ANDREW HARPER REVEALS 2012 GRAND AWARD WINNERS

PANAMONTE INN & SPA NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS LIST

In the November 2011 issue of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, Mr. Harper reviewed The Panamonte Inn & Spa in Boquete. Mr. Harper, since 1979, has been traveling around the world, incognito, always paying his own way, and writing about his experiences of hotels and restaurants. His article about The Panamonte extols the beauty of the gardens, the luxury and comfort of the newly renovated hotel rooms and the extensive and delicious menu created by chef-owner Charlie Collins. He particularly complimented the attentiveness of the staff, the level of personal service, and the graciousness of General Manager, Sandra Naranjo. The full review can be seen here: http://www.andrewharper.com/hotels/panamonte-inn-spa.

The Panamonte was, obviously, very pleased that this mysterious, unknown client was so pleased with his stay at the Inn.

Fast forward to December 30, 2011. The Panamonte Inn received this email:

“NEW YORK, NY –  Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, the most respected publication in luxury travel, today revealed its 2012 Grand Award winners. We are pleased to announce that The Panamonte Inn & Spa was named to the prestigious list, which is comprised of Mr. Harper’s favorite 19 properties he visited within the past calendar year.

“The Hideaway of the Year and the 18 Grand Award winners around the world are identified in the January 2012 issue of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report and online at

AndrewHarper.com/grand-awards-2012.

“Each of Mr. Harper’s Grand Award winners possesses exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and a profound sense of place. Mr. Harper does not evaluate hotels by means of a checklist, but uses his three decades of experience to distinguish the truly enchanting from the merely excellent.”

For the discerning traveler, The Panamonte Inn & Spa in Boquete, Panama offers world class accommodations, a 5 star restaurant, and impeccable service set in some of the most spectacular scenery to be found in Central America. Boquete is always cool, green and hospitable, set in the cloud forest ecology of the Cordillera Mountains.

Once you arrive, there are many options for activities ranging from power lounging in the garden, to luxury spa treatments, to visits to unique fincas that grow rain forest medicinal plants or coffee, to adrenaline filled zip lines and river rafting. There are also numerous festivals throughout the year that offer travelers opportunities for a variety of cultural experiences. The International Coffee and Flower Festival each January draws tens of thousand of visitors from around the world. The annual Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival is a week long extravaganza of performances by top notch artists from around the world. The Orchid Festival in April showcases these most amazing flowers that grow here in the rain forest. The parades of November celebrate Panama’s history and the Christmas season blends traditional Panamanian customs with those imported from abroad.

Whatever holiday entertainment you seek, The Panamonte can help you plan your vacation down to the last detail. The Panamonte: “…truly enchanting, with exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and a profound sense of place.”

Thank you Mr. Harper. Please come visit again, soon.

“Hideaway Report is a private monthly publication for sophisticated travelers. The selection of hotels, resorts and restaurants…is made on a completely independent basis, with Andrew Harper LLC paying full rate for all meals, lodging and related travel expenses. Andrew Harper and his editors travel incognito to write candid and unbiased travel reviews for a private membership service, which provides personalized travel-planning assistance, bespoke tours and valuable travel privileges to its members.”