Overview
by Amanda Norcross
So, you’ve been to Mexico and the Caribbean and want to try something new for your next beach vacation with the kids. Enter the Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection in Rio Hato, Panama, about three hours from Panama City.
Formerly a JW Marriott, this resort provides a luxurious escape for families. The five-star property features a multitude of amenities and services for families, including eight swimming pools (with one just for kids), a kids’ club, teen lounge, and, opened in 2017, its own wildlife refuge! The Buenavaentura Wildlife Center serves as a conversation area and rehabilitation center for local wildlife.
The expansive resort also features kid-friendly restaurants, a relaxing spa, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and a beautiful stretch of sand and surf. All accommodations feature private terraces and most can accommodate families. The four-bedroom villas are especially perfect for large groups, with fully equipped kitchens and private plunge pools!
Bonus: The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama doesn’t charge any hidden resort fees!
Our Editor Loves
- Pools and beach
- Kids' programming
- Buenaventura Wildlife Center
Family Interests
- Beach
- Bicycling
- Golf
- Museum/Cultural
- Water Sports
Family Amenities
- Children Programs
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- Family Room 5+
- Free Wi-Fi
- Game Room
- Kids' Pool
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
Accommodations at the Buenaventura can best be described as simple elegant; they're just the right amount of luxurious for families. Each unit offers beds with comfy pillowtop mattresses, a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, and best of all, a private terrace with a table and chairs! (It's the perfect place to enjoy room service breakfast). All accommodations have air conditioning and fans, as well.
Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request, as are connecting rooms.
There are a total of 114 guestrooms and four villas; within those options, there are several accommodation styles:
Guestrooms
Guestrooms span 527 square feet in size and offer one king or two double beds. Families can choose between the following options: Resort View (views of the onsite chapel and gardens), Garden View or Pool View.
Premier Rooms
Premier Rooms are larger than standard guestrooms, spanning 635 square feet. They offer a living room and overlook the lake and pools.
Suites
Suites, of course, are even larger, at a whopping 1,044 square feet! They have one king bed only and are best suited for couples (we're looking at you, grandparents.) They have a separate living room and a spacious bathroom with a multi-jet tub and separate shower. Upgrade to the Buenaventura Suite for a dining area.
Villas
The villas are absolutely perfect for families, with space for eight to 10 guests. There are four bedrooms (three with one king bed; one with two double beds) and five bathrooms (so nobody has to fight over who's showering first!). Villas are a luxurious 4,305 square feet in size and feature private terraces with plunge pools and barbecue grills; fully equipped kitchens; dining rooms; and living rooms.
Reviews
by Cynthiabernier
My sister, and i , along with our boyfriends paid for our parents to stay here for 3 nights, all inclusive (which let me tell you it is not cheap). I had good contact with Rebeka and the other people made me feel as if everything was going to be taken care of and that they would have an amazing time. I was keeping in contact with my parents the whole time, when they arrived they have a bad welcoming which was quite cold they told me. They enjoyed some of their trip and they enjoyed the spa however there were quite a few things lacking in their stay , they had no hot water and mentioned it to the front desk and still it didnt get fixed by the time they left. They mentioned to me the vents were dirty,and it wasnt kept up to par. They also mentioned that one morning it was breakfast buffet and the day after they took that away and made it a la carte, which is VERY strange! They did enjoy the service of the people who attended them at the restaurants. However,My father ended up getting food poisoning at one of the restaurants and therefore they checked out early because he could not stay there. They had a doctor come the night before leaving because he was in horrible shape , the whole staff knew about this. Upon checking out the manager asked for the phone number to keep in contact to see how he was going to be doing. Upon checking out the same person who checked them in was stating they had to pay their lunch which was supposed to be included. Now, i contacted Rebeka and she fixed this mistake, but she also told me they would call my parents to find out what went wrong and where they ate, but seems to me they did not care. My parents wrote the review and mentioned all their troubles, and all the hotel did was say " hope he gets better". Hope terrible for a hotel of such standards that is VERY EXPENSIVE. Not one phone call, after i called 2x to Rebeka . My father, after 6 days is just barely starting to eat, he had to go to the hospital to get intravenous drips for 6 hours. For the Marriott which i thought was of highest standards, they truly disappointed me, what was supposed to be a romantic getaway for my parents for 3 nights, turned out to be a gift from hell, they will not be returning there ever. They even told me they are unsure of booking ever again with Marriott, as i too am hesitant. Not the customer service you are to expect especially when the food poisoning came from the resort, this is the resorts error .
by G5575SGjenss
When you enter the gated community of Buenaventura and continue for some 4 km more to the JW Marriott hotel your already know the you entered “a different and better world” - acres of beautiful grass fields and with different trees and vegetation scattered delicately around the area. Lovely and spotless maintained houses most with natures green fences.
JW Marriott Hotel is also allowing nature first priority and everything function and looks so stunningly beautiful.
The estimated, nine separate and different swimming pools accommodate every needs - even two has inside pool bar.
