The Lookout
Secret Radar Tower Turned Canopy Hotel

The military is good for a lot of things. But obviously, its forte: luxe vacation spots.

The high-end Canopy Tower, stationed amidst the lush tropicalia of Panama's Soberanía National Park, is but the latest example of armed-forces-strength relaxation. Originally built as a US Air Force radar outpost, Canopy Tower retains its 1960s "I Dream of Jeannie"-esque military chic, not to mention the only geodesic dome in sight. But now that we're no longer spotting Soviets (or, more recently, drug runners), the tower has been decommissioned and—why not—converted into an exclusive eco-lodge.

The high point of this high-rise? Every room is up in the treetops, so the native toucans and kinkajous of the rainforest canopy are, quite literally, within arm's reach. Book the Blue Continga Suite and meet the howler monkeys from your private balcony—or just kick back in your hammock and bask in the tropical sun. Stray from the compound and there's kayaking in the Panama Canal or line-casting at nearby Lake Gatun. Then head back for cocktails in the top-floor dining room and lounge, with a 360-degree view of the sunset.

And, naturally, a Caribbean feast to feed an army.