Panama City - Boquete

Panama is more than just a canal, much more.

Panama City is a sophisticated metropolis and the country is a land of unspoiled islands, jungles and mountains. The country has beautiful beaches along 1000 miles of coastline, both Atlantic and Pacific, over 1500 islands, seven distinct indigenous cultures each with their own unique traditions, almost 1000 bird species, numerous national parks and natural areas, and the great path between the seas - the Panama Canal.

Panama is a privileged country within Latin America. It is fast becoming a preferred location for a second or retirement home for North Americans. Panama is considered one of the top Latin American countries for quality of life: health, education and economic well-being. There are a number of good reasons.

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Panama

First of all, is safety and security. Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety from prestigious Pinkerton Global Intelligence service. Panama City is called a "second Miami" because of its sophisticated business district, high speed internet connections, the American-style infrastructure, and the elegance of many of its neighborhoods. There are endless gorgeous sea-view apartments and numerous suburban subdivisions with lovely Miami-style homes. Few other Latin American cities can boast buildings of such quality construction and so many attractive neighborhoods.

Unlike other Latin Americans, Panamanians don't need to go shopping in Miami. Due to the lowest tariffs in the Americas, Panama is a shoppers paradise whether it be clothes, computers or electronics. Panamanian supermarkets can easily be mistaken for American supermarkets with their large selection of American products. Electronics stores compete in both price and selection with American stores. There are even three Price-Costcos in Panama City and one in the West Panama city of David.

Private education is excellent; there are three accredited international school and dozens of fine bilingual schools. At the university level, there a dozen universities, including three United States universities with branches in Panama City.

Medical care and hospital facilities are almost on a par with the USA, one of the many happy by-products of the longtime American presence on the Isthmus.

The Bristol Hotel

The beautiful Bristol Hotel of Panama City welcomes discriminating travelers. Located in the downtown area, close to shops, restaurants and financial centers, this boutique hotel is home to one of the citys finest restaurants, which combines regionally-inspired cuisine with attentive service, and is managed by one of Panamas celebrity chefs.

Each guest room is decorated with custom fabrics and the artwork of noted Panamanian artists and features 21^st Century amenities such as fax machines, mini-bars, and CD/stereos. Although city center, youll feel youve entered a private manor house once you step inside the front door of the Bristol Hotel.

Boquete

A scenic mountain town in the highlands of West Panama, Boquete used to be one of Panama's best kept secrets, until it was selected by several leading publications as the top place in the world for Americans to retire or buy a second home.

Boquete is a world-class tourist destination - a flower-filled valley village with gourmet coffee farms on its slopes, spectacular mountain views and spring- like weather year round. This is a wonderful place to "get back to nature".

For the hardy, there is horseback riding, river rafting on the Chiriqui River, mountain biking or a "Boquete Tree Trek", gliding through the tree canopy at eye-level with the birds.

Those looking for a slightly slower pace can tour coffee plantations, take in flower festivals, play golf and of course, visit any one of several comfortable developments favored by ex-pats looking for a slightly different manner of retirement.

Panamonte Inn & Spa

Founded in 1914, the Panamonte Inn is the Grand Dame of Boquete hotels. The Inn is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens and mountain views of both coasts. The Inn offers comfortable rooms with attentive care, a cocktail lounge with two roaring log fireplaces, and well-known dining room serving delicious food ranging from continental cuisine to local dishes, flavored with herbs grown in their own garden. The Spa at the Panamonte Inn offers a variety of treatments by internationally trained therapists with recognized spa products from Europe.

The hotel is located on the edge of Boquete, making for an easy walk to restaurants, markets, and other sights. Panamonte Inn is best described as your home away from home. We think youll agree.

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