Parador Resort & Spa Celebrates 16 Year Anniversary!

It began with a remarkable piece of secluded cliff-side property blanketed with dense rainforest that offered spectacular ocean vistas stretching from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park. And a vision. The vision of a Dutch man named Jan Schans who upon seeing this panoramic plot of land in 1993 imagined a hotel that would both aesthetically respect this unique natural setting and commit to protect it. Towards that end, over the years Parador has reforested, under the aegis of a forestry engineer, the entire area on which our hotel sits.

Mr. Schans’ dream became a reality when Hotel Parador (now Parador Resort & Spa) opened its doors on Punta Quepos, Manuel Antonio with 56 rooms in 1995. It quickly emerged as one of the top luxe properties in the area which has, over the years, evolved into not only the largest full service resort in the area – spread across 12 lush acres of jungle-kissed grounds -- but a tenacious leader in sustainable tourism and community service.

Today, as we proudly celebrate our 16th anniversary, Parador features 129 rooms and suites, three swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a luxurious world-class spa, fitness room, tennis court, nature trails and green areas. We have hosted innumerable weddings and honeymooners, family reunions and special events, first and repeat visitors and even a handful of celebrities to this special slice of heaven on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.

We continue to be a family run business with more than a 150 loyal employees – many of whom have been with us for many years, some since the beginning. Our “We Share” Employee Program persists in supporting and caring for our team while our ongoing commitment to the environment has earned us the ICT’s (Costa Rican Tourist Board) top 5 Leaf Sustainability rating and the Ecological Blue Flag. Named “Costa Rica’s Leading Resort 2010” by the World Travel Awards, we work each day towards achieving and maintaining a standard of excellence within the context of our green philosophy.

Sweet Sixteen! Time marches on and so do we. Thank you for sharing in our success and participating in our ongoing efforts to save – or at least – protect our planet!

Parador Resort & Spa Initiates New “Mysteries Of The Night” Guided Nature Tour

The mysteries of the jungle are unveiled at night and now Parador Resort & Spa invites our guests to experience the wondrous nocturnal world of our resident wildlife in a new 1 ½ to two-hour guided walking tour. Under the aegis of a certified naturalist armed with a telescopic lens and a fistful of knowledge, participants will hike on trails that meander through the resort’s ten acres of lush secondary rainforest inhabited by coatis, sloths, raccoons, skunks, porcupines, numerous species of reptiles and amphibians, and a plethora of curious insects. Particularly striking is the highly photogenic red eyed frog, found only in Costa Rica´s rainforests and living right here on our grounds. If lucky, a caucel or another of the elusive wildcats that lurk in the forest’s deep shadows might also be sighted.
Tours run every night at 6 p.m. and return in plenty of time to have a wonderful meal at one of our fab restaurants. A perfect educational and adventure opportunity for the entire family.

Parador Resort & Spa Introduces Guided Walking Tours Through Our 9 Acres Of Secondary Rainforest

Parador Resort & Spa is happy to announce that we now offer a new two hour guided nature tour of the 10 acres of jungle trails that dissect our expansive property. Offered at 6 a.m., 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day -- a certified professional guide will lead you through lush secondary rainforest where a plethora of wildlife resides. You will likely encounter brilliantly-hued tropical birds -- including toucans, parrots our three resident species of monkeys (titi, white-face and howler), two and three-toed sloths, giant iguanas and other native reptiles. If you’re lucky, as one of our recent guests was – you might also spot an elusive caucel, (margay cat, a wildcat in the puma family). Our experienced guides carry with them telescopic lenses for better viewing and will share vast knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna. This newest Parador activity is an educational expedition for nature lovers of all ages.

We provide water and refreshing cold hand towels and recommend that participants be in reasonable physical condition, wear tennis shoes or hiking boots, and most certainly bring a camera.

Parador Resort & Spa Awarded Ecological Blue Flag For Third Consecutive Year

Parador Resort & Spa is recognized yet again for outstanding commitment to the environment for which we were issued the highest 5 Leaf sustainability rating by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) in 2010. Now, for the third consecutive year we have been awarded the Ecological Blue Flag acknowledging our environmentally-responsible policies and achievements, outstanding green business practices and ongoing dedication towards preserving and protecting Costa Rica’s fragile eco-system.