Some three very good restaurant with different cuisine caters to the guests needs.
The service -in general- is very good, but Santana from the charming Lighthouse restaurant exceeded everything - simply a waiter whom takes service to the next level
Dolly & Jens
Panama ????????
Family Activities
Beach
The resort fronts a gorgeous, private stretch of sand and surf. Lounge chairs and umbrellas line the beach, and a lifeguard is on duty when the resort is busy.
Pools
There are eight pools in total at this resort, one of which is designed just for kids. Tip: The main pool at El Faro Beach Club is the perfect spot for a selfie, with pool and distant ocean views in the background!
Kids' Clubs
The resort's kids' club -- designed for children ages 4 to 12 -- offers half- or full-day programming with treasure hunts, arts and crafts, water sports and more. There's a separate lounge for teens, with pool tables, air hockey, and video games. There is no cost for kids to visit the kids' club. The resort also hosts sports camps via the American Sports Academy (ASA); they're available during select weeks in July.
Water Sports
The resort offers parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and more via Extreme Adventures. Additional fees apply.
Sports Club
Visit the sports club for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. You can also come here for bike rentals and horseback riding.
Buenaventura Wildlife Center
Make time to visit the resort's wildlife refuge, where you'll see peacocks, deer, alligators, monkeys and more. Our favorite is Geoffroy's Tamarin, native to Panama. They are tiny monkeys with tiny faces! The wildlife refuge is free for resort guests to access.
Mua Mua Museum
Visit the onsite Mua Mua Museum for local artisan workshops and customized activities for kids. This is a great way to bring some Panamanian culture to your family beach vacation.
Family Dining
All of the resort's restaurants are family-friendly, with kids' menus available at Criollo, Tagua and Faro/Asao & Pescao. Highchairs are also available for young children.
Asa'o & Pesca'o
Located at El Faro Beach Club, Asa'o & Pesca'o specializes in seafood and prime cuts of steak. The covered, outdoor restaurant overlooks the pool.
El Faro
Situated by the beach and pools, El Faro Beach Club serves paellas, pizzas and other light fare for lunch.
Cafata Bar & Tapas
Tapas with a Panamanian flair are served at this dinner-only restaurant. The cocktail and craft beer selection is fantastic.
Criollo
Visit Criollo for with a delicious breakfast spread. You'll enjoy local delicacies (plantains, beans, tostones), plus traditional Western dishes such as eggs, omelettes, pancakes and bacon.
Hoyo 19
Hoyo 19 is located at the golf course and serves delicious steaks and cocktails.
La Palapa Bar
Do not miss this bar; we repeat, do not miss this bar! Master mixologist, Miguel Diaz, concocts some of most unusual, delicious cocktails you'll ever taste. When we visited, he made us a drink in a lightbulb (yes, you read that right) and another one that involved cotton candy and dark chocolate. Need we say more? Kids are welcome and Miguel will happily whip up a virgin cocktail for them.
Room Service
The Buenaventura conveniently offers 24-hour room service. Tip: Order a traditional Panamanian breakfast to enjoy on the terrace with your family!
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Fitness Center
The resort has a small, 24-hour fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment. Cool towels and fresh water are provided. The resort also has a fitness trail for those who'd prefer to enjoy their workout outside.
Babysitting
Babysitting services can be arranged, either prior to or during your stay.
Parking
Valet parking is complimentary to guests.
The Best Time to Visit
The Buenaventura is popular with Panama City residents, who like to escape here on the weekends and during Panama's summer, which takes place between December and April. Local children are on their summer break from school during this time. They go back to school during the rainy season, which takes place between May and November. Don't let the rainy season deter you from a visit, though -- you can enjoy lower rates and have the resort practically to yourself.
Getting There
It's not easy to get to this resort -- a three-hour drive (factoring in traffic) is required -- but the experience you'll have once you arrive is absolutely worth it. If you don't want to make the drive after a long flight, plan to spend a day or two in Panama City, where you can visit the historic Panama Canal, stroll through colorful Casco Viejo, or take a local excursion with Ancon Expeditions of Panama. Visit Panama City Family Hotels for our recommendations; we highly recommend The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, which opened in 2018.
Getting Around
It's easy to get to most of the restaurants and pools by foot, but you'll want to catch a ride to El Faro Beach Club, where several pools and the beach are located. You'll also need a ride to get to the golf course and Hoyo 19. The staff will happily provide transportation upon request.
For Parents
Golf
If you like to golf, you'll love the Nicklaus Design championship 18-hole and par-72 championship golf course at the Buenaventura. Discounted rates are available for kids ages 5 to 12. Especially fun is the Cobra Performance Training Center.
Spa
Corotu Spa offers five treatment rooms for services that include massages, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures. Prenatal massages are also available for mothers to be (psst... babymoon). Before or after your treatment, relax in the hydrotherapy area complete with rain showers, saunas, and Jacuzzi tubs. Massage services can also be arranged by the beach or in your room.
Chiringuito
After the spa, enjoy handcrafted cocktails by the beach!
