Los Establos Boutique Resort: Complete Property Tour
Video walkthrough by Harold Dufriani with After Show Chat
Trip Duration: 7 days (currently on day 4)
Location: Panama
How They Won the Trip: Contest entry
RESORT LAYOUT & OVERVIEW
Room Location & Immediate Surroundings
Their Specific Room:
- Located directly adjacent to the pickleball courts and swimming pool area
- Premium suite accommodation
- Features a balcony with outstanding views
Nearby Amenities:
- Pickleball courts (haven't played yet due to business/schedule)
- Swimming pool
- Multiple guest quarters in the surrounding area
Main Reception & Happy Hour Area
Central Hub Features:
- Main reception desk
- Happy hour gathering space
- Central pathway connecting different resort sections
- Multiple room types available (smaller rooms and premium suites)
- Rooms available both ground level and upstairs with windows
HAPPY HOUR AREA (24/7 AMENITIES)
Complimentary Beverages & Refreshments
Available Anytime:
- Refrigerator stocked with:
- Beer
- Soda
- Sprite
- Sparkling water
- Pineapple juice (for mixing drinks)
- Regular water
- Wine
- Ice machine
- Coffee station with all fixings
During Happy Hour:
- Staff prepare specialty drinks
- Custom drink requests accommodated
- Popular choice: Pineapple and vodka
- (Unknown if Bloody Marys are available)
Additional Features:
- Games available for guests
- Dirty dish drop-off area (staff cleans regularly)
- Self-service at all hours
SPA & FITNESS CENTER
Wellness Facilities
Spa Services:
- Can book massages
- Option to schedule a full spa day
- Available as an alternative to daily excursions
Workout Room:
- Free weights available
- Accessible to all guests
- (Hosts admits they haven't used it yet despite the food indulgence)
DINING AREA & RESTAURANT
"The most important place... at least it is in my book"
Meal Service & Specialties
Breakfast:
- Daily Panamanian breakfast special
- Regular menu options available
Lunch:
- Daily Panamanian lunch surprise/special
- Regular menu always available:
- Wraps
- Pasta
- Various other options
Food Quality:
- Described as "magnificent"
- Variety offered daily
Restaurant Features:
- Beautiful indoor dining area
- Courtyard seating outside the happy hour area
- Stunning landscaping and flowers throughout the area
OUTDOOR SPACES & VIEWS
Scenic Areas
Multiple Viewing Points:
- Outstanding views from every location
- Beautiful balcony views from rooms
- Guests often sit on balconies just to enjoy the scenery
Pool & Recreation Areas:
- Swimming pool (too windy during this visit to use much)
- Additional guest quarters scattered throughout property
- Approximately 12 guests at resort during this visit
Landscaping:
- Beautiful flowers throughout
- Well-maintained grounds
- Scenic pathways connecting different areas
PROPERTY ACCESS & TRANSPORTATION
Arrival & Departure
Airport Transfer:
- Cannot pick up from Veraguas Airport
- Resort accessible via main mountain road
- Entrance sign clearly marks the property
Local Transportation:
- Taxis available for trips to town
- Taxis drive up to the door for convenient drop-off/pickup
- Guests regularly visit the local town for shopping and exploring
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Available Experiences
Excursion Options:
- Six excursions available for a 6-day stay
- Guests can choose to do all six or substitute with spa days
- Specific excursions mentioned:
- Hanging Bridges Excursion (challenging workout, elevation changes, resulted in sore thighs for 2+ days afterward)
Flexibility:
- Can look up excursion details independently
- Option to relax at resort instead
- Mix of activity and relaxation encouraged
GUEST EXPERIENCE & ATMOSPHERE
Social Environment
Community Feel:
- Small, intimate group (approximately 12 guests during visit)
- Everyone becomes friendly
- Shared experiences:
- Lunching together
- Happy hour conversations
- Discussing daily activities
- Natural bonding over shared experiences
Relaxation Options:
- Can stay at resort and relax
- Pool lounging
- Balcony time
- Afternoon trips to town for shopping and exploring
LOCAL TOWN VISITS
Town Attractions
What They Enjoy:
- Shopping
- Walking around
- Browsing local offerings
- Supermarket visits (host's personal favorite - enjoys comparing international supermarkets)
Accessibility:
- Easy taxi access
- Pleasant afternoon activity
- Small but charming town
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Current Conditions:
- Windy during February visit
- Staff indicated this is unusual for this time of year
- Typical wind season is December
- Wind has limited some pool activities
- Still enjoying the property despite weather
SPECIAL TOUCHES
Personal Traditions
Good Luck Coin Ritual:
- Host is superstitious (self-described)
- Places good luck coins at a special spot on property
- Attributes contest-winning success to luck
- Regular practice during stays
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Highly Recommended Resort
What Makes It Special:
- Intimate boutique experience
- All-inclusive amenities (food, drinks, activities)
- Friendly, communal atmosphere
- Stunning views from every location
- Excellent food quality and variety
- Flexibility in activities vs. relaxation
- Convenient access to local town
- Beautiful grounds and landscaping
Perfect For:
- Couples seeking relaxation
- Guests who enjoy both activity and downtime
- Those who appreciate boutique resort experiences
- Travelers who like socializing with other guests
- Nature and view enthusiasts