
Breezes Panama overlooks a spectacular stretch of beach in
the Santa Clara region, known as “The Dry Arc” for its comfortably
dry climate throughout most of the year. The resort is
about a one hour, forty minute drive from the airport in Panama
City. The Pan American Highway, which leads to resort, runs
through small towns and lush, hilly countryside. Superclubs
Breezes is part of a larger resort complex that includes an 18hole
golf course, which is not part of Breezes, but is available to
guests wanting to play a round. A winding driveway leads down
a gentle sloping hillside to the resort, which overlooks the Pacific.
An open-air reception area overlooks the pool complex and
Pacific Ocean beyond. The resort sits above a beach that extends
for miles in both directions with very little development
along it shores, although that is sure to change in coming years
as this resort area develops. For now it is a beach walkers paradise
as I experienced each morning of my stay.
Accommodations & Amenities
The resort features 294 luxuriously appointed guest rooms
and suites with separate parlors, all featuring either views of
the Pacific Ocean or the lush mountainside surroundings. All
guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a table and
two sitting chairs, flat screen TV with international stations, direct
dial telephone, desk with chair, iron and ironing board, tea
and coffee maker, safety deposit box, hair dryer, private bath
and shower or shower only and balcony or terrace. In addition,
hotel suites are equipped with mini refrigerators stocked with
soft drinks and water.
A must in today’s busy world, computers with internet access
are available and there is wifi available in the large
lobby/reception area (additional fees apply).
The hotel has three swimming pools, including one with a
swim up bar for adults and two separate children’s pools, one
featuring a slide. The hotel also has two heated Jacuzzis and
two tanning pools. The pools are located below the main building
and are flanked by guest room buildings making them the
focal point of the resort.
Sports available include all water sports, tennis courts – lit
for night play, pool and beach volleyball, shuffleboard, bicycles
and a large, well equipped fitness center.
The Miraflores Spa offers several treatment rooms offering
a wide variety of spa options at reasonable rates.
Dining and Drinking Options
Breezes resorts all offer a buffet restaurant which are open
for breakfast, lunch, dinner and mid-night snacks along with
DOUD COOKE
DOUD COOKE
Breezes Panama Resort & Spa
their signature, a la carte specialty venues; Munasan Japanese
restaurant features Teppanyaki tables and sushi, while
Martino’s features Italian cuisine in an elegant setting. Reservations
are necessary to ensure a table at either of these
choices. The resort also offers a poolside bar and grill open
from 12:00pm – 6:00pm.
In addition, there are four bar options including; the
lobby/Piano Bar (my favorite), the pool terrace and swim up
bar, the Portobello Bar in the Italian Plaza and the Canopy
Lounge and Sports Bar.
Ship transiting through Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal
Excursions
It would be a shame to travel to Panama and not experience
some of the unique tourism offerings available. A trip to Panama
City makes for an interesting day trip. Be sure to recommend that
your clients visit the “Old City” ruins. This was the site of the
original city, which the residents burned to the ground to keep it
out of the hands of famous Pirate Capt. Henry Morgan. Of course
no trip to Panama would be complete without a visit to the
Panama Canal. Watching ships come through the Miraflores
Locks, followed by a trip through the on-site museum is a fascinating
way to spend an afternoon.
For your adventure seeking clients, a trip to El Valle De Anton
is a must. This is an ancient volcanic crater with lush rainforest
mountainsides. Located about an hours drive from
Breezes, this is a great daytrip with activities including: ziplining,
natural hot springs, hiking to waterfalls and to see unique
square trees, horseback riding and bird watching. There is also
a wonderful local farmers market in town where everything
from local produce, herbal remedies and native handicrafts are
available. Suggest that your clients stop in at Los Mandarinos
Boutique Spa & Hotel (www.losmandarinos.com) for lunch.
For more information or reservations go to
www.breezes.com or call 877-273-3937.
E70 NORTH AMERICA & HAWAII WWW.JAXFAX.COM FEBRUARY 2010