Temperature in January: 32°C high; 24°C low
Season: dry
Travel time from UK: from 12 hours 50 minutes
Time difference: GMT -5
Finding a photograph-worthy beach in Panama – a compact country with two long coasts – is easy. Finding a suitably chic stay to match is more of a challenge. Maybe that’s why this gem gets overshadowed by its rowdy neighbours, Colombia and Costa Rica. But that’s all starting to change now, thanks to the Islas Secas. On a remote, private archipelago of the same name, just 20 miles off Panama’s Pacific shore, this retreat leaves you marooned in luxury: it’s home to four individually designed Casita sites and three Tented Casitas, all located on one of the islands and sleeping up to 24 guests. Expect expert-led excursions to uninhabited islands and jungles, and complete silence come nightfall. Changing gears, the Panama Jazz Festival makes January the best time to visit for a musical party. Hole up in Central America’s first W hotel. Once controlled by gangs, the capital’s old quarter is now flooded with cool new outfits revitalising crumbling colonial buildings, including romantic boutique bolthole La Concordia.
Sustainable travel tip: Billionaire conservation philanthropist Louis Bacon bought the Islas Secas archipelago because 13 of its 14 islands would remain undeveloped. The whole retreat runs on solar energy; all water used gets recycled. Alternatively, choose a completely untouched beach getaway: the Caribbean coast’s San Blas Islands are protected by an Indigenous Panamanian tribe, the Guna. There are no hotels, no big-name restaurants, just simple huts and hammocks on deserted sands. Pass on flying here – you can catch a speedboat outside Panama City.
Where to stay: Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, the former Union Club of Panama, has a waterfront infinity pool, immersive spa program and spacious personal terraces overlooking the glittering downtown skyline. For a pretty retreat on a coffee farm in the mountain area of Boquete, Los Establos has spacious suites, great views and plenty of activities.