Trip to Panama

Coronado, where we were staying, is the nearest beach resort to Panama City, about 80km (50 miles) West along the Pan-American Highway. The beach has strange black sand in places, not pretty, but very firm for walking, quad biking or whatever. It looked like tar or mud, but shook off our feet quite easily, as sand does.

The sea shelved quite steeply and had large waves on most days, but was safe for bathing. Remarkably, the tide had an eighteen-foot range, so as you can imagine the beach sloped quite steeply in places. Nonetheless, we found it very pleasant to walk along for miles, before 10am or after 4pm, as the heat midday can be quite exhausting. Panama is around 78-85F year-round, which makes it a great destination for guaranteed warmth. The dry season (December to April) is very sunny and breezy, the wet season, which peaks in November, is cloudier and stickier but still very pleasant.

Bob Eisenmann developed the gated community of Coronado in the 1950’s, offering beachside lots and homes to those desiring a weekend retreat from Panama City. Now many live here year round. Coronado is still owned and managed by the Eisenmann family and the development continues.

Coronado has two long sandy beaches, and also a Beach Club, Equestrian Center, Restaurants, a Hotel, Golf and Beach Club. There were several new apartment buildings, homes on large garden lots, properties old and new, large and small, new-built glass structures alongside traditional Panamanian dwellings.

The Hotel where we were staying had spacious well-equipped rooms, but they felt like they had been equipped 20 years ago, so everything was old-fashioned. At least they had air-conditioning and internet connections.

The facilities were good by Panamanian standards, with several restaurants and a Sports Bar, outdoor pool, gym and Spa. I went along to the Pilate’s class, which was a great way to meet the local ex-Pats who lived there. The Hotel was situated on the Golf course with a shuttle to the nearby sandy Beach and private Beach Club. The staff were friendly and helpful, but very little English was spoken, so our Spanish vocabulary grew daily!

As we walked around the area, exploring in the July drizzle, the roads all appeared to be cobbled, but in fact were just universally patched and in bad repair. It was obviously mango season, as squashed fruit littered the ground. As one fell like a missile past my ear, we decided it was as fresh as it gets, and took it home for breakfast. It was so squishy I ate it with a spoon, followed by a shower!

Whether you are visiting Panama for a week or a season, Coronado is a great base. It is close enough to visit Panama City, but the supermarket here caters to American needs with plenty of imported products. The bank also has some English speaking staff which is helpful if you do not speak much Soanish.

A new San Fernando hospital is also due to open at the end of 2008 which will be a great asset to the community. There is also an excellent local doctor, a dentist and two pharmacies for all your health needs.

Labels: Coronado beach, Coronado Golf and Beach Resort, Pacific coast, Panama