Coronado Resort expands horizons

Big things are happening at Coronado Golf & Beach Resort. The facility, which is part of a country club popular among Panamanian well-to-do families, is not only experiencing a facelift, but is also promoting itself to North American, Asian and South American markets thanks to its new set of all-inclusive packages.

"We are definitely going through a process of change. In the past, we were a country club offering hotel rooms. Today we’re a hotel offering a country club", said Mr. Federico Capella Castro, the hotel’s new manager.

Mr. Capella said his sales team is working hard in Colombia, which, after the United States, is the largest ‘exporter’ of tourists to Panama. The results of the campaign have been very encouraging, as it has focused on marketing the facility’s forte, golf.

The first groups of golfers attracted by the hotel’s new packages hail from Europe, although Mr. Capella explained that the Japanese market is also a target. "There is no doubt that Japanese businessmen love golf and we’re sure they will fall in love with what we have to offer. The cost of a day’s use of a golf facility in Japan, for example, could cost US$300.00 or more. At Coronado, the use of the golf course costs US$30.00 a week".

Another area into which Coronado is venturing is eco-tourism. The hotel is now marketing packages for birdwatchers and anglers –two of the most preferred activities by the growing numbers of North American and European retirees that are choosing to live in Panama.

The increasing demand has prompted the management to build "Torre Alcázar", a new tower featuring 70 luxury apartments, especially designed for elderly guests.

Attractions
In addition to having one of the finest golf courses in Latin America, Coronado also offers its visitors the amenities of its beach club as well as its equestrian club, where varied shows take place each week. Coronado’s equestrian club boasts the only "horse hotel" in Latin America.

The hotel has also introduced a number of changes in its spa, which offers seven Jacuzzis, and a massage service with hot and cold stones.

New Restaurants and more entertainment
Two new restaurants, La Piazza and El Cangrego Cascarón, bring to seven the number of Coronado’s eateries. The first one specializes in Italian dishes, which are cooked on the spot. The second one, El Cangrejo Cascarón is a fun establishment where pre-teens and young adolescents (the children of the hotel staff members) serve and entertain guests aged two and older, who must pay for their food with "Corodollars". Parents are required to exchange treasury bank notes for Corodollars at "Coronado’s Children National Bank".

Fun, nevertheless, is not only a kid’s affair at Coronado. The hotel recently created an Entertainment Department, offering guests a long list of games, sports classes (beach volleyball, tennis, and golf) as well as dance courses.

Coronado Golf & Beach Resort is located 80 km west of Panama City, an hours drive from the capital via the Pan-American Highway. For reservations and more information, call: (507) 240-4444.