A new icon has emerged in the heart of Panama’s UNESCO-designated Casco Viejo. Amarla Casco Viejo, a boutique hotel with just eight keys, has revolutionized local hospitality, setting a new standard for luxury and authenticity. Founded by British entrepreneurs Asher Warr and Robin Faulkner, this establishment marks a bold departure from the conventional, offering a unique blend of local culture, design, and community spirit.

Amarla Casco Viejo, translating to ‘purity,’ is not just a hotel; it’s a statement. A statement that luxury doesn’t have to be impersonal and grandiose but can be intimate, meaningful, and rooted in the community. The hotel’s design philosophy is a testament to this belief, with every detail meticulously crafted by Panama’s finest artisans, celebrating the rich local heritage.

The hotel’s location in the historic district of Panama adds to its allure, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the region’s authentic culture. This is not just a stay; it’s an experience – an opportunity to connect with the soul of Panama. The architecture, the locally influenced restaurant, and the artisan-crafted interiors all speak volumes of the country’s vibrant culture.

Amarla Casco Viejo Dining Room.

Each of the eight rooms at Amarla Casco Viejo offers a unique narrative, a tribute to a different Panamanian province. The rooms, adorned with photographs by Phoebe Montague, showcase Panama’s natural and cultural wonders. From the Darien to Chiriqui, guests are taken on a visual journey celebrating the country’s diversity.

The concept of the hotel was to create a contemporary adults-only oasis that respects and reflects the local culture and environment. The result is a green haven within the urban landscape, with lush palms and vertical gardens flourishing with jasmine and orchids, providing a serene retreat from the bustling city life.

Local artistry is the heartbeat of Amarla. From hand-painted coffee cups by a Panamanian tribe to hand-spun textiles and international elements like Moroccan brassware, Indonesian silk, and Portuguese linens, the hotel is a melting pot of global and local crafts.

For those seeking a more opulent experience, the Superior Duplex Suite offers a luxurious escape. With twin balconies and a remote-controlled skylight, guests can gaze at the stars from the comfort of their bed, adding a touch of romance and wonder to their stay.

Amarla Casco Viejo lobby.

Amarla’s commitment to the community extends beyond its design. The hotel forms the nucleus of a burgeoning network of like-minded businesses in Casco Viejo, now recognized as Panama’s creative hub. Its restaurant, Kaandela, embodies this spirit. A collaborative endeavour, Kaandela blends local Panamanian cuisine with Amarla’s design ethos, offering a dining experience that is both fiery and flavorful.

The hotel’s approach to wellness is holistic and intimate. A certified wellness instructor offers personalized breathwork, meditation, and yoga sessions, ensuring guests feel refreshed.

Amarla Casco Viejo is more than a hotel; it’s a catalyst for a new era of tourism in Panama. It attracts a diverse crowd – explorers, creatives, wellness enthusiasts, and adventurers drawn to its authentic local experiences, artistic flair, and innovative design. This property is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination, redefining luxury and hospitality in one of Panama’s most historic regions.

In conclusion, Amarla Casco Viejo is a beacon of innovation and authenticity in boutique hotels. It’s a place where luxury meets local culture, where each stay is an intimate journey into the heart of Panama. This hotel is not just changing the landscape of luxury hospitality; it’s redefining it, one authentic experience at a time.

Written by: Matthew Thomas

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