Hotel Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is located along Panama’s Pacific coast just west of the Azuero Peninsula. Once a sleepy fishing village, Santa Catalina has become one of the country’s hottest surfing destinations in recent years, and for good reason—there are perfect waves, especially for more serious surfers. Santa Catalina is the jumping-off point for trips to the Coiba National Park. This park includes one of Panama’s largest islands and some of the country’s most abundant marine life. The snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly good.

Hotel Santa Catalina is one of the nicest hotels is Santa Catalina. Its sloping lawn runs all the way to the coastline, where you’ll find nice views of waves breaking against the rocks.

The hotel itself is small and pleasant—there are only eleven rooms. The rooms are in one-level buildings with red-tile roofs. Each room is tidy and has high-ceilings, air conditioning, memory-foam beds, a mini-fridge, and private hot water bathroom. The furniture is made from local hardwoods and the outdoor hammocks offer up nice places to relax.

Hotel Santa Catalina’s restaurant is set in a large open-air rancho. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and serves tasty meals. This is also a nice place to read, relax, or play cards. There is a restaurant next door (Los Pibes) where dinner can be had.

Guests can rent surfboards, kayaks, and bicycles for free. The hotel is set right along Santa Catalina’s point break, which will excite experienced surfers or those who merely want to walk along the coast.