Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio

Authenticity

Parador Nature Resort & Spa is an excellent, family-friendly choice that makes you feel like you're in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. The gated entrance opens up to four main buildings surrounded by tropical gardens and nature trails. Though you're in Costa Rica, the architecture might feel a bit Spanish, especially in the common areas.

Location

The property is on Quepos Point, a small peninsula between Biesanz Beach and the north end of Espadilla Beach. The perk here is that it's secluded in the jungle, but you'll be farther from the area's restaurants and national park. You can walk to Biesanz Beach via a steep public trail, and the property's shuttle service runs several times per day to Espadilla Beach and the national park. However, going anywhere else requires a car or taxi. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms and suites are comfortable and spacious, but the decor is relatively muted and can seem outdated in the garden room category. Suites have Jacuzzis on the balcony, and other upgraded options have multiple rooms and full kitchens—excellent for larger groups. All units have a patio or balcony with views of the jungle, ocean, or hotel garden.

Wildlife

The spacious gardens of the resort are home to several iconic Costa Rican animals, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and many colorful birds. It's fairly common to spot wildlife right from your room's patio or balcony (including the resident sloth family). The nature trails are a great place to spot the more elusive wildlife, and the resort offers organized wildlife-viewing hikes. 

Amenities

Travelers have four pools to choose from, including two that are adults-only, one of which comes with a swim-up bar. Pacifica Spa provides on-site services ranging from massage to beauty treatments, and it even has a special treatment menu for children. The resort's gym is open daily and has both cardio and weight machines available. Travelers with limited mobility have access to ramps and elevators throughout the resort's buildings, and one of the pools has a sloped entry for easier entry. 

Family-Friendliness

The Parador Nature Resort is a good choice for families as it's well-developed to support travelers with children, providing all the necessary amenities like kid-friendly dining and activities. Children under the age of 12 stay for free. You'll have plenty of activities to keep your kids busy, including tennis, mini-golf, the pools, and a weekly weekend Pizza Party for children. Smaller families can stay in the Garden or Tropical rooms, while larger families will want to book one of the Family Suites. 

Other Highlights

You'll have three restaurants to choose from - La Galeria and La Fragata offer a blend of traditional Costa Rican and Mediterranean dishes, while Nama serves up sushi. Bar Don Juan turns into a nightclub in the evenings and El Galeon Pool and Bar is the swim-up bar located poolside. There's a whole host of activities to choose from, including nature trails, mini-golf, a kid's playroom, tennis courts, and two gift shops. 

Sustainability

Parador Nature Resort & Spa is certified sustainable with Elite status (the highest level possible) by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. They also follow sustainability and social responsibility programs.