Shores Changes Everything…

An unwinding happens the moment you tread the cobblestone entrance into the Shores of Panama. Almost immediately you can sense the tone; the place feels beachy but elegant, warm but vibrant. You step through the atrium into a thoughtfully-appointed lobby with views out to a jaw-dropping pool. That’s when you realize it; Shores of Panama will change everything.

Located on the bend at South Thomas, “Shores” is the evolution of Panama City Beach accommodations, providing exceptional amenities and service while still harnessing the charming qualities of classic Panama City Beach. The evolution is in Shores’ versatility. The 23 floor, 706-unit resort condominium can, rather effortlessly, handle everything from business meetings to large-scale summer getaways or just your plain-ol-lounge-around the-pool weekend vacation. I toured the property, enjoying the sunshine and luxury, and can say with sharp confidence, you will not be disappointed.

The concept:
Shores of Panama, an Oaseas Resorts Property,  is all about balance. Standing on the massive 13,000 sq.ft. poolside you truly feel sensations of both freedom and intimacy. That may sound contradicting at first, but from your private balcony you enjoy gaping, unobstructed views while being surrounded in the architectural horseshoe shape in such a way that the view feels framed just for you like something on a postcard. You get the best of both worlds; a statement that makes Shores of Panama unique on Panama City Beach.

The Amenities:
The Spa at the Shores of Panama may be one of the better Spas on the entire beach. Big wooden doors welcome you to a place made for relaxation. They have separate facilities for male and female clients. You can get your blood circulating in the aromatherapy steam room or lay back in the dry sauna. If that doesn’t relax you, you can enjoy one of several massage choices from deep tissue to Swedish and even exotic warm stone massage. They also offer renewal facials for men and women as well as scalp massages.

Shores’ amenities are ongoing. They have a fitness room with high-end cardio equipment as well as indoor (heated) and outdoor pools. You can go poolside to the Mahi Mahi grill for a fresh grouper sandwich ($8.99) or to the Sunset Beachside Bar for the Shore’s own Goombay Smash (spiced rum, coconut rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice and orange juice).

The Pool:
Shores’ main pool is so spectacular it gets its own section. I walked the huge pool deck and couldn’t tell if I was still in Panama City Beach or had somehow been teleported to Las Vegas or Miami. Developed in the style of Disney Pools, this 2 million dollar splash-zone is an adventure all its own as it twists and turns around corners and under bridges. The landscaping around the pool is lush and inviting, covered in towering palm trees and segos. Fountains embellish every turn and there’s even a zero entry point. You may think that the elegance would detour people from fun, but you’d be wrong. I saw kids of all ages having a ball and splashing around.The “balance” makes you feel like, although surrounded in ritz, you can still splash big with a cannonball.

The Rooms:
Shores’ rooms exude a warmth that is difficult to come by on the gulf-front. They offer room types ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom units with full kitchens. I visited three different room types and, though individual in design, none lacked on comfort and elegance. What surprised me most were the small details. Light fixtures, sliding glass doors and ceiling fans, everything in the room seemed to want to make a statement.

The room balconies are massive allowing you front row seats to impressive views. I visited a room with a corner balcony and had no obstruction whatsoever viewing Panama City Beach from end to end. Every room comes with top-of-the-line appliances, DVD players with complimentary DVDs as well as washers and dryers. Two of the rooms I visited had 60-inch flat screen televisions that made me want click on the football game and just move right in.

The beds are big, comfy and pillow-topped. Many of the master bedrooms have individual balconies so you can wake up the gulf. In every room I visited I was engaged by all the wood and granite accents. It just felt like home.

The Price:
This is what may surprise you the most. The summer season (mid-june) rate for a studio is only $149.00 a night perfect for a romantic getaway or a mini-vacation. If you’re looking for larger accommodations during the same time period, 1 bedroom 2 bath goes for $179.00. You can get a 2 bedroom 2 bath with bunks, ideal for the family vacation, for around $279.00 – $299.00. Very good price to value ratio.

The Bottom Line:
Shores is the gamechanger. Shores of Panama Resort is so balanced, so elegant and so substantial that it could totally change the way Panama City Beach is seen and may very well be the future of Panama City Beach. If you’re looking for a summer furlough, a family vacation or just a simple getaway, Shores can cover all the bases. It’s located on Thomas Dr., but is only steps away from Front Beach Rd. providing quick access to shopping and attractions. Stay a night or two and thank me later.

Shores of Panama is located at 9900 South Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 for more information call 1-877-808-4323 or go to their website www.shoresofpanamacitybeach.com where you can make your next vacation reservation.

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All photos copyright 2009 Oaseas Resorts