Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio

Pros

• This large, kid-friendly resort has many amenities to keep the entire family happily entertained. These include two pools, two restaurants, gift shops, nature trails, nearby access to Biesanz Beach, tennis courts, and a mini-golf course.
• The property is private and gated, set on 12 acres (4.9 ha) within the quiet and secluded Quepos Point, and surrounded by a beautiful and extensive garden area.
• If you're traveling without kids, the hotel features an adults-only building and two adults-only pools. 
• Enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants and bars.
• A shuttle service runs to the beach and national park several times per day.
• Enjoy relaxing spa services for an additional fee. 
• Babysitting services are also available for an additional fee.

Cons

• Because of its more secluded location, there's no local bus service, so leaving the property to get to Espadilla Beach or the national park requires a car or a taxi (minimum of $10).
• Although Biensanz Beach is nearby, keep in mind that the path there is steep.
• Some rooms feel a little dated.

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 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. Yet, bright pops of color and red, for example, can be found on accent walls, bed skirts, and/or drapes, lending to the tropical vibe typical of the country.

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 (about 8 minutes), and the property's shuttle service runs several times daily 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and spacious, but the decor is relatively muted (white walls, tile floors, drapes, and bedding) and can seem outdated in the Garden Room category. Suites have Jacuzzis on the spacious 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.

Amenities

Travelers have four pools to choose from, including two that are adults-only, one of which has 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 cardio and weight machines. 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

Parador Nature Resort & Spa is a good choice for families as it's designed with travelers with children in mind, 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, kid spa treatments, a playhouse, a game room, 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. 

Wildlife

The resort's spacious gardens 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. 

Sustainability

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

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 poolside swim-up bar. There's a whole host of activities to choose from, including nature trails, mini-golf, a kid's playroom, tennis and pickleball courts, and two gift shops.