“Panama, geography gave you / a gift that it did not give to any land / two seas will advance to meet you / the pure mountain range thinned out / instead of giving you a sea it gave you the waters / of the two foam sovereigns”, wrote Pablo Neruda in honor of Panama. The poet, like Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez, Che, Fidel Castro and many 20th century personalities, fell in love with the beauty of this Central American country with strong Colombian, Antillean, Spanish, French and American influences.
In the oldest and most authentic neighborhood of its capital, the sixth hotel of the prestigious firm Sofitel Legend opened its doors last December, with a presence until then only in Egypt, China, the Netherlands, Colombia and Vietnam. If something stands out about these exclusive spaces, it is that they are a destination in themselves. What’s more, destiny would not become part of the exquisite verse to describe this new hotel, the word would be experience, to which is added attention that borders on mime and a joie de vivre that encapsulates the best of art, culture, history and the elegance of its privileged location.
Historically, the Isthmus of Panama has been characterized by receiving significant immigration from different origins in search of opportunities, which increased with the construction of the canal. Panamanian high society, which flourished even more at that time, decided to found an exclusive institution in 1871 that they called Club Unión, which for many years had its headquarters in the place where this elegant hotel is located today, with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and of the modern skyline of the Panamanian capital. The Club Unión, which was in operation until the arrival of the dictatorship of Manuel Antonio Noriega, played a fundamental role in making political, economic and social decisions in the country.
From this incredible space, which hosted parties and meetings of the Panamanian elite, the beautiful façade and various decorative elements that today are part of the idiosyncrasy of this sophisticated hotel have been preserved, which, completely rebuilt and remodeled, jealously guards the original spirit of the legend of Club Unión in perfect harmony with a contemporary delicacy in the design of all its spaces, and in the sublime gastronomic and wellness experiences that it offers its guests.
Around a central terrace and a large pool overlooking the ocean, its 159 spacious rooms are located, including 35 splendid suites. But there is still more: 67% of the total rooms have exterior views from which, if you ask for breakfast, you will be able to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise. Likewise, the hotel offers delicious signature cocktails to enjoy the sunset from your own room or comfortably installed on its magnetic rooftop.
Above other nationalities that have had a strong imprint in Panama and that we see in photographs and decorative elements in all spaces, the French heritage stands out. In the lobby, a large mosaic reminds us of the ambitious construction of the Panama Canal, which for years was in the hands of Ferdinand de Lesseps and his team; In the ballroom, the marble with wrought iron details reminds us of the emergence of Art Nouveau, and multiple hydraulic floors show motifs from this artistic trend that the French and Belgians, as well as Gaudà and his contemporaries and disciples, knew how to represent so well. .
Under the tutelage of the renowned executive chef Lorenzo Di Gravio, with a Michelin star, the hotel’s gastronomic spaces are an invitation to discover the best local products and recipes, but with signature touches that adapt them to the most cosmopolitan palate and fuse them with tradition. Mediterranean and other countries across the continent. The oysters à la mignonette are the most tender kiss of the sea; the ceviches, in different combinations depending on the space, are pure fireworks of contrasting flavors; and one is speechless before the grilled octopus with pumpkin and celeriac; their seafood broth, with mussels, clams, and kale; their scallops with beurre blanc and red chard; their ricotta and spinach ravioli with saffron fondue; and, for meat lovers, its most tender and flavorful T-bone steak with potato pavé.
The service by the pool is also exquisite and with fresh dishes so that, between dips, one discovers the best Panamanian snacks, with exquisite bowls and salads, while the skybar offers a selection of Latin tapas with high-level cocktails, and Mayda, the lobby restaurant and bar, prepares a lobster brioche with tarragon and Sriracha hot sauce that has no equal in Boston or Thailand, the two places that have made it the most popular.
Among the many personalities who stayed or had lunch at Club Unión we found Charles Lindbergh, the first man to cross the Atlantic on a flight. He was received by President Rodolfo Chiari and, after being honored at the presidential residence, he was escorted to the Club. In 1930 Einstein and his wife Elsa stopped to visit a friend in this space before leaving for California. In 1944, Eleanor Roosevelt officially visited Panama. After touring the Santo Tomás hospital, she attended a lunch at Club Unión, where prominent ladies of Panamanian society wore the pollera, the traditional dress, to show part of the local culture to the first lady of the United States of America.
Every illustrious person who visited Panama was brought to Club Unión and, now, the hotel has been home to many celebrities, from Grammy Award winners to Hollywood stars. And it is that before being totally reformed by Sofitel Legend, the shell of the once elegant building served as the setting for films such as Quantum of Solace, with Daniel Craig in the skin of James Bond.
Today, the legend of this historical and architectural jewel has been reborn, once again embracing the Pacific Ocean with facilities that provide a unique experience from the moment its doors open and the sea breeze welcomes guests.
