The rainy season winds down and the high season for tourism in Panama begins approximately at Christmastime, then continues through the dry season - locally known as “summer” - which ends in May.

We live less than an hour from the resort, and had a nice drive there.  The bougainvillea, which has been teasing us for months with intermittent  blossoms, have finally burst into full bloom. Panama’s famous flowering fences are also starting to show their stuff, and down on the beach are flowering oaks and acacias.

After checking into Garden Suite #303, we opted for dinner at the La Terraza Restaurant.  We both had tasty chicken caesar salads, and my husband, Larry, also had the wonderful Fantasia Tipica, which I had to taste as well.  It is an assortment of  meats and sausages favored by Panamanians.

After a leisurely meal, we retired to our suite. The night was balmy, and soft holiday music drifted through the air. Tasteful holiday decorations were displayed in the public areas. Twinkle lights hung from the trees, the most spectacular of which is a vine-draped giant in front of the main entrance.

Eventually, the hotel was added and a full-blown resort was born. Most hotels and resorts are occupied only by tourists, whereas the Coronado is also frequented by local country club members. The hotel has the feel and appearance of a grand hacienda that continues to expand to accommodate friends and family.

The walls are white. The cool tile floors are a pinkish coral color, resembling the saltillo tiles of Mexico.

There are three types of suites. The Garden Suites have a lounging area with two daybeds for sofas and a dining/game table with four chairs.  Plantation-style shutters separate the living area from the bedroom, which holds a king-sized bed with nightstands. The bathroom is bright and commodious with a tub, shower and bidet. Robes and quality toiletries are provided. There is a safe in the closet and a refrigerator-minibar in the living room. The television swivels 360 degrees and has a wide range of English and Spanish-speaking channels. The air conditioning is as cold as you like. The draperies have black-out liners. The rooms are quiet, and the beds are comfy. And a newspaper arrives at your door in the morning.

The Royal Suites have the same floor plan with the addition of a terrace and a circular staircase to a second bedroom with two queen-sized beds and another full bath. The Residential Suites are more like apartments. 

Panamanians tend to be very family oriented, and these suites are just right for families or guests in need of long-term housing.

There are over 70 suites available, each with a similar layout but with different colors and fabrics and art, all with a tropical theme. 

The next morning we returned to the La Terraza restaurant, to try out its offerings for desayuno (breakfast). I chose a yummy tropical fruit plate while Larry had another assortment of Panamanian specialties.