PANAMA: Central America Gets W Hotels In Panama

W Hotels Worldwide today announced the opening of W Panama, the first W in Central America.

Located in one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in the region, Panama City, the new hotel towers above the heart of the business district within the ultra-modern, 50-floor Evolution Tower on Calle 50.

The bold and vibrant design of W Panama, under the ownership of Evolution Tower Corp., blends centuries of history and culture with the nearby tropical paradise and trendy metropolitan spirit of Panama City.

Panama City is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Central America, a fusion of new and old, east and west, business and hedonism.

Like our guests, W Hotels seeks destinations that are inspiring and multi-dimensional so Panama City is a natural fit. said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide.

W Panama embodies the spirit of Panama, showing off the style and energy of this diverse global hub with an intricate design that pays homage to both the history of the region and its bright future.

Designed by Studio Gaia and the award-winning internal design team of W Hotels, W Panama reconstructs the city’s past and present with distinct hues and textural contrasts inspired by the international importance of the Panama Canal, while integrating Panama’s history and colorful indigenous patterns.

The hotel is near Uruguay Street, known as the Zona Rosa of Panama, home to a bustling scene of trendy restaurants and nightclubs.

Guests enter W Panama on the 15th floor of the striking new skyscraper and are immediately greeted by playfully modern design.

W Panama transforms the industrial look of shipping containers, similar in look to those often found along the Panama Canal, with original graffiti painted by Diablos Rojos-inspired artist, Oscar Melgar.

Throughout the hotel, five containers become destinations themselves, setting the scene for connecting and mingling.

The shipping containers can be found in the hotel’s Living Room, the brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby, the expansive, 6,835-square-foot WET Deck (pool deck) and Cargo.

The destination bar housed within its own shipping container which serves up handcrafted cocktails year-round.

With 203 guest rooms including 28 gorgeous suites, many featuring sweeping views of the nearby bay and Canal, W Panama is tailored for comfort and inspires a lust for exploring the city’s local treasures.

Each room features modern twists of handmade Mola fabrics and patterns from the indigenous communities of Guna and Embera alongside expressive murals.

Floor-to-ceiling mirrors energize each crisp, white room, while creative, modular seating offers plenty of space to lounge.

Expansive modern bathrooms are outfitted with individually lit vanities and dressing areas for getting glamourous.

W Panama also caters to daring and indulgent tastes with a 1,600-square-foot Extreme Wow Suite, the brand’s take on the Presidential suite.

The massive private suite comes equipped with a fully functional DJ booth, built-in foosball table, private lounge area, rainfall shower and sunken bathtub.

W Panama brings two distinct culinary experiences to Panama City, each featuring local ingredients from land and sea.

Moro offers signature dishes using exquisite local ingredients for a taste of local comfort food.

For a quick bite, La Cajita is modeled after food truck service and style, open 24/7 for deliciously energizing smoothies, drinks and dishes influenced by street fare.

Adding to the guest experience, W Panama offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service to bring guests whatever they want, whenever they want it and an in-the-know local expert, the W Insider, who connects guests with the hottest events, attractions and adventures to suit any and every travel style.

Visitors seeking the ultimate setting for reinvigoration and relaxation can recharge at the 3,500-square-foot FIT fitness center or indulge in one of the luxurious treatments at Away Spa.

When it comes time to get back to business, W Panama offers more than 21,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space across six meeting rooms, customizable for any occasion, from business meet ups to wedding receptions, and fashion shows to custom cocktails.

Breakouts get infused with the energy and culture of the Diablos Rojos-inspired piece, brought to life with large-scale artwork.

The eye-catching Great Room is the ideal setting for grand events, displaying the stunning cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows.



Tourism Observer

EL SALVADOR: Coffee Tourism In El Salvador

Good news for caffeine addicts and coffee fans. An exciting tourism route has opened up in El Salvador that takes guests on an exciting journey that explains the in-depth production processes involved in creating some of the best coffee in the world.

Supported by the El Salvador tourism board, the coffee route, or “Ruta del café” is currently working closely with a range of farms, estates and manufacturers linked closely with coffee production to further develop coffee tourism within the area throughout the next few years.

Depending on the season, visitors to El Salvador can learn about a range of aspects involved in the process, including teaching guests about cultivation, harvesting, pulping, washing, drying, roasting and of course tasting.

Introduced to the country by former president Gerardo Barrios, the development and commercialisation of Arabica coffee, known then as the “Golden Grain”, has led to El Salvador becoming one of the leading coffee exporters and producers in Central America. Harvesting begins in October in the low areas and extends to March in the higher altitudes, with collecting happening from November until the beginning of January.

Businesses such as the El Carmen estate are taking part in the route, offering traditional tours of the coffee mill as well as tastings of gourmet coffee. A range of accommodation is available throughout the coffee route, enabling visitors to take in the scenic surroundings.

HONDURAS: "Coffee Route": Honduras' Newest Tourist Attraction

Honduras, the leading coffee exporter in Central America and the third-largest in Latin America, announced the launch of its newest tourist attraction, the "Coffee Route," the result of a joint initiative of the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT) and the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE).

The IHT and the IHCAFE have collaborated since 2013 to develop coffee plantations, equipping them with the necessary infrastructure and training to support visitors to the sites. The investment and development is seen as an important economic driver for the region.

The "Coffee Route" encompasses the country's six coffee-growing regions––Copan, Opalaca, Montecillos, Comayagua, Agalta, and El Paraiso––each with distinct geographic and bioclimatic conditions.

Domestic and international tourists will be able to closely observe the coffee-making process from seed to cup. Additionally, they will be able to visit coffee plantations, schools and research centers, and participate in ecotouristic activities, coffee tastings and visit one of the nearly 60 specialty coffee shops serving the country's renowned blends.

"The combination of tourism and coffee with the launch of the 'Coffee Route' allows us to offer the best of Honduras to both domestic and international tourists. It also serves to diversify income sources and create new opportunities for our coffee farmers," said Rene Leon Gomez, general manager of the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE).
The quality of Honduran coffee, as well as its distinct flavor and aroma, have allowed it to receive prestigious awards and international recognition, and have helped position the country as the sixth-largest coffee exporter in the world.

HONDURAS: Floods Damage Homes And Schools After 7 Days Of Rain

Heavy rain has caused flooding in several departments of Honduras over the last few days, according to the country’s civil defence agency, Copeco. Heavy rain has also affected several other countries in Central America, including Panama and Guatemala.
Honduras

Damage to homes, schools and roads has been reported around the capital, Tegucigalpa, and in the surrounding department of Francisco Morazán. The wall of a supermarket collapsed as result of the heavy rain. No injuries were reported. The heavy rain has also caused several landslides, and caused damage to the storm water drainage system in La Cabaña areas of Tegucigalpa.

River levels are also high, in particular the San José, Guacerique and Sabacuante, according to Copeco.

The authorities have issued three flood warnings over the last 7 days. Yesterday Copeco issued a green (low) level weather warning for the next 48 hours for the nine departments of Copan, Ocotepeque, Lempira, Santa Barbara, Comayagua, La Paz, Francisco Morazan, Valle and Choluteca.

Rainfall

Copeco say that further heavy rain is expected due to the interaction between two low pressure systems, one in the Gulf of Fonseca and the other in the Gulf of Honduras..

Rainfall figures according to WMO for a 24 hour period between 27 and 28 September 2015:

Amapala – 53.6 mm
Santa Rosa De Copan – 64.4 mm
Nueva Ocotepeque – 51.7 mm