The Most Romantic Hotels to Book in Panama

Treat your special someone to a tropical retreat on a 400-acre (162ha) private island. Tide pools, aqua-blue lagoons, lush mangroves and miles of pristine beaches make the perfect backdrop for picnics and seven-course candlelit dinners. The thatched-roof beachfront casitas, which are tucked away in palm groves, offer total seclusion. They also have open-air lounge areas, designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind. Opt for in-room couples’ massages or indulge in the soaking tubs that lie in the sand.

In the heart of Casco Viejo in Panama City, the American Trade Hotel combines old-world charm with luxury amenities. From a historic trading center to a bank and now a boutique hotel, the white-washed building features art deco details, such as retro furnishings and handmade vintage tiles. Couples should go for the roomy one-bedroom suite. The stylish rooms overlook Plaza Herrera and feature clawfoot bathtubs. In the evening, head to the small and intimate Danilo’s Jazz Club at the hotel for a memorable night out.

For almost total seclusion, head to the Summit. Surrounded by miles of thick lush rainforest, but just 20 minutes outside the capital, the hotel is near the Soberania National Park and a five-minute drive from the Panama Canal. The property has hiking trails and a feeding area where you could see titi monkeys, toucans and other wildlife. Plus, there are two pools, choose the outdoor infinity pool for rainforest views and to watch more wildlife. The resort features a variety of different romance packages to set the mood.

A five-star hotel in the heart of the business district, Bristol Panama offers luxury accommodation with a sophisticated feel. The hotel design is a reflection of Panama’s rich architectural history, with interiors exuding old-world charm. One of the restaurants, Restaurant Salsipuedes, offers Panamanian gourmet cuisine, but for privacy head to the terraza, which is covered in twinkling outdoor lights. Couples seeking luxurious rooms should book one of the executive residences and suites, all elegantly decorated with original art and sculptures by renowned Latin American artists and designers.

Los Mandarinos is a historic, stone-wall, red-roof boutique hotel in Anton Valley, a town in central Panama that sits in the crater of an extinct volcano, surrounded by mountains and cloud forests. Surprise your loved one with the romance package, which includes flowers and a bottle of wine in the room, and a dinner for two at gourmet Spanish restaurant La Tasca de Triana. Your stay also includes two dinners at O’Pedro’s, an Irish bar and restaurant. The package also includes a guided tour, either a laid-back hiking adventure or horseback riding to the Anton River.

If you and your loved one prefer to stay active rather than lounge on a sunbed, Red Frog Beach Island Resort is the one for you. It sits on Isla Bastimentos, one of the Bocas del Toro islands, 30mi (48km) off the Costa Rican Caribbean coast; the isolated location allows for snorkeling, surfing and hiking, while the resort has a zipline. Recover in the open-air spa before retreating to your hillside villa or jungle lodge.

Renew your vows or say “I do” at the Spanish colonial-style resort chapel, La Ermita, and complete the experience with a romantic horse and carriage ride. The Buenaventura was built with traditional Missionary architectural details, such as hardwood floors, grand archways and red-tiled rooftops, coupled with modern design and top-class amenities. The stylish rooms, suites and villas have artisan touches, including locally handcrafted pillows and hand-woven traditional Chunga baskets. The resort sits near Playa Blanca and El Faro beaches, and also has five pools.

Social butterflies and urban lovers will enjoy a stay at Tantalo in Casco Viejo. Dubbed the most sexy hotel in Panama, this small boutique hotel features original artwork from muralists, sculptors and painters, plus 10 individually decorated, uber-modern rooms. Salsa at the rooftop club, which has nightly musical performances from around the globe, a sensual ambiance, and the Panama City skyline as a backdrop.

When it opened in 1874, the Central in Panama City was the first hotel in the country. Facing the Plaza de la Independencia in Old Town, it has since hosted numerous celebrities and presidents. For an unforgettable stay, book the presidential suite. The concierge can arrange everything from floral arrangements to private helicopter rides. Head to the rooftop pool to enjoy refreshing drinks with views of the Pacific Ocean.