FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo: The Newest Destination in Panama

by Ron Bernthal

Jul 26, 2023

© Julie Soefer

Daily

The highly anticipated Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City, uniquely located on a serene waterfront enclave overlooking the Pacific Ocean, opened in the historic Casco Viejo district in Panama City.

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo offers a distinctive exterior, reminiscent of a bygone era merging Panamanian culture with undeniable French savoir-faire. The building’s original French colonial architecture is meticulously conveyed in the interior design with the dramatic décor of the lobby, which immediately envelopes guests and celebrates the country’s most remarkable engineering accomplishment and architectural wonder — the Panama Canal — with nautical design elements including custom-made sculptures, striking artwork, historic photographs and maritime navigational instruments.

© Julie Soefer

The French heritage of the building is creatively woven through the variety of design details including the ballroom’s marble checkerboard floors, wrought-iron balcony and brass touches, all juxtaposed with contemporary Panamanian design elements, including local artwork, handmade encaustic tiles and colorful furnishings inspired by the diverse flora and fauna found throughout the country.

“Sofitel Legend is more than a luxury hotel brand,” said Maud Bailly, CEO, Sofitel. “It represents a way of living that encapsulates the absolute best in art, culture, history and the elegance of the destination itself. Situated in Panama City’s historic district, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo will provide a space where guests can immerse themselves in local culture whilst indulging in modern luxuries particular to Sofitel Legend. We are thrilled to continue to offer discerning travelers the finest in French luxury hospitality, in a destination that will undoubtedly inspire meaningful experiences.”

© Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Built on the site of the former Club Union, the most exclusive social club to exist in Panama City in the 20th century, the new Sofitel Legend property has been designed to honor its glamorous legacy while embracing modern times in Panama City’s historic district, close to Teatro Nacional, the Panama Canal and MUMO Museum.

Surrounding an impressive terrace and oceanfront pool, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo’s 159 extra- large rooms include 35 suites with incredible views. Many of the rooms offer balconies with  views of the city and the sea.

The property offers five food and beverage outlets with seasonally inspired cuisine. Caleta is a chic Mediterranean brasserie where acclaimed Executive Chef Lorenzo Di Gravio provides the area’s freshest seafood and boldest flavors. Light bites, classic cocktails and French flair welcome guests at MAYDA Lobby Bar & Plaza, where they can linger over afternoon tea and sweet confections imagined by notable Pastry Chef John Moreno. A pool bar located below The Plaza offers fresh juices and smoothies, along with healthy snacks and bowls. Vera Café serves specialty coffee from the Panamanian highlands, freshly baked croissants, chocolate confections, gourmet sandwiches and other tasty treats. Ammi offers a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the ocean and Panama City’s modern skyline, the perfect setting for Latin music, hand-crafted cocktails, grilled specialties, ceviche or a pizzetta.

Sofitel restaurant

© Julie Soefer

Wellness is a full-service Sofitel Spa, with KOS Paris offering treatments and therapies inspired by ancestral healing rituals to restore the body. The spa is also home to an expansive relaxation area, tearoom and plunge pool. A 24-hour Sofitel Fitness studio offers guests and members a modern, urban-style gym with state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, private one-on-one training options led by certified trainers and dynamic group classes.

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo also offers 9,880 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space, providing a great environment for weddings, meetings, gatherings or retreats.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
December 2023
Dec 7, 2023

Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2023 Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel Awards

For its third year, Global Traveler awards the airline, cruise line and hotel brand best representing diversity, equity and inclusion within the travel industry. Over the past year Global Traveler analyzed many airlines, cruise lines and hotel brands to determine which companies prove most committed to changing the world through diversity and inclusion.

Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet

United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.

December 2023
Dec 7, 2023

Enduring Excellence: Global Traveler Honors the Winners Achieving Top Status, Year After Year

The highly anticipated GT Tested Reader Survey has more reason to celebrate in 2024 than ever before. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, with many of the winning brands earning milestone accolades for years of dedicated and consistent service.

December 2023
Dec 7, 2023

Global Traveler Celebrates the Winners of the 20th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards

As another phenomenal year of travel comes to an end, it’s time, as always, for Global Traveler to celebrate and award those who do it best as we announce the 2023 winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. But that's not the only cause for celebration here: We've hit another major milestone, as this marks our 20th year honoring the best of the best inn world of travel!

Dream a Little Dreamliner: Air Tahiti Nui Brings The Islands of Tahiti to the Air

From the moment you step onboard Air Tahiti Nui’s Tahitian Dreamliner, you will be transported to The Islands of Tahiti. The French Polynesian carrier considered every detail to awaken its passengers’ senses, creating the feeling you are already on the Islands while 30,000 feet in the air.

December 2023
Dec 7, 2023

Global Traveler Announces the 2023 Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year

For the 13th consecutive year, Global Traveler honors the best of the best in the industry, naming 2023’s Airline of the Year and Hotel of the Year.

eFlyer Deals
Dec 6, 2023

A Magical Christmas Stay at The Londoner

Make London your forever Christmas homebase this season and stay at the ultra-luxury The Londoner. This year, the property welcomes guests with its Magical Christmas Stay offer.

A New Perspective on Incentive Travel

Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.

eFlyer Deals
Dec 6, 2023

Festive Break at Middle Eight London

Heading to London this Christmas? Look no further than Middle Eight in Covent Garden. This season, the hotel launches its Festive Break offer.