Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio

Kimkim team favorite · 4.8 (20 reviews) · Comfort
Beautiful, family-friendly resort set across 12 acres on Quepos Point with multiple pools, restaurants, and on-site activities.
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neil
neil p.
Mar 25, 2024
Amazing hotel which felt like we were in the rain forest with monkeys, sloth, iguanas all around the grounds. We had a Vista Room with views... Read more
Garritt
Garritt V.
Mar 03, 2024
Far and away the Parador is our favorite place to stay.
D
Debra B.
May 25, 2023
Was everything you wanted in a vacation stay -- food, drinks, pool, beach access, central to other places you might want to visit
P
PAULA M.
Apr 08, 2023
This is a very nice hotel. They have a variety of activities for all types of guests. We went to walk the Monkey Trail, but part... Read more
Garritt
Garritt V.
Feb 18, 2023
The views from this resort are spectacular. The food was excellent, the staff was courteous and the vibe was laid back and quiet.
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Overview

The hotel owner's love of the Spanish aesthetic led to the property's name, as parador means "stopping point" or "resting place." You can expect beautiful grounds with Spanish sculptures, tile work, and decor. The property is one of the most family-friendly in Manuel Antonio, with plenty to keep everyone entertained. You'll find four pools, three eateries, two gift shops, and a garden area with nature trails, all just outside your room. Still, there's a separate building and pool area reserved for adults-only for those seeking a quiet stay.

Pros
  • This large, kid-friendly resort has many amenities to keep your 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 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 several times per day to the beach and national park.
  • 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 is steep.
  • Some rooms feel a little dated.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)

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.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 27771414
Hotel address icon Punta Quepos
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Free parking
Free wifi
Parador Nature Resort & Spa map

Open map

Traveler Reviews

20 total ratings, 14 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.7
Location
4.7
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
neil
neil p.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024
Amazing hotel which felt like we were in the rain forest with monkeys, sloth, iguanas all around the grounds. We had a Vista Room with views of the sea and bay and forest. Read more

Amazing hotel which felt like we were in the rain forest with monkeys, sloth, iguanas all around the grounds. We had a Vista Room with views of the sea and bay and forest.

Authenticity & Character
Location
views and situated in the forest
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
Garritt
Garritt V.
Wenatchee, WA | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2024
Far and away the Parador is our favorite place to stay. Read more

Far and away the Parador is our favorite place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
The facilities boast a elegant European influence, yet sport a warm tropical touch giving it an old world feel with all of the modern day amenities.
Location
Located high above the Pacific Ocean on a quiet tropical peninsula, the Parador offers a host of activities to enjoy. Swimming, sunning, nature walks, exploring farmers markets and going to the beach.
Staff
The Parador's staff are extremely personable, professional and efficient. No detail goes unnoticed. They are the best staff we have experience in Costa Rica.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Parado is pristine. Nothing is ever out of place, be it the dinning areas, the pool areas, the general grounds or your room. They are always need and clean.
Stayed in February 2024
Gretchen
Gretchen J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024
Very beautiful setting. Our stay was somewhat marred because it was very hot and we were just not used to 100 degree temps. Other than the rooms, nothing is air conditioned. Yikes. But beautiful vistas. Nice pools. No beach access (except along a rather rocky path) Read more

Very beautiful setting. Our stay was somewhat marred because it was very hot and we were just not used to 100 degree temps. Other than the rooms, nothing is air conditioned. Yikes. But beautiful vistas. Nice pools. No beach access (except along a rather rocky path)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air conditioning went down for a bit but they were very quick to repair and gave us a tray of chocolate covered strawberries for our trouble. Extremely nice gesture.
Stayed in February 2024
D
Debra B.
Fruit Cove, FL | Reviewed on May 25, 2023
Was everything you wanted in a vacation stay -- food, drinks, pool, beach access, central to other places you might want to visit Read more

Was everything you wanted in a vacation stay -- food, drinks, pool, beach access, central to other places you might want to visit

Authenticity & Character
It was very comfortable even for a large "upscale" environment
Location
Central to area places to visit
Staff
Very kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Stayed in May 2023
P
PAULA M.
Derry Village, NH | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2023
This is a very nice hotel. They have a variety of activities for all types of guests. We went to walk the Monkey Trail, but part of it appeared very steep and not well-maintained. We got to the scenic overlook, but could not continue because a tree had fallen over and was blocking the path. We enjoyed watching the antics of the monkeys. We experienced massages in the spa. The staff and the experience were wonderful and extremely relaxing. Breakfast was very crowded and seating was difficult... Read more

This is a very nice hotel. They have a variety of activities for all types of guests. We went to walk the Monkey Trail, but part of it appeared very steep and not well-maintained. We got to the scenic overlook, but could not continue because a tree had fallen over and was blocking the path. We enjoyed watching the antics of the monkeys. We experienced massages in the spa. The staff and the experience were wonderful and extremely relaxing. Breakfast was very crowded and seating was difficult one day. I appreciated that there was an adults-only pool. Unfortunately, the pool bar was in the family pool. The room was very nice and the patio was a nice place to watch the sunset.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Garritt
Garritt V.
Wenatchee, WA | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023
The views from this resort are spectacular. The food was excellent, the staff was courteous and the vibe was laid back and quiet. Read more

The views from this resort are spectacular. The food was excellent, the staff was courteous and the vibe was laid back and quiet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The staff was extremely helpful, especially Michael and Nelson
Stayed in February 2023
Darcy
Darcy M.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023
Our experience at the Parador was fantastic. The location is amazing with a stunning view of the pacific ocean. The staff was very friendly and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. It is our new favourite resort! Read more

Our experience at the Parador was fantastic. The location is amazing with a stunning view of the pacific ocean. The staff was very friendly and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. It is our new favourite resort!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
JULIE
JULIE M.
Mount Prospect, IL | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023
Breath taking views! Beautiful Spanish style hotel, outdoor dining, breakfast buffet and hiking near by.
We watched the monkeys and birds from our balcony on early mornings. It was just great. Also hiked down to the beach one afternoon. It’s a wonderful place to stay. Need a car or cab if you leave the premises. Read more

Breath taking views! Beautiful Spanish style hotel, outdoor dining, breakfast buffet and hiking near by.
We watched the monkeys and birds from our balcony on early mornings. It was just great. Also hiked down to the beach one afternoon. It’s a wonderful place to stay. Need a car or cab if you leave the premises.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
Sandy
Sandy T.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2022
Magnificent views, great service and good restaurants with a very talented guitarist. Loved the monkey trail. Very clean. Beds and pillows very comfortable. Great air conditioning. Read more

Magnificent views, great service and good restaurants with a very talented guitarist. Loved the monkey trail. Very clean. Beds and pillows very comfortable. Great air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2022
D
Dipankar G.
Tracy, CA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2022
Location location location! The room was lovely as was the food. Great pools. Great staff. Spanish colonial grounds which were well done. The best part of all? Several monkey sightings including eight outside our door. Three sloths in a tree just hanging out. You get the idea. Read more

Location location location! The room was lovely as was the food. Great pools. Great staff. Spanish colonial grounds which were well done. The best part of all? Several monkey sightings including eight outside our door. Three sloths in a tree just hanging out. You get the idea.

Authenticity & Character
One thing I would add is the services seem un-advertised. We would have gone in a night walk had we known. We would have asked for the sushi menu if we knew there was one.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2022

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 27771414
Hotel address icon Punta Quepos
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Free parking
Free wifi
Parador Nature Resort & Spa map

Open map

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