You can almost feel the buzz in the air - the word on Panama is getting out and the excitement is building. Now is the perfect time to visit this relatively understated country, with so many different facets and things to experience we've picked it as one of our favourite destinations for 2008. This trip to Panama in particular is perfect for those in search of a desert island experience with plenty of luxury mixed in (pretty much everyone then).
Coral Lodge
lives up to everyone's castaway dream; with its stilted over-water villas and heavenly stretches of sand it fulfils any tropical island fantasy. Staying in your own private hideaway, you can kick back on some of the world's most blissful beaches as well as enjoy the amazing hiking, sailing, fishing and other adventures that are on your doorstep.
The area is a divers heaven with amazing outer reefs bursting with untouched corals, sponges and a huge variety of marine life within the San Blas Archipelago. Non-divers kayak through the mangrove and coral bays, exploring the inlets and canals near the resort. You can even take a clear bottom kayak to the outer reefs and watch the divers as they explore the underwater world. Swim and snorkel the playground of reefs, blue lagoons and tidal pools or go for walks amongst swaying palm trees along the coral sand beach where turtles lumber ashore to lay their eggs. With the dense rainforest at your doorstep there is so much to explore and even more wildlife to see.
Excursions to surrounding islands and overnight stays can also be arranged along with fishing and horse back riding on deserted beaches and jungle trails. Come afternoons and evenings, relax over cocktails in the over-the-water bar or your private hot tub and enjoy the marine life from your own personal sundeck.
If this has left you wanting to see more of Panama, have a look at our alternative Panama experience and why not combine the two - is the air around you buzzing yet?
