The Las Olas Beach Resort had an OfertaSimple deal (similar to Groupon) so we decided to book a night there. It’s a nice resort right on the beach. We had visited before when some friends stayed there, but we had never stayed there ourselves. Of course I brought the camera!
The place is surprisingly quiet. We were told that there are 48 rooms there, but only 25 guests at the time. The waiter in the restaurant said sometimes it is busier on the weekend but generally it is very quiet.
The grounds are beautiful. There are a lot of flowers, palm trees, and lovely landscaping. There are covered areas to sit around the pool, and the outdoor part of the restaurant looks out into the gardens with the beach beyond. The whole area is very attractive and looks ready for a crowd of people having a good time.
The rooms were large and comfortable. There was air conditioning and a small safe in the closet. We were given a cable at the desk that plugs into the phone for internet access, or there was free WiFi out by the pool and bar areas. It was slow but it worked.
There were activities advertised like kayaking and horseback riding. We were told that kayaking wasn’t available at this time though because there hadn’t been enough rain and water levels were too low. We’ve been getting quite a bit of rain in David, but apparently it doesn’t rain nearly as much at the beach. There were tennis courts available but they were not lighted. It is hot and very humid at the beach so outdoor tennis doesn’t sound very appealing except maybe early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There was also a gym area with a fair amount of exercise equipment, a collection of books mostly in English, and board games.
The beach is definitely beautiful and it was nice having some time there. There are a number of really big houses farther down the beach, including one under construction by some friends of ours. The area is too isolated for us though. We’re city folks and like being close to all the activity. From the beach, there is only farmland until you get to David which is maybe 45 minutes away.
The resort is definitely nice and I’m sure we’ll be back again. We told them that they should organize bus trips to collect people from Boquete or David and take them to the resort for a night or two. No driving, hang out with friends, maybe a buffet and some music, it could be quite a party! Or, of course, if you want a quiet, relaxing time just to chill out and enjoy the area, it’s perfect for that too.
The Panama Adventure 
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That place is gorgeous! It did not exist when I lived in Panama, but I’m happy to see that it’s a small resort, that incorporates lots of outdoor activities. I’m jealous! Hope you post more photos of your outings. 🙂
Still remembering Panamá vicariously through your blog,
Michelle
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It is beautiful, and they have put a lot of thought into it. I hope enough people go there to keep them in business!
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hey
i am almost certain that this is the place where my friend and i stayed! i’m glad that you two were able to get away, and not have to travel for days or spend a small fortune on airfare and such!
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There are many interesting things to do around here. If we want to travel for days and spend a small fortune, we go back to the USA 😀
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My husband and I are preparing to do some extended travel with our daughter (1 year old), beginning with a month in Panama. We selected the David area–specifically, a condo at Las Olas/Playa La Barqueta–as our place to be. I found your blog this evening and I have enjoyed it very much. It is refreshing to read from someone who likes Panama and the people there!
It seems most people have a very pessimistic view, and it is hard to know how much is just how things are and how much is a result of attitudes that some people take with them. A common theme that I have read often is that expats can’t really have friendships with Panamanians. We’re not planning to stay, just visit, so I know it isn’t a big issue really, but one reason I wanted to be in the David area is because my church has several congregations in that area, and I thought that might be a good way to meet some locals; we also found some nice places near Coronado, but it seemed like it was not as authentic? if that makes any sense.
Anyway, your blog makes me feel like yes, things will be fine. I still worry somewhat about car accidents and having stuff stolen…but I am hoping that it is kind of like here in the US (or in other cities I have visited in other countries) where it is true that there is some crime but basically if you use common sense things are fine. 😉
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If you speak enough Spanish to carry on a conversation you can make friends everywhere you go. Be kind, respectful, and friendly and you will get that and more in return.
We see fewer car accidents that we did in Florida. Driving style is a bit more assertive but once you get used to it, you’ll be fine. People tend to adjust to circumstances and get along with each other on the road.
As for crime, we feel safer than we did in the US. At first it felt weird to have security everywhere, but then we realized it’s actually a good thing and prevents problems. People also watch out for each other so make friends in your neighborhood.
I think you might find Panama better than you expected. It is a beautiful country, and these are gentle, kind, and loving people.
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