Decameron Panama: Beaches, Golf and Casinos Outside of Panama City

Decameron Panama, or The Royal Decameron Resort, Golf and Casino, is located just outside of Panama City in Farallon. This all inclusive resort has received mixed reviews from many visitors which leads me back

 to the issue of expectations when traveling Panama. When visiting this resort you should expect the typical Panamanian treatment and service. Your drink may not arrive at warp speeds, but you will get it. Your room may not be the most lavish nor will the hot water work 24 hours a day, but the staff won’t really care.
What you can expect in the Decameron Panama all inclusive resort is a great deal on food, drinks, fun and sun a short distance from the city. This place would be ideal for a family side trip when visiting panama because of the cheap rates and loads of pools for the kids. The Decameron panama will only set you back around $90 a night for one person and you’ll never have to dip into your wallet during your stay. The Decameron is only about an hour outside of Panama City so getting there is a short bus, taxi or van ride. The grounds of the Decameron are stunning. The ocean views are breathtaking and the culture is completely Panama.  The best way to enjoy this all inclusive is to relax, and once again remember that you aren’t in Kansas anymore. Take it as it comes and enjoy.

http://www.uncoverpanama.com/ For places to stay in Decameron, Playa Blanca, Miramar.


 http://panamapulse.com/browser/?onsurl=%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F~r%2FThePanamaGringo%2F~3%2F1gN45gkmoJQ%2F

First flight of Air France at Tocumen International Airport • Panama

Air France highlights "tremendous potential" of Panama and optimistic future glimpsed in its operations. Monday, November 25, was held at the Tocumen International Airport (TIA), the arrival of the inaugural flight of the French airline Air France, marking the beginning of his frequently Paris - Panama, offering three weekly flights and adding a connectivity more directly to the heart of Europe, thus crystallizing the efforts of President Ricardo Martinelli to benefit the country as a positive impact on the Panamanian economy.

 During the welcome ceremony of the French flight, President Martinelli said that the new route of Air France is the result of the trip he took to France in May this year. He said that "personally" he dealt with the negotiations in France, where the company expressed a desire to establish an Air France direct flight between Panama and Paris.

He added that the load factor of the Air France flights to and from France is pre-selling until April.   "I'm sure seeing the Panamanian company potential, within a year could be making a daily basis, enabling more European tourists visit the destination Panama," the visibly moved President.

The Boeing B777-200 aircraft with capacity for 309 passengers, was received with the traditional baptism of fire Tocumen International Airport. The President of the Republic of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, Ambassador of France, airport authorities, journalists, special guests with airline executives also welcomed the first flight, which is part of the expansion of Air France Latin America.

Its executives reported that Air France started with three flights a week linking the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris with Tocumen Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, a frequency that provides 900 seats per week from the European market.

The Boeing B777-200 offers three classes, with 35 Business seats are completely bed, semi Premium Economy and Economy reclining seats with individual screen for each passenger.

Directors of Air France stressed during reception at Tocumen International Airport, the "tremendous potential" of its new route between Paris and Panama, from Monday connected to two of the "hub" or distribution centers passengers more dynamic in the world. "Expectations for the future are quite optimistic," said executive vice president of international Air France, Patrick Alexandre, noting that the airline aims to increase as soon as the frequency of its flights possible.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Copa Airlines, Pedro Heilbron said that Copa is a strategic partner that has an excellent hub connections, and "makes connecting passengers and Air France to reach Copa Panama that can connect to both routes. This new stage will be ideal for the connectivity offered Tocumen International Airport, which allows the plug between the two airlines. "

Panama attracts the French for business and investment, with an economy that exceeds 8% annual growth for its major infrastructure, its parks, its history and for being a destination for sun and beach safety. In addition to its golf courses, and cruises.

Translation provided by Google.

http://www.tocumenpanama.aero/index.php?cccpage=comunicados_detail&set_z_comunicados=649 

Incredible Culinary Experience at Miraflores Locks Restaurant

Story by Tamara Rowe
Photos by Tamara Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com

Almost every visitor to Panamá will take in one of the great Wonders of the World, the Panamá Canal.  Between the Bridge of the Americas and The Centenary Bridge sits Miraflores Locks, the most visited of all the locks.  This is also the location of the current expansion where two new locks are being constructed.

 Although I have visited Miraflores locks many times proudly touring friends and family as part of their Panamá experience, I was not aware of the elegant restaurant located on the second floor.    

