The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City

In Panama City's Juan Díaz neighborhood, an upscale golf resort sits minutes from Multiplaza Pacific Mall and Avenida Balboa. Roughly 11 km from Tocumen International Airport and a short drive to Panama Viejo and downtown, it’s a prime spot for family-friendly urban escapes.

The property offers 182 air-conditioned rooms with LED TVs, iPod docks, wired and wireless high-speed internet, safes and desks. Rooms come with designer toiletries, hair dryers, minibars, bathrobes and slippers, and many boast inspiring golf-course views. The overall vibe is polished and relaxed, with a full-service spa and fitness club on site.

Highlights include a championship golf course, a full spa (massages, facials and body treatments), a 24-hour health club and multiple pools (outdoor and indoor options). You'll also find a hair salon, concierge, babysitting/childcare, poolside bar and a coffee shop. Valet parking is available and a roundtrip airport shuttle runs for a surcharge. Note: the outdoor pool closes seasonally (listed dates include Oct 20–23).

Event-ready with roughly 5,085 sq ft of meeting space and 12 meeting rooms, plus a 24-hour business center and 24-hour front desk. Complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet supports meetings and events.

Multiple on-site restaurants and a café serve local Panamanian and international flavors, with buffet breakfast available daily for a fee. 24-hour room service, a bar/lounge and a poolside bar keep the options simple and satisfying.