Hotel

Dear reader, I owe you a sincere and heartfelt apology. I have been keeping a big secret from you for the longest time, actually well over a year!

I am sure you probably have already noticed on my blog and numerous social media posts or updates that I am head over heels for a country in particular and it happens to be Costa Rica 🙂

As I shared with you in my last post, Parador Resort and Spa

was, and is until this day, one of the best hotels I have ever had the pleasure of visiting and staying in.

Not only it has won many prestigious awards nationally and internationally,

it is fully committed to providing the best customer service

and also continue contributing to sustainable programs.

Now I’ve given you more than great reasons why it is really worth it, however I didn’t fully present it to you.

What is so special about it? You may ask.

Let’s get started shall we?

Transfer from the capital, San José to the hotel

One of the great services Parador Resort and Spa offers to its guests is a shuttle transfer.

After arriving at the airport, going through customs and retrieving your luggage, you head towards the exit and will see people from various companies, including experienced drivers from the hotel, holding a sign with your name printed. I saw someone with mine and I waved back at him.

Then he introduced himself as José and took my suitcase and carry on. Then we went outside to the parking lot where the deluxe and very spacious mini-van was stationed.

Like a gentleman, he opened the sliding door and I was happy to sit down on plush leather seats. I knew it would be a comfortable ride.

Next he offered me a cold, citrus-scented towel (that smell is addictive trust me!) to freshen up from the long day of air travel and also a very welcome cold bottle of spring water. It was a relief after leaving home at 4 a.m. and by the time we left the airport it was about 10 p.m. local time!

You know that I love traveling, so I’m willing to endure anything to get to a destination that makes my heart jump with joy and fills it with love 🙂

We were on our way and had two hours by road to cover, so I buckled up and even though it was pretty dark outside, I opened the window to let the fresh air in after being on two airplanes throughout the day.

One thing you should know or be aware of is that I am quite a sociable (a.k.a I talk a lot or can chew your ear if opportunity presents itself) and since I am a journalist at heart, I ask TONS of questions! That’s how I break the ice and get to know people. Fortunately we had a common language and we could understand each other perfectly, and he was more than happy to reply or answer.

There were countless curves and turns but the road conditions in Costa Rica are excellent. The highway we took is new; therefore it was a smooth ride.

We arrived in the Town of Quepos and from there on it was one way, up!

I arrived tired but very happy, settled in my room and slept peacefully with the sounds of nature as a lullaby.

What I saw the following days needed to be captured and tales of my many adrenaline-filled adventures had to be told!

Parador Hotel and Spa is located on the promontory of Quepos, which is a privileged position and is surrounded by 12 hectares of lush green, tropical rainforest.

It faces the Pacific Ocean and is only a short distance away from one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful, renowned and protected National Parks, Manuel Antonio.

In operation since 1995, the hotel has 129 rooms and suites divided in 4 buildings.

Aerial view, Parador Resort &Spa, Costa Rica, Tiquicia, Central America, Centro America, travel, photography

Aerial view of the Resort, protected area and the Pacific Ocean. Photo credit: hotelparador.com

Each room comes equipped with queen or king beds, cable TV, air conditioning /fan ceiling, safe deposit box, coffee maker, hair dryer, an ironing board and a telephone.

Here’s a description of the accommodations:

Garden

25 rooms are located only a short distance from the main pool, restaurants and spa. As the name states, from the terrace they have direct access to the gardens.

Garden Plus

20 rooms are located above the garden rooms allow guests to view the rainforest from the balcony. For families traveling together, it is possible to go from one room to the next via connecting door.

Tropical

Ideal for families or friends, 30 rooms are located below the premium building and a short distance from the tennis court, spa, pools and restaurants. They allow a view of the jungle and partial view of the Pacific Ocean.

Premium

Located atop a rock and above resort, 12 Premium rooms offer breathtaking views of the jungle and Oceano Pacifico. They can be accessed via stairs or inclined elevator.

Premium Plus

9 Premium Plus rooms are situated right above the Premium rooms and the balcony offer phenomenal views of the ocean and rainforest!

Las Suites Building

Located high on a rock, on the highest point of the resort, 32 luxury panoramic suites and two Master Vista Suites will delight its guests with its adult-only

infinity pool

Jacuzzi

La Fragata Restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.

Two elevators and complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests. For any executive conferences, there is a small meeting room for eight persons can be booked.

Vista Suites

28 well-appointed, one-bedroom suites offer a King sized bed, separate shower, full-size bathtub, sleeper sofa, mini-bar, plasma TV, mini-bar and a Jacuzzi for more privacy.

Pacific Vista Suites

Two impressive corner suites offer a King-size bed, 260-degree views of the ocean and jungle, along with a private Jacuzzi.

Vista Master Suites

These luxurious Master Suites and million dollar views of Oceano Pacifico on the horizon will sure take your breath away.

The ample master bedroom with a king-sized bed, adjoining living room, dining table and two chairs, sleeper sofa and floor to ceiling windows (and sliding doors) open up to a balcony with Jacuzzi in the corner.

Presidential Suite

Located in the main building, the Cristóbal Colón Presidential Suite is the epitome of luxury. Completely unique in the region, country and Central America, its 172 square meters and 3 king beds sure are fit for royalty. All hotel facilities are easily within reach. For a once in a lifetime experience, think of the Presidential Suite.

Spa

World-class Pacifica Spa offers facials, therapeutic and relaxing, massages, manicures and pedicure as well as hydrotherapy treatments.

Pools

3 pools overlooking the ocean: 2 adult-only

and 1 child friendly 🙂

pool, Parador Resort and Spa, Quepos, Costa Rica, Manuel, Antonio, hotel, travel, accommodation, luxury, luxury travel, Central America, Centro America, photography, TS76

Do not worry about the croc, it’s made of steel and serves as decor only!

Fitness Center

The modern gym overlooking the jungle will help you keep you in shape and stick to your exercise plan.

Private and secluded beach

I must admit and say that I LOVE going to the beach and even better if it’s secluded. I’m not a fan of crowds and was über happy to go on a little adventure in order to reach it!

Playa Biesanz is a 20 minute hike down adventure just a few minutes from the resort.

After spending a few hours on the beach. It’s time to refuel and going back to the hotel to have lunch or dinner is a great idea!

There is a variety of restaurants:

La Galería,
El Quijote
La Fragata
Don Juan
Sancho Panza sports bar
Sushi Bar
El Galeón Pool bar (swim up bar) and terrace restaurant.

If you prefer private dining, then La Reina

or La Cava (Wine cellar) rooms can be booked.

The exquisite gourmet meals at La Galería are unique! The chef and staff make sure that your meals are what you order, fresh and delicious! One important thing that must be mentioned is that personal food allergies or preferences any guest may have are kept in mind by all members of the staff.

Before traveling to Costa Rica, I had communicated to the reservations staff about my severe allergies and it was important that my food didn’t come in contact with certain products.

During my stay, never once did I have to ask or remind them about it which made my trip worry-free!

Speaking of food, a full breakfast buffet is included and there are many choices to refuel for your adventures in the area.

I invite you to come on a photographic tour of Parador Resort and Spa. Enjoy!

There’s no better thing in life than a

Sunrise