Our friends and lifelong residents of Panamá, Luz and Jorge Patton, asked if we ever had the pleasure of dining at the Miraflores Restaurant & Bar.  They told us this is one of the finest restaurants in Panamá and where they frequently enjoy dining.  Luz was happy to make the necessary reservation for the four of us for the following week.

Upon entering this beautiful restaurant we were given the opportunity to either sit outside on the veranda and watch the ships as they pass through the canal or to dine indoors.  We choose indoor dining enabling us to more appreciate the charm and ambience of this lovely restaurant.  We were easily distracted as we passed by the huge buffet displaying a multitude of mouth watering main dishes, salads and deserts.  Putting imaginary blinders on, we made it to our seats.

No sooner seated and we were warmly greeted by Executive Chef Diego Garcia Vela and to our delight, he informed us he had personally prepared a five course meal for us to enjoy.
Our dining experience began with a lovely glass of white wine accompanied by the most delicious garlic bread.  I could have eaten the entire basket but managed to refrain knowing there were five courses to come.  Our first course was a wanton consume followed by Chef Diego and staff delivering a dazzling display of Tatacki Tuna, ever so lightly seared and accompanied by salsa Nikkei.  An explosion of flavours melting in your mouth!  Next, octopus with a sour tamarind sauce; simply delightful.  Our main course was a clever combination of beef, Serrano ham and feta cheese rolled and presented in a bed of pea puree.  As soon as our coffee and tea orders were taken dessert arrived; a lovely chocolate crêpe Suzette with grapes flambé.  This was an absolutely deliciously memorable dining experience!

Originally from Lima, Peru, the land of the Incas, Chef Diego has always been curious in the culinary arts.  As a young boy, his parents took him to dine in the finest restaurants of Peru and other countries enabling him to experience new and different cuisines.  After completing his education in Peru at the Ibero-American School of Hospitality and Tourism, he followed with several internships at some of the finest restaurants in Lima to gain more knowledge and experience.  He attained a position at Iquitos Fitzcarraldo Restaurant & Bar in the jungles of Peru which afforded him the opportunity to experiment with different techniques using exotic products such as lizard, ostrich and camu camu, a fruit found only in the Amazon, creating new dishes.

Chef Diego joined Miraflores Restaurant & Bar just a little over one year ago and “wants people to come to Miraflores not only to visit the Canal, but to visit also for the cuisine of the restaurant and to have an amazing experience where they can use all of their senses”.

The Miraflores Restaurant & Bar is operated by one of Panamá’s most exquisite hotels, the El Panamá Hotel.  To ensure seating, please make reservations by telephoning either 232-3120 or 232-3122 or visit their website:  www.elpanama.com.

Thank you Miraflores Restaurant & Bar for the warm ambience, flawless service, a wonderful dining experience and thank you Chef Diego for the deliciously brilliant meal, simply stunning in every way.

Whether you are a long term resident or simply a one time visitor to Panamá, I highly recommend that you experience the Miraflores Restaurant & Bar.

Natá - Explore This Historical Church With Us

Natá, Coclé Province, Panamá, S.A.
Story by Wendy Brausam & Tamara Rowe
Photos by Wendy Brausam
www.UncoverPanama.com

On a pleasant half day adventure from Penonomé, (the halfway point in Panamá, S.A. between Costa Rica to the northwest and Columbia to the southeast), our first stop is a visit to the famous Inglesia de Natá, one of the oldest churches in Panamá.

The town of Natá, named after an indigenous chief, is located approximately 36 km (map). southwest of Penonomé on the Interamerican highway and was one of the earliest settlements in Panamá.  The church was originally completed in 1522 and has undergone extensive restorations.  A surprising discovery in 1995, while restoring the floor, was the remains of three people. Their identities remain a mystery. 

The present day structure still contains the original columns that support the church’s roof made of hardwood from the níspero tree found in Bocus del Toro Province.  One thing to look for when visiting the church is the hand carving at the Altar of the Virgin which details fruit, leaves and feathered serpents.

If you like a challenge, cautiously climb the steep, narrow stairs that open out into the steeple.  Watch out for the pigeons!  The view is fantastic but quite breezy.   Make sure you bring your camera because the view is truly worth the climb. 

Providing employment for many locals is the Nestlé plant located in the west end of town beside the Interamerican highway.  Unlike the car filled company parking lots in North America, the lot at Nestlé is filled mainly with bicycles.

If you’re travelling through Coclé Province in Panamá, it’s definitely worth a visit to this example of Panamanian history.

