Since its opening in 2021, Hotel Bambuda Santa Catalina has been a sanctuary where the Pacific Ocean becomes your constant companion. With 22 rooms — premium, family, and shared dormitories — all featuring air conditioning, modern and cozy decor, and uninterrupted sea views, every sunrise here is an invitation to peace and inspiration.
Its privileged location in the picturesque town of Santa Catalina, just a few minutes’ walk from Arrimadero Beach, connects you easily to the local heartbeat: surf shops, charming cafés, and dive centers. From here, the horizon isn’t a limit but a starting point to explore the region’s untouched beauty.
Relax in the saltwater pool while watching a sunset that paints the sky in gold and coral or savor a diverse menu at the restaurant and bar, with vegan and gluten-free options designed for every palate. Free Wi-Fi, an inspiring coworking space, and evening activities like communal dinners or trivia nights create an atmosphere where hospitality and community feel truly authentic.
If you’re seeking adventure, you can surf at Estero Beach, dive into the crystal-clear waters of Coiba Island Marine National Park — a paradise of islands and pristine beaches — or explore the surroundings by bike or horseback on tours organized by the hotel. If what you need is to disconnect, the garden and terrace with loungers will be your corner of serenity.
From the charming coastal town of Santa Catalina, set sail toward one of the Pacific’s most extraordinary treasures: Isla Coiba Marine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At 9:00 a.m., the day begins with the gentle touch of the sea breeze and the murmur of the waves, as your boat ventures into a world where nature sets its own rhythm.
At every stop, the archipelago unveils living postcards: untouched islands draped in lush greenery, white-sand beaches, and waters so crystal-clear they seem to merge with the sky. Among mangroves and hidden bays, you’ll discover corners of pristine beauty guarded by astonishing biodiversity.
Snorkeling here is a sensory experience like no other: floating above pristine coral gardens, swimming alongside graceful sea turtles, and being enveloped by the vibrant dance of multicolored fish.
Between July and October, the magic reaches new heights: with a bit of luck, you may spot humpback whales—colossal and majestic—arriving from the cold southern waters to give birth and nurse their calves in the warm, protected Pacific waters of Panama.
On board, a carefully prepared lunch invites you to savor local cuisine, while the horizon glows in shades of blue and time seems to stand still.
This is not just a tour; it’s a day of deep connection with nature, of moments that awaken the soul, renew the spirit, and linger in memory as a luxury that transcends the material.
Along Panama’s lush Caribbean coast rise two architectural gems from the colonial era: the Forts of Portobelo and San Lorenzo. Inscribed by UNESCO in 1980 as World Heritage Sites, these monuments embody the legacy of Spanish military fortifications in the Americas. Since 2012, they have also been listed as World Heritage in Danger—a reminder of the fragility of our heritage in the face of time and development pressures.
The Castle of San Lorenzo, perched atop a dramatic cliff at the mouth of the Chagres River, stood for centuries as a sentinel of the trans-isthmian route. From its walls, it guarded the passage of goods and treasures traveling from the Pacific to Europe. Its stones hold stories of legendary sieges, such as the 1596 attack by English pirate Francis Drake and his captain Thomas Baskerville, or the 1671 assault when Joseph Bradley, under the command of the infamous Henry Morgan, captured the fort and destroyed much of its structure.
Not far away, the Fort of Portobelo and the colonial buildings of the town bearing the same name evoke a golden age of transatlantic trade. Between the 17th and 18th centuries, this port was one of the most strategic in the Americas, safeguarding the riches of the New World en route to the Spanish Crown. Its military architecture—with highlights like Fort San Jerónimo and the Santiago Battery—is a testament to the engineering and defensive artistry of the time.
Exploring these sites is to immerse yourself in a history scented with salt and gunpowder, where the Caribbean mingles with tales of privateers, treasure routes, and imperial strategies. It’s the thrill of touching centuries of history, as the sea breeze brushes your face and your gaze drifts toward a horizon that witnessed conquests, dreams, and legends.
Where luxury embraces the Caribbean
Nestled in the tropical gem of Isla Grande, the Ordovician Beach Resort is a seaside sanctuary that redefines the Caribbean experience. Its 47 rooms — including 8 exclusive suites with panoramic ocean views — are designed to delight every sense. Between Egyptian cotton sheets and private terraces kissed by the breeze, each sunrise becomes a ritual of serenity, accompanied by the symphony of the waves.
The private beach, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, is your gateway to uninterrupted paradise. Sink into your chaise lounge and feel the warmth of the sun caress your skin, or dive into the infinity pool that melts into the blue horizon. The Balinese-style spa invites you on a journey of deep wellness, while the state-of-the-art gym balances energy and vitality.
At the signature restaurant, local cuisine takes center stage: vibrant ceviche, fresh seafood, and gourmet creations that celebrate Caribbean flavors with refined flair.
Adventure begins just steps away: snorkeling among multicolored reefs, sunset kayaking, paddleboarding through mangroves, or guided walks that unveil the stories and traditions of Garífuna culture.
As night falls, the beachfront bar becomes the perfect setting to toast with a handcrafted cocktail, while the salty breeze and moonlight reflecting on the water create a moment that transcends time. At Ordovician Beach Resort, every moment is a masterpiece of pleasure and disconnection.
