StarwoodGuy: A week in Panama on a points run! Day 5

The next morning I was up early for another big workout, again happy about the numerous work out machines on offer. I had a sauna and shower before breakfast in the Club Lounge. I then checked out and grabbed an Uber to the Westin Playa Bonita, clear across town. It was a flat fee of $20.00 in an Uber Black to get over and my driver gave me plenty of tour tips on the way. We passed by the malls, promenade and the Meridien that I had walked by, then looped around old town, the soccer stadium, before getting onto the large Bridge of the Americas over the Panama Canal. It was amazing to think as we crossed that this was the point connecting North and South America. There is a great deal of shipping to see, with dozens of tankers waiting near the various islands offshore, and a great deal of activity inland by the canal itself. The new opening of the expanded canal was only around a month away with much fanfare planned. Once we arrived on the north side it was around another 10 minutes until we arrived at the beach destination of the Westin Playa Bonita.

Immediately on arrival you realize it is a high end property. Gated security as you approach asking for your name and/or room number before pulling into an impressive driveway. The lobby faces right onto the beach and the Pacific Ocean and islands just of the beautiful beach. It definitely has a conference and group feel, with two desks set up for different conferences, but it was virtually empty, with the attendees all out doing activities. I had a quick check in and was upgraded to one of the Renewal Suites with a great 12:30 pm early check in so I could get to the beach early. I jumped into board shorts and headed down to the pools. There are several pools on offer, with a separate SPG Gold/Platinum Pool with some small extras such as nicer towels and a kid free zone, but the property was so empty I just took a lounger closest to the beach for the view. The service poolside is a little slow if you are away from the main/kiddie pool since you are out of the way, but beers were insanely cheap. It was so hot and humid. I managed two hours, taking a walk along the beach which takes about 30 minutes in total from end to back with only one other property sharing the beach and it is quite far away at the opposite end so again not crowded. There were sea kayaks for use, but we were informed that a tsunami watch was still in effect for areas of coastal Panama as a result of the nearby devastating earthquakes in Ecuador, which were felt in Columbia but not in Panama.

After the beach and pool, I headed to the gym for a quick cardio workout before showering and making my way to the impressive Club Lounge up on the 19th floor. Above it were 4 levels of suites, but the Club Lounge had extensive indoor and outdoor seating. Again, I was just about the only one present. The Westin Experience Specialist was wonderful. She kept checking in on me, refilling my wine, and asked if I wanted to chat since I was on my own. The food consisted of one warm appy, plenty of meats, cheeses, crackers, chips, a delicious ceviche, fruits and desserts. All very good. After, I headed to bed relatively early feeling slightly sunburned from the day despite my double application of 'Waterproof' SPF 50 sunscreen.