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.

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.

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.

Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

This is how Manuel Antonio Natl. Park looked last week when we visited the area. /// Asi lucia el Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio la semana pasada cuando estuvimos de visita

Welcome to Parador Resort Blog!

Dear visitor, we would like to welcome you to our new blog were we will be updating you with the latest news from the Parador Resort . Throughout this blog you will find facts and general information about the Resort, its sustainability, surrounding areas, the community, and the country. Our intention is for this blog to be, not only informative, but educational and fun for everyone. So any comments you wish to share in order to liven up our blog would be greatly appreciated by our next visitor.