Beach Fun near Panama City

Q: We will be traveling to Panama City in March. We will stay with family but would love to spend a few nights at a beach resort or on a nearby island. Any suggestions? - Zubeida Bham

A: While Panama City is often referred to as the Miami of the South and has the same high-energy feel, it is not known for its great beaches. However, only an hour's drive from the city there are 80kms of Pacific Ocean beaches for you to explore. One of the better stretches of beach close to the capital is the Playa Blanca near Farallon town. All-inclusive resorts are gaining popularity here, with the Royal Decameron Beach Resort and Casino one of the most popular (www.decameron.com). A five-star hotels with a great location close to the city is the Hotel InterContinental Playa Bonita. The resort is situated on a small private beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to the Panama Canal (www.playabonitapanama.com). There are also many islands within easy reach and many offer great value. One of the most popular for a short break is Taboga Island, a favourite of French impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. Known as the Island of Flowers, it is only an hour's boat ride away from Panama City and has lovely beaches and seafront resorts. You may be interested in some of the charming family-run guesthouses that have a great island spirit. You can book a room from one of the travel agents in Panama City or check the www.tabogaislandpanama.com website. Contadora Island is another great destination, reached by a 20-minute flight or 90-minute boat ride. A good choice here is the Punta Galeon Resort, which is within walking distance of the airstrip and boasts two superb white sandy beaches with crystal-clear water (www.puntagaleonhotel.com). If you really want to get away from the city and experience a truly natural environment, your best bet are the San Blas Islands. These are picture-postcard islands and offer a truly thrilling experience. Best booked as part of a two-night package, you can meet the indigenous Kuna Indians, go snorkelling and stay in a rustic beach hotel. (6/3/11)