Once I booked my stay at Hotel La Compañía in Panama City, I soon discovered its sister property, La Compañía del Valle. I knew I had to include this luxury resort in my journey. Tucked away in the lush Panama jungle, and 2 1/2 hours away by car, El Valle is set within the crater of an ancient volcano. Its last eruption occurred around 300,000 years ago.
I felt this was the perfect way to explore nature in the middle of Panama. From hiking in the Panama jungle, to relaxing at the largest wellness spa in Panama, the Elysium Spa, La Compañía del Valle seemed absolutely perfect for my adventure!
…
La Compañía del Valle Luxury Resort
Staying at this luxurious resort felt like the perfect way to experience Panama’s natural beauty in a refined and tranquil setting. Inspired by a Tuscan retreat and nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, La Compañía del Valle offers a peaceful contrast to busy Panama City. I really enjoyed the misty mountains, tropical forests, and fresh mountain air, all in luxury style. The property is just amazing! Not to mention the interesting statues catching your eye, wherever you look. How clever!
From the grill restaurant FUEGO to the vegetarian Terra Restaurant, once you enter the La Compañía del Valle property, you feel relaxed and well looked after. The staff is attentive and always smiling. Whether hanging around the pool, hiking in the Panama jungle or enjoying a free yoga class, there is plenty to do here in this luxury retreat. This makes La Compañía del Valle an unforgettable destination not to be missed.
And to add to the luxury activities, you definitely need to spend some time at the amazing Elysium Spa. Not only because it is adults only. This is the Art of Wellness at its finest! Trust me.
Check out Booking.com for specials.
…
The Elysium Spa – Art of Wellness
Opened only a few months ago, The Elysium Spa spans over 20,000 square feet. The spa’s design thoughtfully reconnects the mind, body, and spirit through treatments inspired by the natural elements.
This was amazing! Roman bath influences are clearly visible throughout the spa’s architecture. Arched passageways and natural materials, such as volcanic stone and marble, create an atmosphere that feels both grounding and luxurious. Set deep within the Panamanian jungle, this spa experience is nothing short of extraordinary when visiting La Compañía del Valle. And it was exactly what I needed!
From the Aromatherapy Steam Room to the Himalayan Salt and Mud Therapy Room, every space invites deep relaxation. This adults-only sanctuary is designed for true escape and for me! Phones are not allowed here. However, I was kindly granted a special exemption so I could show you just how stunning and unique this spa experience truly is. I had some fun and really relaxed, going from the sauna, to the steam room to the ice cold water, all on repeat. Mixing in all the other treats in between.
One thing is certain. In La Compañía del Valle and the Elysium Spa, time definitely slows down. Be ready to breathe deeply, rest completely, and rediscover yourself. And enjoy it all!
…
And in between the relaxing at La Compañía del Valle, you can do some activities. For example…
…
Hiking the India Dormida trail
El Valle de Antón and La Compañía del Valle is certainly a destination for nature lovers.
La India Dormida (Spanish for The Sleeping Indian Woman) is a popular scenic hike located at El Valle de Antón. Locals say the mountain ridge resembles a woman lying on her back, giving the trail its name. Interesting! Set inside the crater of the old volcano, it is home to the mythical golden frog and more than 300 species of birds. Jaguars and monkeys as well apparently.
Although I didn’t spot any of the wildlife during my hike through the Panamanian jungle, I certainly sensed their presence. Surrounded by dense rainforest, rustling leaves, and distant sounds, I felt like they watched me from distance. Not revealing themselves to me.
It actually reminded me a bit of the tiger adventure in India, where I have been promised wildlife, but didn’t see any – Drive to Jaipur via the Ranthambore Tiger Resort.
Hiking the India Dormida trail was both challenging and rewarding. The steep climb to the summit takes around 1.5 hours. It winds through lush greenery, waterfalls and breathtaking scenery along the way. Little red ants are absolutely everywhere, so you need to be careful where you step. If you stop for too long, they will quickly crawl up your legs. The stings are supposedly quite painful. Luckily, I didn’t experience it.
…
The trail..
The path was quite well set up. You can simply follow the green arrow. Reaching the top makes every effort worthwhile, with stunning views over El Valle. The weather here is very unpredictable, with a constant drizzle in the air. Nothing ever truly dries in Panama. Sweating and constant wet hair are certainly part of being here. That said, hiking in Panama jungle, and particularly the India Dormida trail, was a great experience.
Even more so because I could relax afterwards, in the heated pool at La Compañía del Valle. Maybe I’ll go for another massage in the Elysium Spa? And why not? After all, I’m here to relax in the Panama jungle.
…
And so…
Visiting La Compañía del Valle was exactly the kind of luxury escape and jungle experience I had been hoping for. It was amazing and I would highly recommend visiting La Compañía del Valle yourself! I hiked through the Panama jungle, relaxed at the Elysium Spa, swam in the heated pool, and dined at all of the restaurants at La Compañía del Valle. Each more delicious than the last. This is certainly the best luxury retreat there is here.
The only down side.. it was over too quickly!
Between the Panama City experience and the Panamanian countryside, both La Compañía hotels made my trip to Panama truly special and unique. You should definitely experience it for yourself! With a third location near the beach set to open soon, I’m sure I’ll be back in Panama to enjoy La Compañía’s hospitality all over again.
(post 231)
