The Panamonte Inn & Spa - Reviews
Mystery Inspector's Reviews
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19 April 2010
Top 3 reasons to stay at the hotel:
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Paradise Garden. The Panamonte Inn surrounds a luxuriant tropical garden packed with mature pine trees covered in Spanish moss, palms and giant cacti. Filled with flowers including ferns, hydrangeas and hibiscus, bougainvillea, impatiens and lilies this little Eden comes complete with a fountain, a rockery and an arch of roses. Take time to sit on the elegant white wrought-iron garden furniture and read, drink a cup of tea or simply gaze at the magnificent views of the lush green mountains.
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The Fireside Lounge. The Panamonte Inn’s bar is one of “my favorite things” at the hotel, and not just because of the bright copper kettles! The bar manages to be big on style but cozy at the same time. Furnished in warm reds with sculptural flower arrangements of ginger and bamboo the focus of the bar is the blazing log fire with its candlelit mantelpiece. Dine here if you prefer the more informal atmosphere to that of the elegant restaurant. Alternatively just order a drink from the cheery staff. The head barman is a real character. On our second evening he greeted us with a smile and brandished a bottle of our favourite tipple, as we walked in!
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Resplendent Quetzels. The hotel can organize all sorts of activities through its network of trusted suppliers. Just let them know what you want to do whether its visiting a coffee farm or hot springs, hiking, white water rafting or zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy. We chose to search for that beautiful but elusive bird, the resplendent quetzal. The Inn teamed us up with Santiago “Chago” Caballero, known as the quetzal man of Boquete. Sure enough, after driving to a farm high up in the Volcán Barú National Park he soon tracked down the magnificent birds flying through the trees with their extravagant tail feathers trailing behind them.
Overview:
The Panamonte Inn & Spa is a historic lodge set amidst the green mountains of the Panamanian highlands and situated on the outskirts of Boquete, a colorful town just a few minutes’ walk away. From the moment we were met at the airport by our driver we were impressed by the good humour, courtesy and competence of the hotel’s staff. Our room was spacious with a high ceiling and furnished with individual pieces including a hand-painted bedside table and a wooden bench hewn from a tree trunk. On the walls were original works by local artists. The room also benefitted from its own terrace overlooking the glorious garden, a great spot to sit and read or soak up the sun.
The hotel’s bar, the Fireside Lounge, has a warm ambience and is a great place for a pre-dinner cocktail. The Inn is justly famous for its restaurant. The elegant dining room is tastefully decorated including the restaurant’s signature grandfather clock. The wait staff were attentive and the food delicious. My sea bass ceviche was beautifully presented and the lamb shank was delectable. The restaurant has a select and carefully chosen wine list. Breakfast is served in the same room as dinner and was equally enjoyable. The bread was freshly baked, with homemade jams, and for my main dish I had eggs Benedict with a Panamanian twist.
The hotel also boasts the large Haven Spa, which includes a hair dressing salon, steam room and sauna. A range of treatments is offered and I opted for the deep tissue massage. My therapist was charming and expert at massaging away all my aches after a long day bird watching. The inn describes itself as a sanctuary and, with its calming rooms, great food, rejuvenating spa and tranquil gardens it really is an ideal place to unwind. My abiding memory of the Panamonte Inn will be the flowers; flowers in the shower, in my bedroom and on my terrace; flowers in the dining room, the bar and even the restrooms and, of course, most enchanting of all, the inn’s flower-filled garden.