Golf, Spa and Surf: JW Marriott Luxury Brand Opens First Resort in Panama

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts opened the 118-room JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort today, marking the brand's first resort and first hotel in the country. The property is located within the master-planned Buenaventura beachfront community, near the town of Rio Hato, about two hours driving distance from Panama City, on the Pacific Coast of Panama.  

"Panama remains one of the most vibrant countries for new development in all of Latin America," said Rob Steigerwald, Chief Operations Officer for the Southern Americas at Marriott International. "We are thrilled to finally reveal our first world class JW Marriott luxury brand hotel in the country. This beautiful resort brings the highest levels of accommodations and service to Panama and is a great addition to the brand's growing global portfolio."

All of the resort's 118 guestrooms feature private balconies or gardens, bringing the natural beauty of the region right to their door.  The resort features five restaurants including Tamarindo, which celebrates local Panamanian cuisine and cocktail culture.  Adventure seekers can relish in a variety of activities both on and offsite, including the resort's recently opened 18-hole Nicklaus Design course, surfing at world-renowned Playa Rio Mar, zip-lining at nearby El Valle de Anton, jet skiing and snorkeling at Farallon Island, exploring outdoor markets and more.  A fitness center, tranquil spa, kids club and newly built beach club with a breathtaking infinity pool and waterfront butler service complete the exclusive resort experience.  The hotel has 517 square meters of meeting space, including a grand ballroom and four smaller meeting rooms to accommodate groups, events and destination celebrations.

"The JW Marriott Panama's exotic and tropical seaside location along with its luxurious accommodations, amenities and services, has made it Panama's premiere resort destination. Whether you are traveling for leisure with your family, on a romantic getaway, or an incentive trip with your company, the property has a vast selection of activities and amenities to accommodate you." Manuel Ovies, Area Vice President of Operations for Central America & Northern South America.

The property is located in Buenaventura, undoubtedly Panama's most exclusive resort community, approximately 80 miles southwest of Panama City on Panama's Pacific coast. The resort is nestled on 1,000 lush acres with 118 accommodations, including five expansive suites and four residence-style villas.

"We are thrilled to open our first property in Panama," said Mitzi Gaskin's, Vice President & Global Brand Manager for JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts.  "We focus on giving guests the space and time they need to do what is most important to them.  Whether it is a zip-lining adventure or a beach-side spa treatment, the new JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort can deliver."

Marriott International is currently represented in Panama by the 380-room Panama City Marriott Hotel, the 248-room Courtyard by Marriott Panama Real Hotel, the 120-room Courtyard Panama City MetroMall and the 126-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Panama City, Finisterre.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today's sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 58 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. www.marriott.com/jw-marriott/travel.mi

SOURCE JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts