Boyfriends, husbands, kids, jobs and dogs were all left behind so that the bridal party could converge in Panama City for a hotly anticipated bachelorette party weekend. We parted ways with routine and responsibilities and met up for a long weekend of fun and sun, culture and cuisine. Panama — exotic enough to require passports and high-value SPF, but familiar because English is widely spoken and American dollars are accepted everywhere — is a destination that matches our wish list. Plus, far-flung friends could get there on a nonstop flight from our hometowns across the U.S. Here’s my bach weekend recap.
Fresh prawns and ceviche
First, We Eat
We gathered on a tiled terrace overlooking the Pacific, cupping chilled coconut beverages spiked with rum and swaying to Latin jazz and salsa music. Conversation buzzed about our friend’s upcoming wedding and move to a new city. Our home base for the weekend was the Sofitel Legend in the heart of Casco Viejo. Rebuilt from the ruins of the storied Club Unión of Panama, this resort was where Daniel Craig filmed a scene from Quantum of Solace. The intoxicating scent of roasted pork beckoned us to our table at Caleta, where we feasted on garlic jumbo prawns, fresh kampachi ceviche and cochinillo asado while toasting our togetherness with a hand-crafted Pink & Roses cocktail, a mixture of tequila and lychee liquor.
Casco Viejo
Historic Charm
To me, Casco Viejo feels like a mashup of New Orleans and Miami with its captivating blend of French and Spanish influences evidenced in its wrought-iron balconies and cobblestone streets. An early morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site took us into timeworn churches built by Dominican friars, shaded plazas surrounded by stately colonial architecture and the crumbling stone archway at Arco Chato. According to legend, Iglesia San Jose’s breathtaking golden altar was painted black by a quick-witted priest to save it from a band of pirates. Along the sidewalks, shops display handicrafts from practiced artisans. Typical souvenirs such as tote bags, table coverings and blankets showcase indigenous needlework and traditional patterns. In an attempt to blend in with locals, we picked up Panama hats and Guayabera shirtdresses made by Alberto Pons.
Relaxing with friends
Wellness & Bonding
Nothing like your besties to set you straight on any issues you’ve been wrestling with. We hashed out work problems, in-law entanglements and other ethical dilemmas over tapas plates at the rooftop restaurant and around the infinity pool over afternoon cocktails. The pool bar kept us nourished with everything from yogurt-based fruit bowls and green smoothies to double cheeseburgers and ice-cold Atlas beer — to each her own. Each of us booked time in the spa for a luxurious massage or facial. My therapist took me into a profound state of relaxation with her Deep Recovery massage treatment.
Farewell Brunch
Brunch on the terrace, shaded by a canopy of pink and purple bougainvillea, was a fusion of French and Panamanian flavors. With a peppy “Bonjour” from a server, a basket of warm French pastries was dropped off and quickly plundered. The accompanying latte was rich and flavorful thanks to the hotel’s custom coffee blend made by family-owned producer, Santos Café. My final culinary indulgence in Central America was a plate of cilantro-laced scrambled eggs, beef carimañola, chicken tamales and tropical fruits. As we traded hugs and headed for the airport, the difficulty of saying adieu was softened by the realization that we’ll be gathering again soon for the big event.