Thanks for sharing our adventure.  Now, let’s see, where to next?
Tamara & Wendy
www.UncoverPanama.com

Luxurious Retirement for a Fraction of the Cost

Written by Christian Busnardo
www.UncoverPanama.com

Depends on whom you ask . . . most retireesare after year-round sunshine, a comfortable lifestyle and theexcitement of living abroad . . . getting all of these things andcutting your cost of living by half makes retiring in Panama a smartchoice, especially in today’s economy. Who doesn’t like a bargain!
 

Living for less in Panama is a hot topic.Ever wonder what it cost to live in Panama City? Learn about safe andaffordable locations, such as Bethania, El Cangrejo, San Francisco, LaLoma, and Hato Pintado, within Panama City at International Living’s “Live Large for Less in Panama City” IL Postcard.

Beach and golf getaways are no longer forthe Panama elite. Over the last decade, Panama has become a popularNorth American relocation destination!

No destination is more popularthan the beachfront golfing community of Costa Blanca, at the RoyalDecameron Resort; a great place to spend weekends, escape cold NorthAmerican winters or live fulltime and enjoy year-round sunshine. CoastBlanca offers beautiful golf-course views, access to several swimmingpools, private beach club and restaurant with a stretch of privatebeach.

10 Reasons to Visit Panama in “Low Season”

Written by Tamara Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com

Panama’s high season (November – March) is better known as “Snow Bird Season”—Canadians escaping the cold winters of Canada—and can be a popular time for tourist. The low season (April – October), also known as “the rainy season”, has its benefits too. Some areas of Panama receive very little rain such as Coclé’s, Costa Blanca/Decameron as it is located in what we call a “microclimate”. So this is the perfect season to plan your family’s summer vacation.
Check out Costa Blanca/Decameron Real Estate & Vacation Rentals
#10.  Rivers and lakes are full.
Great time for fishing! We all know that Panama is well know for its world famous ocean fishing, but don’t forget the lakes and rivers catching delicious Peacock Bass and Tilapia. Incredible white water rafting in Chiriquí, near Boquete, with two rivers to raft or kayak: the Rio Chiriquí and the Rio Chiriquí Viejo, both flow from the hills of Volcan Baru.
 #9. Wild orchids, trees and foliage.
With many different varieties of plants and trees, mostly found in the mountain areas such as El Valle, its nature lovers dream. #8. Everything is in full bloom.
As far as the eye can see, from the mountains to the beach side, all plant life is in full bloom and a staggering array of a vibrant rainbow of colors.

 #7. Unbelievable open skies and colorful cloud formations.
After the rain passes, the sky turns to brilliant colors of blues. The view of the mountains and seas are nothing less than breathtaking. As the sun sets, Panama gets a gathering of reds and purples clouds that paints an unforgettable picture.

 #6.  Wonderful selection of seasonal fruits.
Mangos; Come in many different varieties, shapes, colors and sizes.
Cashews; The delicious bright red, yellow and orange fruit also used for juices.
Pineapples; Sugary sweet and not acidic, taste more like a sweet candy.
Papayas; Our papayas can weigh as much as 10lbs.
Melons; Every kind you can think of and a few that you did not know existed.
Guava; Very interesting little fruit, however very tasty.
Oranges; FYI. Local oranges are dark green in Panama . . . make sure you remove all of the peel.
Limes; Large small, green and yellow.
Avocados; These can get quite large, light green flesh with not allot of flavor, also a purple variety.

#5. Cooler Temperatures
Here in the Provence of Coclé the temperatures are generally between 85-89 degrees in Fahrenheit year round.  After a nice brisk rain and a few clouds, we get a beautiful cool breeze. A cool breeze is always welcomed here in Panama!

 #4. Golfing
The rainy season offers cooler weather, softer greens and fewer visitors.  Enjoy open tee times and playing at your own pace, which may be faster or slower.  Low-seasons specials on vacation golf rentals.

#3. Privacy
With fewer visitors and all of the Canadian Snow Birds returning to their summer homes, enjoy your own private paradise.  

#2.  Availability
The high season is in such demand that it is often difficult to find hotels in Panama City, most resorts and private rentals are booked a season in advance. 

#1.  The PRICE is right!
Pricing is much lower. This means deals, deals, deals! Private rentals is usually where you will find the best deals as prices can be negotiated, generally 25%-30% lower than high season pricing. Contact us at www.uncoverpanama.com for the best low-season pricing.