If you have visited islands of the Caribbean, and want to try something a little different – Panama may be what you are after! As a Central American country, and bordering the equator, you are guaranteed hot weather. Rainy season is through the summer months, but in our Canadian winter; the weather is just perfect! There is always a breeze over the Pacific. It is also a GREAT time to go to as the Panama Canal is celebrating its 100th year in 2014!

I just got back from a week at The Royal Decameron with my husband and daughters. The Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort and Villas Panama is a great family friendly, 4 star resort offering the Pacific Ocean golden sand beach and numerous pools to lounge by. The property is located close to the rainforest which offers a unique vacation experience. There are numerous 3 storey buildings scattered throughout the property; either in the hotel section, ocean view rooms, beachfront rooms or in the golf section (across the street from the main resort).

An air conditioned bus takes you from the airport to the resort itself. It is a two hour bus ride, but through the city of Panama and the countryside. In 2014, an international airport is expected to be opened beside the Royal Decameron thereby eliminating the bus transfer. I highly recommend the Beachfront rooms. They are conveniently located near the main pools and the a la carte restaurant options. This is an expansive property, with lots of walking trails and a long beach for walking. I do not recommend this property to anyone with mobility issues. There are stairs to the main areas, and to the casino area.

Not 10 minutes down the beach is a restaurant favoured by Canadian travelers; Woody’s. It was started by ex-Canadians from the east coast. Throughout the winter, you can expect to see many Canadian travelers watching the hockey games on the big screen enjoying Canadian beer and poutine! Excursions are available to Panama City to see the actual Canal itself, shopping excursions, ATV adventures, ziplining, horseback riding, the rain forest and much more. All available with departures from the lobbies (there are THREE lobbies). For more information please feel free to contact me at cneveu@carlsonwagonlit.net or (705)743-8683 ext. 11 Carolyn Neveu Travel Consultant & Destination Wedding Specialist