The next great honeymoon spots

Panama: Latin Hot Spot
The Inside Scoop: This narrow isthmus wedged between Costa Rica and Colombia bridges North and South America both geographically and symbolically. Its eponymous canal changed international shipping routes when it was completed in 1914, but the country has other attractions as well: acres of tropical rainforest, two undeveloped coastlines and countless offshore islands, most of them uninhabited. Nature lovers know Panama as one of the best birding and fishing spots on the globe, and eco-adventurists come for jungle trekking, river rafting and scuba diving.

Claim to Fame: Five years ago, Costa Rica was the hottest destination in Central America. But as it began to reach its tourism peak, independent-minded travelers looked farther south. Panama has the tropical climate and natural beauty of Costa Rica, but it also has something else important: infrastructure. The highways are great, electricity is steady, the government is stable, and thanks to prolonged American presence during the canal days, many people speak English.

Why it’s Hot: Panama City is in the midst of a vast revitalization, especially in Casco Viejo, where ornate Spanish-style buildings fronting quaint plazas are being renovated and turned into hip eateries and elegant nightclubs. Or head to the Amador Causeway, a series of islands that stretch out from downtown. Rent a pair of bikes and cruise along the promenade, then stop in at Café Barko for amazingly fresh ceviche and grilled fish. The causeway is also the site of the new Museum of Biodiversity, designed by noted architect Frank Gehry and scheduled to open in 2008.

What Makes it Unique: This S-shaped country boasts two coastlines on two different oceans. The rustic Caribbean coast is home to the native Kuna Indians, who still practice traditional lifestyles; it also boasts miles of pristine coral reefs for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Pacific side is a bit more developed, with larger resorts and lots of adventure sports like surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing. Farther inland, hikers, birders and nature buffs love the mountain town of Boquete, which offers access to two national parks and Volcan Baru, Panama’s highest point.

Try This: One of the wonders of the world when it was built, the Panama Canal serves a whopping 14,000 ships a year. Skip the daylong boat tour through the locks and head instead to the visitors’ center and museum at the Miraflores lock, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the operation.

Where to Stay: The Gamboa Rainforest Resort offers jungle adventures and boat tours on Lake Chagres, plus more traditional activities like golf and spa. For sun and surf, head to the new Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa on the Pacific coast; it’s only a half-hour drive from there into Panama City, so you can take in some lively nightlife along Calle Uruguay. For a more secluded feel, head to San Jose island, in the Pearl chain, and the beachfront cabanas of Hacienda del Mar. The crew of Survivor camped out here during the filming of the Panama season; if Jeff Probst is happy, we’re surf you will be, too. – Susan Moynihan

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons is your ultimate resource for planning a destination wedding or honeymoon. Discover amazing places throughout the world to tie the knot as well as the perfect spot for your honeymoon. In every issue, you get coverage of real-life lovebirds and their nuptials, expert advice for planning your big day, and the hottest styles in wedding attire to take you from wedding to honeymoon.

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