Costa Rica’s Blue Flag Ecology Program, a joint venture between several government and non-governmental organizations, including the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the National Water and Sewer Service, Ministry of Public Health Ministry of Environment, and National Tourism Chamber, amongst others, is associated with the international Blue Flag Program. Initiated in France in 1985, the Blue Flag Program was conceived to improve and monitor sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety.

Owned and operated by the independent non-profit organization Foundation For Environmental Education (FEE), the European-based voluntary awards program increased its scope in 2001 to become a globally active organization which today includes participants in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Soaring The Rainforest Canopy Is a Thrill a Minute

As we strive to ensure that our guests’ experience in Costa Rica is nothing less than extraordinary and safe, we would never recommend a tour or activity without sampling – and in this case, re-sampling -- it ourselves. And so it was that we ventured deep into the rainforest recently with Canopy Safari to verify that the zip lining excitement quotient is as high (no pun intended!) as we remembered. And we’re pleased to report that this half-day excursion was not only an adrenalin-pumping thrill-ride, but a highly educational outing, as well.

From the moment we hit the road en route to our final destination in Paso Real, about 45 minutes outside Quepos, our quick-witted, bilingual guide Jorge regaled us with his superb knowledge of the area’s history and environment, illustrating various usages of ubiquitous plants we see every day, but perhaps don’t notice, giving us facts and figures that were both interesting and vital.

Coffee, soft drinks and fresh fruit greeted us upon our arrival and an informative tour of the facility’s butterfly garden and serpentarium preceded our gear-prep for the main event. Suited up and rigged up in our un-chic harnesses and helmets, we were divided into two groups of about ten each for both safety and comfort purposes.

Featuring 18 platforms, 10 zip and 2 rappel lines,, 1 suspension bridge and “tarzan swing,” our troop – which included a Parador executive and her 5 year old daughter alongside our resident writer – sailed through the lush jungle with the ease and grace of circus acrobats, securely fastened to cables that allowed us to explore our inner gymnast while imbibing the breathtaking scenery in which we were enveloped.

Piloted by a posse of fast-quipping, highly-skilled English-speaking guides who seemed to be having as much fun as us, we soared for more than an hour, traversing the treetops and dropping to the depths of the jungle in a heart-racing rush. Only one of our group succumbed to her momentary fear of heights and was deftly and patiently tandem-carried across the ravine by one of our guides. Our intrepid toddler, however, navigated the course with gleeful abandon.

A delicious lunch awaited us upon our return, highlighting traditional cuisine which included rice and beans, fried plantains and chicken. All in all, a great day and a recommended excursion for all visitors to our area.
Canopy Safari is the pioneering canopy tour operator in the Southern area of Costa Rica. The company built its first canopy course in 1997 with the help of a team of experts who build high ropes courses in the United States and in Europe.

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!

Playa Biesanz Shuttle

In our ongoing quest to provide Parador’s guests with the ultimate in comfort and convenience, we are now offering complimentary golf cart shuttle service to and from our stunning neighboring beach of Playa Biesanz. Although just a very short walk from our property, we strive to make it even easier for you to access and enjoy the warm crystalline waters and silky sand of this tranquil jungle-embraced cove.

During low tide, remnants of historic turtle traps can be sighted, dating back to the period between 900 to 1756 A.D. when this point (on which Parador sits) was inhabited by the now-extinct Quepoa Indians. Derived from the Boruca tribes that migrated northward from Colombia towards the end of the first millennium, the Quepoa were reputed as one of the fiercest tribes in the Americas, having successfully deterred Ponce De Leon from landing here in 1519 and further inhibiting Spanish occupation for another 40 years. The Quepoa lived in what is now known as Manuel Antonio and Quepos during the rainy season (June through December) and inland along the river banks during the dry months.

Legend has it that a hidden treasure incorporating seven hundred tons of gold, silver and jewels is buried somewhere in the region that this tribe once occupied. Though never discovered – or even confirmed – infamous English pirate and privateer John Clipperton believed to his death that it was so and spent much of the late 1600s here in search of the elusive booty.

