The Hotel
The hotel is an eight-key boutique hotel located in Casco Viejo, Panama’s most historic UNESCO-designated region.
Born out of a passion for travel, human connection and authentic experiences, the boutique hotel has been created using ‘purity’ as a watchword, with all aspects of the design based on this philosophy. Every facet of the hotel has been personally created by Panama’s finest craftsmen, utilising the local arts and artisan practices that are unique to the region, offering something completely different and unique.
This property has a unique history to it, dating back to more than 350 years. The physical structure of the hotel dates back to a minimal wooden building constructed in 1921 to accommodate staff of Casa Góngora and the Arias Perez family. Today, this hotel has been reborn as a luxury boutique hotel with the most story-telling experiences to offer its guests.
The hotel is conveniently situated to historical sites such as Biomuseo, the only building in Latin America to be created by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Shopaholics are in for a treat as the Alrbook Shopping Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, is packed with bargains and only a 10 minute drive from the hotel.
It has a soul like few other hotels in the area – with a big focus on authentic experiences and wellness – meaning guests leave feeling better than when they arrive.
The Rooms
With only eight rooms, it is intimate and serene and the handicrafts of native artisans tie each of the rustically styled rooms and suites to a Panamanian province and each room has a set of photos by Phoebe Montague that depict highlights of the natural, cultural, and human wonders of Panama - from the Darien to Chiriqui.
In the design, the overarching aim was to build a contemporary adults only hotel, while leaving the surrounding area and local culture untouched as possible. In doing this, the hotel team created a concept that is greener on the inside than the outside, offering an urban oasis of giant palms and vertical gardens blossoming with jasmine and orchids.
Every room might be designed differently, but there’s one thread that ties everything together in a beautiful, artisan-crafted bow. The hotel’s love of local artistry is woven through every individually styled space, like the hand-decorated coffee cups painted by a Panamanian tribe, and the hand-spun textiles draped over your bed. And much like the multicultural Panama City, elements from far-flung corners have found their place beside the locally sourced treasures, including brassware from Morocco in the bathrooms, Indonesian silk in the British-made kimonos, and Portuguese linens.
For honeymooners or guests travelling for a special occasion, the Superior Duplex Suite is the ideal accommodation – as the hotel’s largest residence, it’s split over two levels, with twin balconies and a special remote-controlled skylight in the vaulted ceiling so travellers can watch the twinkling stars from bed.
The Experiences
Whether you'd like to discover Panama's in-depth coffee (known as the world's greatest) culture through a tasting experience, walk or cycle through Panama's rich history, undergo a story-telling ocean safari where you get to explore the ocean and wild life, or gain a cultural perspective, The Sybarite and our partner are thrilled to be able to craft your perfect Panama itinerary.
For wellness travellers, they’ll be pleased to know that the ultimate wellbeing experiences lies in the healing hands of the hotel’s certified wellness instructor, who guides guests through a series of breathwork, meditation, and yoga sessions, followed by a debrief in the bar with a cleansing herb-packed smoothie.
