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10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica     

Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica is a level of luxury you simply won’t want to leave.

Book your stay at Parador Resort and Spa here.

Having spent four nights in a tent on the floor while covering Envision Festival and our days walking around half-naked covered in blue mud, working in a Hare Krishna kitchen for free meals, and dancing to electronic music, we needed some serious recuperation! After a brief but mush had needed rest in nearby Dominical, we found ourselves handing over USD 1100 for a 26-year-old Nissan! It was old, rusty, had pieces missing and daylight could be seen through places other than the windows, but it was ours. He even has a name, ‘Miguelito!’ Right then and there, we decided that our Costa Rican journey should be dedicated to the one who would make it all possible, transporting us to far-away places, over mountains, through rivers, from the Pacific to the Caribbean – Miguelito! We even gave him his hashtag, #Miguelito

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
Photo by Gary Paakkonen CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Since we were looking for some luxury recuperation, our first destination didn’t involve anything too challenging for us or Miguelito; we only had a short drive northwards, from Dominical to the Manuel Antonio National Park. We chose Manuel Antonio for one very simple reason; it’s home to the best luxury hotel in Southern Costa Rica – Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica. The name ‘Parador,’ is an homage to the great Paradors of Spain; medieval castles and monasteries throughout the country that would take in traveling Knights, housing and feeding them on their journeys. Often having little or no money to play with, they often left swords, armor, and other personal items as payment, which were then displayed around the building. Most of these are now historic luxury hotels, filled with precious glimpses of history. In 1993, Parador Spa Hotel opened its doors as a unique dedication to the ancient Parador tradition, with an emphasis on quality, luxury, service, and experience. It sounded like the perfect holiday destination for our little Miguelito!

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Photo by S. Rae CC BY 2.0

Arriving in style!

When we arrived at the hotel, the staff seemed mildly perplexed to see a vehicle of such heritage and historical lineage approaching their gates; it was a very special occasion for everyone involved! As we rolled up to the entrance we could tell we had arrived somewhere special, a bit different from the rest, and not just regarding the luxury of the facilities on offer, there was something else. To try to explain exactly what that ‘something else’ was, we’ve put together our best ten reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica.

1. The Grand Arrival

Arriving at the Parador is not like arriving at any regular luxury hotel, we were warmly welcomed before we even passed the front gates by attentive and genuinely personable staff, which seemed free and happy to express their personalities in their work and enjoy themselves, rather than the robotic, Hollywood smile approach that often leaves you feeling a little uncomfortable. The classic, drive-by front entrance avoided any need to carry bags across the intensely hot car park. Instead, they were unloaded from the car and carried inside for us. Ice-cold lemonade and moist, cool towels cleansed us of the heat and humidity outside and everyone in reception was fantastic, introducing themselves and having a casual conversation while we waited for someone to pick us up in a golf buggy to go to our room. All in all, probably the most relaxing and pleasant check-in experience we’ve ever had, and we’ve been lucky enough to stay in some very nice places.

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica (3)
Photo by TEDxLondonBusinessSchool CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Welcome drinks in reception

2. The location

Two Monkeys Travel - Hotel Parador - Manuel Antonio - Costa Rica38

Situated amongst the dense forest, close to the National Park

Parque National Manuel Antonio, in Western Costa Rica, is a 682-hectare piece of a luscious, jungle paradise, packed with one of the most bio-diverse natural habitats in the world; rain forest, a huge diversity of wildlife, and spectacular coral reefs. The small town of Manuel Antonio is situated right outside the national park itself, with several stunning beaches between the park gates and the nearby town of Quepos, where you’ll find a marina packed with sport fishing boats and even a luxury super yacht or two.

Only a 3-hour shuttle away, or one-hour flight, from San Jose and in easy reach of the less-traveled southern regions, Manuel Antonio is perfectly situated as the base for exploring the south of Costa Rica, like the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park. 

3. The Rooms

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
Photo by TradeWinds Island Resorts CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

With double rooms starting at around $250 and suites from $450, Parador Resort and Spa places itself quite highly in the luxury market, so we were expecting great things – We were not disappointed. The room we were shown to was one of their Vista Suites, with sea views to the right of the balcony, perfectly visible from the corner jet spa! Back inside, the spacious bedroom lounge area is dominated by a sumptuous double bed, covered with cushions and a thick, white, luxury duvet of the sort that only seems to exist in the best of hotel beds – if you tried to take it home it would probably vanish! Tucked away behind the bed is yet another full-size jet spa bath, just in case you tire of the sea view and prefer to bathe indoors for a change, and a walk in the shower more than large enough for two. Of course, there’s super-powered air conditioning, a widescreen TV on the wall, and a coffee maker complete with a good supply of fresh coffee. Could it possibly get any better? Well actually, yes it can!

