Parador Resort & Spa Hosts Inaugural “Global Partnership For Sustainable Tourism” Summit

Highly recognized for our dedication to environmental responsibility, Parador Resort & Spa is enormously proud to have hosted the first annual “Global Partnership For Sustainable Tourism” summit on January 18 & 19.

Organized by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Tourism and France’s Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing, delegates from Switzerland, United States, Panama, Norway, Austria, Colombia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Canada, Bahamas, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Republic of Korea, and Senegal were amongst those in attendance. The two day conference addressed global environmental concerns, as well as the creation of a permanent commission to facilitate the sharing between participating countries of information, technology and budgets as pertains to sustainable tourism.

The broad geographic scope of this organization -- to be created through the conversion of the International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development (ITF-STD) -- will have far-reaching and long-term potential to enable the quick adaption and implementation of ideas, projects, methods and policies to benefit the global tourism community. It will be registered as a Type II United Nations Partnership on Sustainable Development and consist of UN agencies, programs, national governments, intergovernmental organizations, social, environmental, and business organizations.

Pedro The Iguana Parador's Pet & Mascot Passes Away

Amidst all the good vibes and celebration, we at Parador Resort & Spa have also suffered a great loss during this holiday season. Our longtime pet and hotel mascot, Pedro the Garrobo Iguana, was found dead close to his home -- a pipe near the reception area in which he has been residing since we opened in 1995. The discovery was made shortly before New Year’s and brings with it much sadness for those whose lives he touched..

Pedro was not only a beloved member of the Parador family, but a bit of a celebrity as well. He enjoyed much fame (but not so much fortune) as the star of many photos, with thousands of guests having posed with our friendly reptile over the past 15 years. Further, while he had no next of kin, Pedro was known to squire many a female companion over and through our expansive grounds and we are sure that his dapper ways with the women will be sorely missed in the kingdom.

Cause of death is undetermined, but it is assumed that Pedro simply succumbed to his advanced age, although we have no idea what that might be!

Rest In Peace dear Pedro. Perhaps one of your offspring will arrive to uphold your legacy.

Rocking in The New Year, Parador Style!

Parador Resort & Spa ended 2010 with a literal bang behind a backwash of brilliant color as the sky above our sprawling ocean-view property erupted in a dazzling pyrotechnic light show when the clock struck twelve. The awesome fireworks spectacle was orchestrated exclusively for our 250 guests as part of our all-inclusive New Year’s Eve festivities.

Kicking off with a sumptuous buffet which featured fresh sushi bar, lobster and other catches of the day, traditional turkey and a plethora of tantalizing side dishes and desserts, the evening proceeded with a variety of live entertainment staged around and atop our grand main swimming pool. The sultry Latin strains of Taboga Band were followed post-midnight by the funky dance grooves of VJ Rury and a flamboyant costumed Carnival-like Brazilian parade. The party raged until the wee hours of the morning with seemingly half our guests dancing hip-high in the pool’s balmy water while the other half boogied on stage. Complimentary champagne flowed like an endless river while the open bar offered a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments to keep the party rocking.

Kids and adults alike reveled in the dawning of the New Year, Parador style! We had as much fun as our guests and thank everyone for helping Parador to start the New Year the same way we ended it: With a bang!