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.