News

By Duncan Mcgowan 

Marriott International Hotel says the newly-opened Santa Maria Hotel and Golf Resort is the first Panama hotel to be added to its international five-star “Luxury Collection,” which features “world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences.”

The 182-room Santa Maria is the centerpiece of a fast-developing area near Costa del Este, 10 minutes from Panama City, built around a Championship Nicklaus Design 18-hole, 72-par golf course. The course is managed by Troon, the world largest golf management company, and specifically developed “to handle Panama’s unique climate,” according to a Marriott press release.

Santa Maria is home to several new residential towers, offering a wide range of homes. The addition of the Luxury Collection brand on the Santa Maria Hotel, which is operated by Bristol Hospitality Group, will add a new level of prestige to the area, especially among international travelers.

There are only six Luxury Collection hotels in South America.

“Panama is a desirable location for global explorers seeking authentic travel experiences, and we are thrilled to invite guests to explore the destination through the lens of The Luxury Collection,” said Mitzi Gaskins, global brand leader of the Luxury Collection, in a press release.

The Luxury Collection criteria also calls for an authentic connection to the destination’s culture. Suites will include “authentic Panamanian design elements including the Guna Yala inspired traditional Mola blankets to adorn the beds, handmade baskets made by the Embera community and wood mined from the depth of the Gatun Lake,” according to the release. The décor features handmade artifacts from Reprosa’s Treasure of Panama.

“Panama is known as the ‘Crossroad of the World’ as it is deeply rich with history, inspiring landmarks, and natural beauty,” said Fidel Reyes, general manager at The Santa Maria, in a press release.

In addition to the golf course, Santa Maria includes two restaurants, a state-of-the-art spa, a fitness center with rejuvenating natural light, an outdoor pool, and exceptional meeting and event spaces.