Manuel Antonio Hotel: Parador Resort

Manuel Antonio Luxury Hotel: Parador Resort

Note: Part of my stay was covered by Parador Resort. All words and photos are mine.

When I was searching for a hotel during the Manuel Antonio portion of our recent trip to Costa Rica, one resort popped up over and over again: The Parador in Quepos.

Manuel Antonio is a must-see travel destination: a national park with beautiful beaches and the most bio-diversity in Costa Rica, within a country that touts the highest density of bio-diversity in the world. So, of course, I knew we wanted to visit the area and was happy to come across Parador Resort, which combines luxury accommodations with environmentalism.

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort

Hotel Parador Rooms and Accommodations

The resort is tucked up high in Pacific coastline, which makes every building feel secluded. We had a suite that looked out to the ocean and gave us lots of room, including a jacuzzi tub on the patio. Everything was fully modern, with high quality touches of stone and brushed steel. They have a variety of room styles to meet many different size requirements!

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Suite Accommodations

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Suite Accommodations

The decor is highly Spanish influenced, with many old-world artifacts. The resort is actually privately owned by a family from Europe, which explains the sculptures and art seen all around the property.

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Art & Sculptures

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Art & Sculptures

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Art & Sculptures

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Art & Sculptures

I was even able to meet with one of the owners, who lives nearby! She sat with us at dinner and told stories of her family, how the hotel is run, what opportunities they provide for employees – and really gave me a sense that her “family” is the whole crew at Hotel Parador.

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Luxury Award

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort

"Manuel

Microgreens – Farm To Table

As for food? There are four restaurants at Parador, although some were closed during our low-season stay. One program that the hotel is very proud of (as they should be) are their microgreens. To accent the resort’s commitment to the environment, Parador recycles and composts almost everything. This fertile earth is then used to grow microgreens in a special greenhouse on site. These are in every salad! General Manager Jorge took us on a tour…

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Microgreens

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Microgreens

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Microgreens

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Microgreens

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Microgreens

Massage at the Spa

We were able to have a relaxing massage at Parador’s spa, right before a rain storm. (Low season = a bit of rain). The weather was actually timed perfectly to relax us almost right into a nap.

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Spa

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Spa

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Spa

Pools, Beach & Grounds

Parador has three different pools on the property and all feel like a sanctuary against the world. Since the hotel is nestled way above the Pacific ocean, the views are specular. Also, because of its location in the hills, the Parador beach is a bit of a trek. The staff will give you a lift to the trailhead and then it’s less than a 5 minute walk on a easy trail to get there. And because the beach is tucked in those hills: also very secluded. The grounds themselves feel like a nature park – keep an eye out for the ropes above your head! They are there to help the monkeys stay off the road!

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Pools & Beach

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Pools & Beach

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Pools & Beach

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Pools & Beach

"Manuel

Manuel Antonio Hotel - Parador Resort - Pools & Beach

What can I say?

We were welcomed like family – and we continue to chat with Parador on social media regularly.

In a nutshell:
We can’t wait to visit our friends again… and again.

This article has 11 comments

  1. Ben

    I remember you tweeting while you were there but this wrap up is great! Definitely on our list.

  2. Karen

    This place looks incredible. I want to go NOW!

    • Aimee

      Right, Karen? We had a big snow storm in Denver this week. 😉

  3. Shannon

    Thoroughly enjoy reading about your travels! Your depiction of the resort and of Costa Rica makes the reader feel as if they were there!

  4. Colin

    Manuel Antonio looked like an awesome place to stay in! I’ve also been seeing this hotel all over the web as I search for accommodations for our trip to Costa Rica in June. How are the prices at the restaurant?

    • Aimee

      Hi Colin – I thought they were quite reasonable for the caliber of hotel. I can’t remember exact figures but I seem to remember perhaps $8-15 USD for lunch and $15-30 USD range for dinner. You may want to check with them just to double check me. (And note to self: write such things down next time!)

  5. zipper

    This place looks incredible!

  6. Pingback: Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica | Greeblehaus

  7. Katherine

    Amazing blog!!

    Manual Antonio is a must-see destination. It is really one of the most attractive and scenic natural beauty places in the entire country. Its Bird watchers delight, Wildlife, Walking in clean white sands, everything is just amazing.

    Very excited to go there!!

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