5 Ways to Pamper Yourself in Panama City

Touring a new country can be fun and exciting. In Panama City there’s so much to see—from the impressive Panama Canal and the romantic colonial quarter to the historic Panama La Vieja ruins. No doubt, you’ll want to see all the sights. But it’s always a good idea to budget a bit of time for good old R&R. And whether you’ve hiked to the top of Ancon Hill or spent the day photographing Casco Viejo’s stately plazas, you may well find you need a little break from the sun.

So where to go? We’ve got a host of recommendations to help you unwind and make your trip all the more enjoyable.

1. Start with a spa day:

There are spas large and small all over Panama, so you won’t have any trouble finding one to meet your needs. You can even get a massage on arrival or prior to your departure, at Tocumen International Airport. Air Spa Panama is located on the terminal’s second level. Tucked away by the food court, this little gem may be Panama’s best kept secret! Traveling with kids? Try a mother-daughter package at Mi Princesa, conveniently located in the massive Albrook Mall complex. And few spas can boast a better location than Mosaic, in the welcoming, upscale Multiplaza Mall.

We say, make a day of it! Start with a spot of shopping. (Panamanian department store Steven’s is great for chic, inexpensive fashion jewelry.) Then get a hot rocks massage, full body exfoliation, or whatever other treatment your heart desires. Once you’re properly relaxed, mosey on to The Upper Crust for a late lunch with a craft beer or good glass of wine.

2. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi:

Manicure costs can be prohibitive in the U.S. and Canada, so this is one little luxury many learn to go without. But Panama offers a plethora of inexpensive nail salons. So why not treat yourself to a professional mani-pedi while you’re here? There are few things more relaxing than having your feet and hands massaged and moisturized. And if your Panama visit includes a trip to the beach, you’ll want your feet to look their best!

You’ll find there are plenty of options in every neighborhood, and standards and hygiene tend to be excellent. For a slightly more upscale experience try Dante Salon & Spa in the fancy financial district. Or if you’re closer to the eastern edge of town, try Just Nails in the attractive Costa del Este sector. (Tip: they offer promotional prices on Mondays!) Then strap on some sandals to show off those perfect toes.

3. Make time for some hair care:

Guys, listen up! These tips aren’t just for the ladies. After all, Panama offers old-school barber shop services to pamper you, too. Armandeus Panama Salon and Spa caters to men and women with everything from blow-outs to beard trimming. (Tuesdays are typically for the boys, with special offers for cuts, shaves, and more.) With 23 years in the business, unisex Christian Salon offers experience plus various locations around Panama City. And in Costa del Este, Salvador Uomo Spa & Barber Shop is a “just guys” haven offering up free drinks, wifi, and more.

4. Spend a day lolling by the pool:

If you’re feeling a little rough around the edges, there’s nothing like a nice dip to recharge your batteries, so to speak. There are countless pools in Panama City, and many offer inexpensive day passes. If you’re in or near the Clayton neighborhood—which is very close to the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Visitor Center—a great option is the Kiwanis’ Ciudad Deportiva, or sports complex. The pool is open every day save Monday and offers swims for adults as well as kids. Best of all, the fees are very low at roughly $2 to $4.

Alternatively, you can buy day passes at quite a few hotels in panama city panama. The Hard Rock Megapolis, the Radisson Decapolis, the Sheraton Panama, and the Westin Playa Bonita offer different promos depending on the time of year. Just keep in mind that prices may be slightly higher during the November to April high season.

5. Quickie treatments:

If you have less than an hour to spare, never fear. There are still plenty of ways to squeeze in a bit of pampering. Massage Express & Oxygen Bar in Albrook Mall is built for speed, with everything from short aromatherapy treatments to nerve and muscle stimulation therapies. Dlash Bar in Marbella can give you new lashes or shape your eyebrows in as little as fifteen minutes. Factory Fashion locales in nearly every part of town offer quick blow-outs for as little as $5.

Whether you’re tuckered out from sight-seeing or just need a pick-me-up, Panama offers endless opportunities for pampering at affordable prices. Take advantage of all this modern metropolis has to offer and come back from your vacation feeling rested. Sign up for a yoga lesson, have dessert for breakfast, take long strolls along the Panama Bay…just do what feels good. And most importantly, enjoy Panama!