Panama’s All-Inclusive Resorts in 2025: What You Need to Know
Panama may not be known for endless mega-resorts like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, but it offers a curated selection of all-inclusive options that cater to families, couples, and group retreats. This 2025 guide provides an in-depth look at Panama’s top all-inclusive resorts—especially in the coastal Coclé region—with analysis by category, travel logistics, pricing, and even investment potential.
Most resorts are centered in Río Hato, a town along the Pacific coast about two hours west of Panama City. It’s the country’s most concentrated zone for beach resorts and is accessible by the Scarlett Martínez International Airport (RIH) or the Pan-American Highway.
Mid-Range All-Inclusive Beach Resorts: Playa Blanca & Bijao
1. Riu Playa Blanca – All Inclusive (3.5★, 8.0/10 Rating)
Photo by Hotel Riu Playa Blanca
Inclusions: 24-hour buffet and à-la-carte dining, 5 bars (including swim-up and sports bars), non-motorized water sports, daily shows, and property-wide Wi-Fi.
Pros:
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Excellent value for families and large groups
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Robust entertainment and staffing
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Average price: US $160–190/night
Cons:
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Layout can feel segmented (some rooms far from amenities)
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Not a luxury experience—more functional than fancy
Investor Notes:
Riu’s corporate structure protects pricing with dynamic promotions. ADR is stable, and brand familiarity appeals to Central and South American package tourists.
2. Playa Blanca Beach Resort (4★, 7.0–7.2 Rating)
Photo by Playa Blanca Resort
Inclusions: Buffet dining, snacks and bars, saltwater lagoon pool (Central America’s largest), kids’ club, water slides, and daily programming.
Pros:
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Best for young families
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Signature pools are a standout
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Typically priced at US $180–200/night
Cons:
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Aging infrastructure in some areas
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Staff training inconsistency noted in reviews
Investor Notes:
Independent ownership faces seasonal occupancy dips, especially in the rainy season. Group tour feeds critical to stabilizing high occupancy.
3. Gran Evenia Bijao – All Inclusive (3.5★, 8.2/10 Rating)
Photo by graneveniabijao.com
Inclusions: Buffet + à-la-carte meals, bars, spa access, youth lounges, and optional casino. Vacation-club format supports recurring guests.
Pros:
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Flexible for corporate retreats
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Vacation club/timeshare helps mitigate seasonality
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Strong occupancy in shoulder seasons
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Rates: US $150–180/night
Cons:
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Lacks polish of larger chains
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Food and beverage offerings are adequate but repetitive
Investor Notes:
The club model creates recurring income. Active resale market offers possible investment entry points.
Upscale Resorts for Golf, Wellness & Events
4. The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort – Autograph Collection (5★, 9.1/10 Rating)
Photo by Buenaventura Resort
Inclusions: “Wellness All-Inclusive” packages include meals, spa credit, bike rentals, airport shuttle, and access to gardens and pools.
Pros:
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Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course
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Premium spa and fine dining
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Perfect for weddings, couples, and high-end travelers
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Starting from US $170/night, packages often climb to US $250+
Cons:
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Packages are seasonal; not fully all-inclusive year-round
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Upsell options (golf, marina) increase final bill
Investor Notes:
High upfront costs but more stable ROI. Marriott franchise data shows 8–12% annual return at 60%+ occupancy.
Panama City “All-Inclusive” Alternatives
Panama City doesn’t offer beachfront all-inclusives, but two properties offer similar packages:
Dreams Playa Bonita Panama (4★)
Located just outside the city near Amador Causeway, this resort blends all-inclusive features like buffets and open bars with jungle and ocean views. Offers a hybrid model with spa and dining credits.
Iberostar Playa Blanca (Planned)
No active listing as of mid-2025. Rumored launch late 2025, though the Iberostar site doesn’t currently show Panama availability.
Quick Comparison Chart (2025 Summer Rates)
| Resort | Rating | Rate (USD) | Best For | Notable Features | Investor Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Playa Blanca | 3.5★ / 8.0 | $160–190 | Budget families/groups | Pools, shows, food variety | Chain-run, low CapEx, high turnover |
| Playa Blanca Beach Resort | 4★ / 7.2 | $180–200 | Young families | Saltwater pool, water slides | Aging assets, needs promo feeds |
| Gran Evenia Bijao | 3.5★ / 8.2 | $150–180 | Events, mid-market | Casino, spa, club model | Resale activity strong in rainy season |
| Buenaventura | 5★ / 9.1 | $170–250+ | Couples, weddings | Golf, spa, luxury villas, marina | Branded luxury, stable cash flow |
*All rates from summer 2025 OTA listings; exclude airfare and fees.
Access & Infrastructure
All resorts lie ~115 km west of Panama City, via the Pan-American Highway or internal flights to RIH airport. Transfer times range from 90 to 150 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public infrastructure upgrades (widening of key roads) are expected to reduce drive times by late 2026, further boosting tourism flow.
Rainy vs Dry Season Travel in Panama
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Dry Season: Mid-January to April – peak prices and occupancy
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Rainy Season: May to December – promotional deals more common
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Resorts often lean on chartered flight + stay bundles during this time
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Smart investors and travel planners use this seasonality to optimize budgets or occupancy models.
Travel Personas: Who Books These Resorts?
Families:
Riu and Playa Blanca Beach Resort appeal to families thanks to pools, daily entertainment, and reliable all-inclusive pricing.
Groups/Weddings:
Gran Evenia’s casino and event spaces make it ideal for wedding parties or business groups.
Couples & Golfers:
Buenaventura attracts discerning travelers with its upscale feel, top-tier golf, and spa culture.
Investment Angle: What’s Worth Watching
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Branded Chains (e.g., Riu): Reliable but limited flexibility in customization or upsell
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Club/Timeshare Models (e.g., Bijao): Year-round occupancy potential but weather-dependent variability
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High-End Resorts (e.g., Buenaventura): Strongest per-guest income, but requires deeper capital investment
Río Hato and Playa Blanca remain Panama’s only developed all-inclusive beach corridors. Boutique-style resort concepts outside Coclé—especially in places like Boca Chica, Cambutal, or Torio—remain untested but offer long-term development potential.
If you’re exploring tourism-linked real estate investment, pairing land acquisition with resort partnerships or vacation club integration may offer long-tail value in the right markets.
Final Thoughts
Panama’s all-inclusive scene is compact but growing. For travelers, it’s an easy way to enjoy coastal comfort without over-planning. For property developers and investors, it’s a niche market with room to scale—especially outside traditional resort zones.
If you’re looking to invest, acquire, or collaborate with properties in Panama’s tourism sector, Casa Solution Real Estate can help connect you with coastal lots, resort-zoned land, or commercial-ready properties.
“Casa Solution handled everything smoothly from start to finish. Their team’s expertise was invaluable in my first real estate investment in Panama.”
— Read more client testimonials here
