HONEYMOON AT RIU PANAMA

Two Blissful Honeymoons. One Plane Ticket.

Adventures in Panama at the Riu Playa Blanca and Riu Plaza Panama | By Ronda M. Parag

Panama is becoming a hot vacation spot with plenty of activities in the rain forest and other action adventure activities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting and zip-lining. While typically tourists might think of The Panama Canal or Panama hats, an escape to Panama offers so much more. The country of Panama is located between Costa Rica and Colombia, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, and is ideal for a romantic getaway.

When a bride and groom want two different types of honeymoon, a trip to Panama with a stay at the RIU’s Playa Blanca and Plaza Panama hotels, is a match made in heaven. The newlyweds can begin their adventure with a relaxing escape to the beach and end up in the city, before heading home.

The recently opened all inclusive 24-hour resort is located on the Pacific coast of Panama, in the province of Cocle. Currently, Copa Air flies direct from Tampa to Panama, with a flying time of approximately three hours. The drive to the property is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, so staying in downtown Panama at the Plaza Panama on the backside of the trip is suggested, to be closer to the airport. The 573 room hotel offers two pools and sunning decks with complimentary WiFi in the lobby. There is a buffet restaurant (Balboa) that offers tasty meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. RIU also extends its culinary offering with optional dining of an Asian, Italian and Steakhouse restaurant. Reservations are required for the select restaurants. Relax with a cocktail from the swim-up pool bar and enjoy the sun. There is no shortage of fun with the variety of activities, sports and entertainment offered. The evening offers a nightly show, live music and a night club.

The on-site concierge has suggestions and will arrange off-site trips with the assistance of the Cacao Travel Group. An adventure-filled day trip should include a visit to the waterfall “Chorro Macho,” for zip-lining thrills. The adventures include multiple platforms within the forest and passes over streams and waterfalls.

After relaxing on the beach for several days, it’s time to head back to the city. Located in the heart of Panama, Riu Plaza Panama is the ideal spot for honeymooners to experience the thrill of the city, and only 25 minutes from the Panama City International Airport. The hotel offers spacious rooms, exquisite dining and RIU’s distinctive service. While the hotel is not all-inclusive, a daily breakfast is included. Be sure to visit one of the seven wonders of the modern world — the Panama Canal, opened in 1914 and celebrating its 100 year anniversary. A historic tour of the city Casco Viejo, the oldest sector of modern Panama City, was founded in 1673. Don’t miss the beautiful churches, monuments and other detailed architecture on the walking tour that takes about two hours.

For RIU travel packages, visit www.vacationexpress.com.

To learn more about RIU properties, visit at www.riu.com.