Parador Resort and Spa

Open: Parador Resort and Spa is open all year.

Location: Parador Resort and Spa is on the Punta Quepos peninsula on the central Pacific coast. It is set in 2 acres of rainforest and is just 10-minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel can be reached from San Jose by road, a drive of 2 and a half hours, or by a 20-minute flight.

Rooms: There are 129 rooms and suites, spread over 4 buildings. All have air conditioning, ceiling fan, cable TV, phone, free WiFi, hot drink making facilities, minibar, safe, iron and ironing board and hair dryer. All have private bathrooms and a terrace or balcony. There are several types of room, from the most basic to the most luxurious these are: garden rooms (25), garden plus rooms (20), tropical rooms (30), premium rooms (12), premium plus (9), visa suites (28), Pacific visa suites (2), vista master suites (2), and the presidential suite (1). Suites are larger than the rooms, with more opulent furnishings and amenities, such as Jacuzzi's and large plasma screen TVs.

Activities: You can swim in the 3 outdoor pools, laze on the beach, follow nature trails through the grounds, play tennis, go bird watching and play mini golf. Staff at the tour desk can arrange additional activities including guided walking tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, zip lining, horse riding, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, deep sea fishing and white water rafting.

Facilities: There are many restaurants. La Galeria offers fine dining overlooking the gardens, pool and ocean, El Quijote serves international dishes, La Fragata, on the resort's highest point, provides casual dining and cocktails, and El Galleon is the pool restaurant. There are also rooms for cosy private meals, a specialist sushi bar and several bars throughout the complex. The spa has 5 treatment rooms, a steam room, plunge pool, relaxation and yoga areas. Massages, wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures are available. There's a gym with a choice of machines, weights and mats. The hotel has 2 gift shops, selling handicrafts, jewellery, clothes and souvenirs. Room service, a currency exchange, library and book exchange, free WiFi and computer use and a laundry service are all provided.

Dining: Meals are eaten at separate tables, in the location of your choice.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. There is a babysitting service.

Health: Costa Rica is a low to no risk malaria area.

Communication: There is free WiFi in guest rooms and throughout the hotel. Computers are provided free of charge for guests to use.