These days, Playa Biesanz is quite a bit tamer – and serves not as a beachhead staving off invaders but a peaceful respite where you can perch under a shady palm or the bronzing rays of the sun, explore the point on kayak or collect a handful of commemorative shells.

Whether you opt for a leisurely stroll or a quick shuttle ride, Playa Biesanz is a not to be missed excursion while you are visiting our lovely area.

Galeria Restaurant at Parador Unveils Inspired New Menu

In an effort to surprise, delight and consistently evolve, Edgar Vargas Romero, our heralded Executive Chef, has revamped the Galeria menu, creating a series of internationally-inflected signature dishes for the discriminating palate.

Marrying the freshest local ingredients with a globally-inspired culinary twist, Mr. Vargas has conceptualized an adventurous bill of fare which includes such standout dishes as the banana leaf-wrapped catch-of-the-day with fragrant basil and garlic steamed in a bamboo basket; succulent rib eye steak marinated in harissa spices – a taste sensation straight out of morocco’s souks; a mixed meat brochette served hanging from a wooden-based wire skewer accompanied by three daily-changing dipping sauces; and Toscana bisteca (steak) marinated in herbs and garlic with haricot vert served with sundried tomatoes, garlic, parsley and almonds. Classics from India (TandooriChicken) and Jamaica (Jerk Chicken) also possess Vargas’ personal stamp and are sure to excite and entice our hungry diners.

Elegantly presented and lovingly prepared, we are certain our new offerings will further enhance your memorable dining experience in our ambient ocean-view restaurant.

Parador Receives Top Five Leaf Sustainability Award.

Last Thursday (December 9, 2010) Parador Resort & Spa was presented with the highest Five Leaf Sustainability Award by Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism Carlos Ricardo Benavides at a ceremony in San Jose’s InBio Park. The annual event recognizes businesses in the tourist sector that duly comply with the exacting sustainability guidelines dicated by the Costa Rican Tourism Board’s ICT, Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program CST.

Parador Resort & Spa was one of only ten establishments bequeathed with the coveted Five Leaf rating, validating our passionate and enduring dedication to our environment, community and planet.

Parador Vice President Diego F. Gonzalez Monge and Sales Director Allan Ortega were on hand to receive the top commendation, joining representatives from many of the other 181 Costa Rican tourist-oriented companies that were also certified (22 for the first time).

The impressive number of honorees indicates the ongoing commitment amongst government and private industry to protect and respect Costa Rica’s fragile and fecund eco-system.

Thanksgiving dinner 2010

Another wonderful Thanksgiving celebration 2010 at Parador Resort & Spa, Costa Rica.
A full buffet was prepared by Chef Edgar Vargas and his team, and was served at at La Galeria main restaurant, the exquisite Buffet included everything from a large variety BBQ grill with lobster, assorted meats, chicken and fish, sushi platters, salad & fruit bars, crepes suzettes made a la minute with fresh fruits, homemade desserts, and offcourse not to leave out the delicious stuffed turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce.

Parador Resort & Spa Awarded Costa Rica's Leading Resort 2010

After consecutive years of winning awards from the World Travel Awards, 2010 is proving to be yet another banner year for Parador Resort & Spa. On October 22, we were named Costa Rica’s Leading Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards gala ceremony honoring the most esteemed properties and tourism businesses in the Americas. Held at the Sandals White House resort in Jamaica, Parador owners/founders Mr. & Mrs. Schans were on hand to accept thecoveted trophy. The WTA was established 17 years ago to raise the standards of customer service throughout the international industry. The awards are determined by a polling process that invites votes from over 170,000 travel agents, tourism and hospitality professionals around the World.

“Amazing Race” Contestants WIN visit to Parador Resort & Spa!

With seven teams still in the running, we still don’t know who will take the prize in Season 17 of CBS’s thrilling global reality show “Amazing Race”.
What we do know, however, is that doctors Nat and Kat triumphed in the Sweden/Norway challenge which aired this past Sunday (October 24, 2010). And in doing so were rewarded with a five day visit to Parador Resort & Spa, where they’ll be able to shed the requisite Nordic outerwear as they savor our tropical climate, relax in our luxurious spa and participate in some of the non-competitive adventure activities for which Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is renowned. We are thrilled that the ladies will be joining us in Paradise.