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Photo by ActiveSteve CC BY-ND 2.0

Penthouse Suite – King-size bed

If all of the jet baths, luxury beds, and sea views aren’t enough for you, contact Parador directly and ask them about their ‘top floor suite.’ This ‘room’ is not listed on any booking sites and is usually reserved for extra special guests; sports heroes, movie stars, and other VIPs. The living room is vast, with a massive leather sofa in front of the widescreen TV and full height glazing drawing you out onto the balcony, which spans the whole width of the floor and is populated by chairs, and sun loungers, and yep, another jet spa bath! The bedroom is similar to the Vista Suite, although significantly larger, with a king-size bed and loads more natural light. Most importantly, though, this penthouse suite has the best sunset view of the whole hotel!

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
Photo by Adam Mizrahi CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Penthouse Suite – Balcony Jacuzzi

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
Photo by Steve Driskell CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Penthouse Suite – Gigantic balcony overlooking the ocean

4. The Food

Anyone who knows the slightest thing about us knows that the way into our hearts, heads, hands, and anything else really, is through our stomachs – We love food almost as much as we love our lives and each other, possibly more! The best hotel in the world can lose every shred of my respect over poor food and likewise, a mid-range hotel or budget hostel can build its reputation on a great menu. One of the best highlights of any luxury hotel stay is always the buffet breakfast; Parador has an ocean of international foods in all directions which looks like an encyclopedia of how every nation starts its day. Fresh fruit, juices, cereals, bread, cold meats, hot meats, a range of cheeses, pancakes, waffles…the choices seemed endless and in four days we still didn’t manage to try everything.

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
Photo by Jörg Bergmann CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Panoramic sea view from La Fragata Restaurant

We had all of our lunches in the hotel’s second restaurant, La Fragata, which has a panoramic sea view from which to enjoy your food. The menu is spectacular, with everything from fresh fish, to seafood soup, grill steaks, crispy spring rolls, and loads more. Every dish is prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients, including the hotel’s very own organically cultivated micro greens, which add texture, flavor, and color to every plate.Two Monkeys Travel - Parador Hotel - Manuel Antonio - Costa Rica 41Incredible steak burger and fresh juices

In the evenings we chose to enjoy the nightly buffet; Italian one night; Japanese the next and a grill for our final evening meal. The authenticity of each dish was very impressive with fresh pesto and a selection of pasta cooked fresh to order. The sushi was simple and fresh, with strong yet well-balanced key flavors – we loved every meal and always went back to our suite feeling full and satisfied!

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica Japanese Sushi Buffet

5. The pools – All 3 of them!

It’s a hard life when your most difficult decision of the day is which pool to relax in with a glass of wine or a cocktail after a big lunch! The largest pool is to one side of the main restaurant, curving and wrapping around the poolside bar, terrace restaurant, and sunbathing areas – A great space to hang out and perfect for kids too, with perfect views of the Pacific Ocean. The crocodile is a nice extra touch!

10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
Pacific view infinity pool

The two other pools are smaller and more relaxed as they are for adults only. The infinity pool next to La Fragata Restaurant has probably the best views of the three, appearing to plunge out of the pool and into the ocean.

6. The Sunsets

Sunsets in Costa Rica are nothing short of spectacular – a pleasure and a true privilege to watch. As the giant orange Sun falls slowly through the sky towards the sea, the sky is splashed with shades of purple, reds, pinks, and oranges reflecting o

8 thoughts on “10 Reasons to choose Parador Resort and Spa, Costa Rica     

  1. Hi I am planing a trip to Costa Rica for June. This resort looks great. Can you give me an idea of the average cost of meals at the resort? We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teenaged boys.

  2. Your post brought back such fantastic memories. I love Costa Rica! You are so right when you recommend a guide to go through Manuel Antonio Park. These guides amazed me with what they can spot in the surrounding jungle. Telescope photos with Iphone, simple and very effective!

    1. Agree Jackie! We initially plan to be in Costa Rica for 1 month but it’s over a month now and we’re still here and we are in Manuel Antonio! The guides are awesome, they were able to see where those birds, insects and sleeping monkeys were! I have tons of awesome photos on our iphone! YAY! any plans of returning to Costa Rica?

      1. Hi Kach, No plans in the near future to visit Costa Rica, but there is no doubt a return is in my future. I want to explore more on the Osa Peninsula. Heading to Patagonia on Sunday (Yippee!) and SE Asia in June.

        1. WOW!! Is it patagonia de Chile or Argentina? Enjoyyyyy!!! and if you need tips or contacts in South East Asia let us know! Also, if you’d like to guestpost and link back to your site and shout out on social media! let me know! <3

          1. Hi Kach and thanks so much!!! I’m super excited! Actually, hopping around both Chile and Argentina. I would absolutely love to guestpost. I will reach back out when I’m back toward the end of April. Thanks! Keep enjoying the pura vida!

            1. Hi Kach,
              How’s it going? How have your central/South American travels been treating you? I’m checking back in now that I’m back from Patagonia. It’s unbelievable down there! If there is still a chance that I can guest post I am interested. Looking forward to connecting!
              Jackie

              1. He Jackie, we’re awesome still in Costa Rica! Please would love to promote you, send me your pitch article via email and add the photos and your 1 paragraph bio – [email protected] =)

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.