HBA / Hirsch Bedner Associates has completed the design of the Trump Ocean Club Panama which opened on July 6 and, at 70 stories, is the tallest building in Latin America. Its sail-like profile immediately recalls Dubai's luxurious Burj Al-Arab. The HBA designers collaborated with Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka to create a hotel interior that is both sophisticated and resort-like.
The design shows nods to Panamanian culture with touches of bright color, pottery, geometric patterns, rugs and other textiles that were inspired by the seven indigenous tribes of Panama. The hotel's vibrant green, coral and blue tones are a complement to the space's oceanfront location.
The hotel has two lobbies, arrivals are greeted by an open space with 24-foot ceilings and large windows, and the Sky Lobby on the fifteenth floor shows off stunning views of the ocean and the city. The Sky Lobby is designed to be a large-scale living room with tropical rugs inspired by the flowers of Panama and a small game room off to the side. The fifteenth floor is also home to the Cava 15 Wine Bar. This bar was inspired by the look of a vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunk with gleaming wood and leather club chairs.
The fourteenth floor is where you find a pair of restaurants. The Tejas Restaurant and Bar is decorated with local artwork and tribal masks while pendant lights made of cocoon-like woven wire cast a soft glow. The BARcelona Tapas Restaurant & Bar is a more casual and contemporary spot with handmade clay tile flooring and an exposed ceiling. Both restaurants offer outdoor seating.
The hotel's rooms are arranged around a four-story atrium. In the rooms, the headboard's wood carvings are inspired by a bracelet made locally and the lightweight cream throw of monochromatic fabrics on the bed is reminiscent of mola, the garb of the indigenous Kuna people. The bathrooms are designed as an open space within the guestrooms with oval freestanding bathtubs set in the center.
There are two pools, one with an infinity edge and glass wall offering an underwater view of swimmers. Upholstered sun beds with canopies are set upon wooden planks that jut out over the water. The colors of the pool spaces are bright yellows, blues and corals hinting to the old Hollywood lifestyle. The building includes condo residences, hotel condominiums, a wellness spa, retail boutiques, a business center and meeting space.
The hotel is now open and until the end of the month, to see rates go to TrumpPanamaHotel.com.
