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.

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

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

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