Panama Master Thread

[tzifanya54]

I've seen a few people say they went to Embrea Village and had them cook lunch for you. How does it work.
Does the guide buy new pot and knife? How can you tell its actually new?
Do you buy it? How do you tovel it?
Thanks

We did this with Mauricio (he was great). He brought everything which still had the new stickers on it, he gave it to me in the boat, we toiveled it. Another option would be to do it with a non Jew, and not own the stuff brought then no need for toiveling. Although ask your LOR if they are charging you to buy it May technically be yours.

[moishes]

I've seen a few people say they went to Embrea Village and had them cook lunch for you. How does it work.
Does the guide buy new pot and knife? How can you tell its actually new?
Do you buy it? How do you tovel it?
Thanks

We did tour with Estaban (whatsapp +507 6923-7454) an English speaking tourguide, very nice and friendly $99 p/p. He also goes to buy new pot, knife and kosher ingredients to cook lunch at Embrera Village (He bought Kosher flour instead of cornstarch)


its posted in my trip report if interested

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=135624.0

[moishes]

We did this with Mauricio (he was great). He brought everything which still had the new stickers on it, he gave it to me in the boat, we toiveled it. Another option would be to do it with a non Jew, and not own the stuff brought then no need for toiveling. Although ask your LOR if they are charging you to buy it May technically be yours.

You do travel there by boat, so not a big deal to toivel 

[tzifanya54]

You do travel there by boat, so not a big deal to toivel 

Yup, part of the experience.

[Geshmak25]

What’s the best way to book reward flights to Panama from EWR (or tristate airports) using Chase or Amex points?

[moishes]

What’s the best way to book reward flights to Panama from EWR (or tristate airports) using Chase or Amex points?

Aeroplan you can use chase to transfer there

[davidd75]

Aeroplan you can use chase to transfer there

what about Panama to LA using award miles best option?  Copa has decent nonstop service but can you use miles with Copa?

[mmgfarb]

what about Panama to LA using award miles best option?  Copa has decent nonstop service but can you use miles with Copa?

Yes, of course, if there's award availability. Check you're regular star alliance programs like AC and LM but UA had expanded availability on Copa at a higher rate which could make sense if cash fares are high.

[iluv2travel]

Anyone stayed at the Sofitel Legend Hotel? If yes, please advise your experience. I'm not looking to stay over shabbos so access to shul is not an issue.

Also, does anyone know the dates of Yeshiva break/week in winter 2025? Want to make sure not go during that time.

Thank you.

[Wolf Pack]

Anyone stayed at the Sofitel Legend Hotel? If yes, please advise your experience. I'm not looking to stay over shabbos so access to shul is not an issue.

 Just stayed there last week. Phenomenal experience.  loooks brand new, spotless clean, luxurious, great amenities and service.

[myi]

What’s the best way to book reward flights to Panama from EWR (or tristate airports) using Chase or Amex points?

Try pointsyeah.com.  it's free to use

[ajs625]

Has anyone been to Panama with young kids and went to Boquete? What was your experience? Also, is it crazy to split a week with half the time in PC and the other in Boquete?

[Avs175]

Can anyone comment on the tznius of vising Embera Village?
What are the women dressed like?
Thanks.

[PBaruch]

Can anyone comment on the tznius of vising Embera Village?
What are the women dressed like?
Thanks.

Close to naked. Usually topless and sometimes they'll forget to put the top on.

[moisheh]

Looking to stay for a week in Panama City July 10-17 with 4 adults 6 kids 3-9 what’s the best hotel options

[Ekay]

Looking to stay for a week in Panama City July 10-17 with 4 adults 6 kids 3-9 what’s the best hotel options

Residence Inn.

[PBaruch]

Looking to stay for a week in Panama City July 10-17 with 4 adults 6 kids 3-9 what’s the best hotel options

Likewise, we really liked the Residence Inn.  It's around the corner from Chabad and a block away from Jeffrey's.  There is now a kosher supermarket on the ground floor.

[efflpetzel]

Close to naked. Usually topless and sometimes they'll forget to put the top on.

that was not my experience.

[PBaruch]

that was not my experience.

Dunno, maybe you went to the fake village.   

[ckmk47]

My review of Eshel Suites is long overdue.
Excellent accommodations!
Location: Around the block from Chabad. A few blocks from the Ashkenaz shul and one of the Sefardi shuls.
One block from the Kosher supermarket, which is across the parking lot form 3 restaurants.
Building: nondescript from the outside. Fresh and elegant and spacious inside.
We had the Presidential Suite. It has 2 bedrooms, each with 2 double beds and it’s own bathroom, and another area that can be used for sleeping children, and a 3rd bathroom in the hallway.
There is also a dining room and living room (with a large screen TV).
But the crowning glory is the kitchen! Large fridge,2 sinks, counters, stove, cabinets.  Fully stocked with dishes, pots and silverware.  He verifies you’re kosher before confirming your booking.
The Presidential Suite is 1 flight up.  2 flights up has other, 1 BR suites that have a kitchen area.
Also upstairs is a common area. Where on Shabbos there are tables to eat at and weekday you can just hang out with others if you’d like.
We set our own AC. There’s a washer and dryer.
There’s daily maid service that kept the whole suite sparkling – even washed our dishes and counter.
The owner is very responsive.  We had trouble with the wifi, and he came immediately to reset it.
He suggested we order from the supermarket prior to our arrival and they put the delivery into the fridge for us.  He helped us with Shabbos food suggestions, too.
We were there a week and loved it. Other people who were in other hotels (on high floors) came there just for Shabbos.