Costa Rica wins Future Policy award 2010

The Future Policy Award, established by the World Future Council, annually celebrates laws with particularly positive effects on the living conditions of current and future generations. The first award to honour exemplary policies rather than exceptional people on an international level, it highlights solutions, raises public awareness and speeds up policy action towards just, sustainable and peaceful societies.Costa Rica wins Future Policy award 2010

Mario Fernandez Silva, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Japan, receiving the “Future Policy Award 2010”

Parador Resort & Spa earns top 5-Leaf Sustainable Rating.

One of the most lush and bio-diverse countries on earth, Costa Rica takes its responsibility towards protecting and maintaining its fragile environment very seriously. So seriously that the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) initiated the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) to monitor and rate the level of sustainability commitment and execution amongst businesses in the tourism sector. The bar is set extremely high and ratings are determined by compliance with stringently complex and comprehensive standards. As such, It’s no easy feat to achieve the top 5 leaf rating, only ten hotels in the entire country having reached that goal.

And Parador Resort & Spa is exceedingly proud to be amongst that exclusive and devoted group, our long-term dedication to environmental responsibility and passionate green philosophy having earned us the top 5 leaf rating by the (CST). Further, we are the largest and only full-service resort to be awarded the honor!

We hope next time you visit us, you will participate in our ongoing campaign to live, work and play responsibility within our community and environment.

*CST is regulated by the Costa Rican National Accreditation Commission.

Independence from Spain

Today, 15 of September , 2010 Costa Rica is celebrating its independence day, the whole country celebrates this important day by having the schools parade down the streets, displaying their traditions and culture through dances, music , and typical customs .
The Central American country, which abolished its standing army in 1949, formed independence from Spain in 1821. Here we share a letter received from the US Secretary of State to our wonderful nation.

Adventure Before your arrival

Your adventure starts even before arriving at the Parador Resort & Spa. About 45 drive from the San Jose you will pass the Tarcoles river. This stop is a “must” as you will see dozens of crocodiles in their natural habitat, adjacent is the Carara National Park, around this area you are almost guaranteed to spot the Scarlet Macaws flying by throughout the day, but especially in the mornings when they feed on the “beach almond” ( terminalia catapa) trees seen along the sides of the road, and at dusk when they are flying west in large groups down the Río Tárcoles towards the coastal mangroves where they roost for the night.
This photo was taken early Monday morning by our Resident manager Jorge Rodriquez.

Our rainforest sparkles with wildlife….

Here are two hard to find frogs spotted on the Parador grounds. The photos were taken by our resident manager , Jorge Rodriquez

Another wonderful wedding at the Parador

Jun 30, 2010
We traveled to Hotel Parador as a group (approx. 30) to attend a wedding. We were greeted by warm smiles, cool towels and cold beverages. After the bus ride from the airport, all were appreciative of the great reception. Enough cannot be said about the road one must take to get to Hotel Parador - it is an adventure all by itself. I can't believe they leave the road in such a state, but, it lends to the overall "charm" of the location.

Hotel Parador is a great place to stay - the grounds are impeccably maintained, the pool areas are kept very clean, and all interior spaces appeared to be spotless. Each person encountered on the staff was very friendly. The front desk staff was extremely helpful in arranging transportation and excursions.

The food served at Hotel Parador is excellent. Everything from the breakfast buffet, to lunch and dinners is presented beautifully and expertly prepared. The dinners are all a real treat. Sushi lovers - you MUST try the sushi offerings of Sushi Fune - just wonderful. One mustn't be in a hurry when dining, however. Again, this lends to the laid back charm of the overall atmosphere - trust me, it's worth the wait.

Our group was treated very well throughout our stay and the wedding reception was no exception. Attentive waitstaff made sure everyone was well served and always had a fresh beverage.

As an added bonus, the ability to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas and exotic birds was a real treat.

Since we were there for the wedding, and all of the goings on surrounding that event, we were not able to take in some of the hotel's spa services - I guess we'll just have to go back.