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 20^th 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.

© 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.