Step inside a luxury Panama City resort attracting business travelers with its exclusive, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and high-end dining

Monica HumphriesSep 25, 2024, 17:16 IST

A view of the golf course at The Santa Maria Hotel and Golf Resort in Panama.Punta Pacifica Realty<ul class="summary-list"><li>Panama City's wealthy Santa Maria neighborhood is home to the city's only five-star resort.</li><li>The Santa Maria Hotel is known for its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and high-end dining.</li></ul>The manicured golf course, chlorinated pool, and crisp white tablecloths differed drastically from the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/panama-isla-palenque-private-island-luxury-2024-8">overgrown island I had spent the past three nights on</a>.But then again, I was no longer in Panama's Gulf of Chiriqui. I was in Santa Maria, one of <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/punta-pacifica-panama-richest-neighborhood-photos-2024-5">Panama City's most expensive neighborhoods</a>.And if there's one thing you can expect, it's pristine luxury. To celebrate my final night in Panama, I spent a night at the five-star <a target="_blank" class href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=28fd95b257051f0f760c6181f0f3b5022bc8964d94ae0bd79e0f0e9bb30f5324&postID=66e9b31bd738168e489d693a&postSlug=panama-santa-maria-resort-jack-nicklaus-golf-course-review-2024-9&site=bi&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2Fen-us%2Fhotels%2Fptylc-the-santa-maria-a-luxury-collection-hotel-and-golf-resort-panama-city%2Foverview%2F">Santa Maria Hotel and Golf Resort</a>.

Santa Maria is one of Panama City's wealthiest neighborhoods.

A view of Panama City's Santa Maria neighborhood.Punta Pacifica Realty

At the edge of the neighborhood is the five-star Santa Maria Hotel, part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection.

The exterior of The Santa Maria Hotel. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In April, I headed to the property for one final night in Panama.

The doorway between the suite's living room and bedroom. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

On the afternoon of my stay, bellhops greeted me at the entrance and ushered me to the check-in desk.

The entrance to The Santa Maria Hotel and Golf Resort.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I headed to the third floor and stepped inside my suite. Immediately, I was overwhelmed by the room's large size.

A view of the author's hotel suite. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The entryway had a half bath and a coffee bar.

The entrance to the hotel suite. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

At the end of the hallway was a large living area with a couch, chairs, a TV, and a desk.

The suite's living room area had a couch, two chairs, and a TV.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The room naturally led to the bedroom area.

A pocket door led to the suite's bedroom area. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The bedroom also had enough space for a dresser, TV, and seating.

A view of the author's hotel suite. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

One wall had large windows with views out onto the property's golf course and pool.

From the author's room, she could see nearby high rises along with the hotel's pool and golf course. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The other wall had two doors leading to a closet and bathroom.

The suite had a walk-in closet as well as a bathroom. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The bathroom was the highlight of the space. Inside the enormous room was a rainfall shower, a large bathtub, and a glowing vanity.

Inside the bathroom were a tub, rainfall shower, and two-person vanity. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

After settling in, I headed downstairs to explore the property's amenities.

The author's king-sized bed. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Guests at The Santa Maria can choose between four bars and restaurants.

The terrace of the Mestizo Restaurant. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

And it wouldn't be a resort without a spa.

The entrance to The Santa Maria spa. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Perhaps the largest draw of the hotel is its golf course.

A view of The Santa Maria's golf course. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I spent the afternoon lounging by the pool.

The resort's on-site pool. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Since I was in one of the city's wealthy neighborhoods, I decided to go for an evening stroll. But my walk was promptly cut short.

A gated entrance to the Santa Maria neighborhood.Monica Humphries/Business Insider

It seemed like most restaurants, attractions, and landmarks were a drive away.

A shopping center outside the Santa Maria neighborhood. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

So I headed back to the hotel.

The Santa Maria's pool. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The Santa Maria felt like a tropical retreat, and if you're a golfer, it's worth the visit.

The author at The Santa Maria. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I went inside the secret room where pilots sleep on long-haul flights. It was the best seat on the plane.

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