Friday, December 31, 2010

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.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

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.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

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.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

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.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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.

Friday, October 29, 2010

“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.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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”

Wednesday, October 20, 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.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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.


Thursday, September 9, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Manuel Antonio takes 4th place, in top 10 Relaxation and Spa destinations of Central and South America .



#1 most visited park in Costa Rica:
Manuel Antonio National Park

Out of the the top 10 Relaxation and Spa destinations of Central and South America, Manuel Antonio received fourth place, while Costa Rica received a total of 5 out of 10, with Volcano Arenal in first place.

Top 10 Relaxation & Spa Destinations in Central & South America

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Costa Rican National Park Day





Today, 24th of August 2010, we are celebrating COSTA RICA’S NATIONAL PARK DAY and we are happy to share with you that the Manuel Antonio National Park has once again been announced by “La Nacion” (our National newspaper) as the most popular visited park in the country for the year 2009, with a total of 261,156 vistors. The second place goes to the Poas Volcano National Park with 182,900 visitors . Manuel Antoni National Park

Created in 1972 and encompassing an area of around 682 hectares (aprox. 4000 acres), the Manuel Antonio National park is amongst the most diverse and beautiful places in the region. Considered to be the tiniest national park in Costa Rica, what this park lacks in size, it makes up for in stunning natural beauty.
Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour


Friday, August 20, 2010

Humpback whales spotted along the Pacific coastline. These whales can be observed at different times of the year from the Resort. In the background, Punta Quepos with the Parador Suites and Premium rooms.
Costa Rica Becomes Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Wild Life




These past 2 weeks tons of wildlife has been seen around the Parador Resort & Spa grounds and nature trails. A rarely seen 2 toed sloth was spotted with her baby, also a 3 toed sloth with a baby, titi monkeys and white face monkeys with babies as well. This is a positive sign that our fauna keeps reproducing and our efforts towards sustainability are helping with the conservation of our enviroment.

Friday, July 16, 2010

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


Saturday, July 3, 2010

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.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Sloth


This Sloth with her baby was spotted just a few days ago by the Suites.
They are on the endagered list but can still be seen in the Guarumo(trumpet) trees througt the property which they feed from.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

15 Anniversary.


This month the Parador Resort & Spa is happy to announce the celebration of its 15th. Anniversary. As Director and Vice-President of Hotel Parador, I would like to congratulate the staff for a job well done and the owners for giving their support and placing their trust in us, making the Parador a better place to stay each and every day. With pride we stand behind our slogan:
“EUROPEAN REFINEMENT…..WARM TROPICAL TOUCH!’’

Regards
Diego Fco. Gonzalez

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

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.