Beach Weddings

PLACES TO HAVE A BEACH WEDDING IN PANAMA

Let's face it, beach weddings are a big photo shoot not unlike SI's swimsuit issue followed by a wrap-up party: The bride is the model, the wedding gown is the featured clothing item, the beach sunset is the backdrop. The hotel provides craft services, and the groom and guests are nothing but extras. Here are different Panama hotels that provide both bride and dress the best context.

RAD

Wedding Dress: White Body Glove Wetsuit

Nitro City

http://nitrocitypanama.com/


This is a very cool new hotel with an X-treme sports theme.  Even though the decor includes graffiti artists and motocross bikes, the actual hotel is a collection of elegantly appointed two-story beachfront villas. Every room has an outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi (some fitting 6 people), separate shower and bathtub and L'Occitane amenities. The kitchen serves local and international dishes, grilled meats and brick oven pizzas. Play a techno version of the wedding march, and wakeboard down the aisle!

SWELL

 Wedding Dress: Sleeveless Rosa Clará

Hotel Bristol Buenaventura

http://www.thebristol.com/buenaventura/

The only true 5-star beach hotel in the country, this colonial modern hotel is where Panama's elite and their friends congregate. The service is almost flawless, and the menu is designed by Chef Cuquita Arias who's a favorite of Panamanian high society. The place, however, is completely relaxed and casual.  Hotel guests have access to a large pool, a lagoon to enjoy drinks on a small boat (à la "Jungle Cruise"), free bikes to roam around the huge complex, yoga on the beach, horseback riding and a clubhouse where one rubs elbows with captains of industry and government heads who own mansions in the same community. Rooms are very comfortable with Frette linens and Molton Brown amenities.

BOHO

Wedding Dress: Vintage Slip

Villa Marina

http://www.villamarinapanama.com/espanol/default.asp

A bit farther away from the city is Villa Marina, located on Playa Venao near the town of Pedasi.  This small inn has simple yet clean rooms and is a converted beach-front estate. This is the place I'd recommend if you're looking for a more intimate gathering for wedding, without a lot of other people on the property.  They serve very simple traditional dishes, usually built around the catch of the day.  The grounds are well kept and beautifully landscaped to enhance the ocean-front setting.  Surfers flock to the town of Pedasi for the good waves and lowkey vibe.  It is said that both Mel Gibson and Owen Wilson are big fans of the area.