Treat yourself to a Solo Valentine’s Day at the best Eco Friendly Luxury Resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Picture this. I’m at the beautiful Manuel Antonio Park, wrapping up the wildlife tour and getting ready to hit that turquoise blue beach, when I realize I need to check out of my 1st resort and transfer to my 2nd, so I need to go back with the tour bus.
A few photos and a quick dip and before I know it I’m begrudgingly headed back because I was the idiot who booked 2 resorts in the same location. Fast forward to me arriving at my new resort, and not only was I greeted with a cold towel and the most delicious fresh fruit juice I’ve ever had, but I took one peek outside the lobby and realized I was in heaven. Next thing you know I’m whisked away in a golf cart by the friendliest gentleman ever, who is more than eager to tell me about the resident sloths that live in a tree close to my room and exactly how to spot them.
I anxiously pop into my room, immediately see the insane view I have and thank my lucky stars. I decided to explore a bit and hit one of the MANY pools the Parador has to offer. More friendly staff members, more beauty, a delightful array of restaurants and SO many things to do.
View from my Room.
I head over to one of the infinity pools overlooking the jungle and I’m shocked at how empty it is. I film some B- Roll (because after all that’s what a wannabe travel creator does when they have a stunning pool to themselves at one of the most stunning resorts in Costa Rica). After getting some shots I realize the reason the pool is empty is because it’s not really getting any sun, and is mostly shady.
Bummed about my limited beach time at Manuel Antonio National Park, I headed back up to one of the main pools situated outside the balcony of my room, not realizing that this was not only high season in Costa Rica, but also prime pool hours and there were NO chaise loungers to be had. This is how I met my neighbor, Cindy and her husband.
Wandering around the pool like a lost puppy dog, who’s already given up her beach day to change resorts, I hear someone say something from the pool. Next thing you know, there’s Cindy, she’s telling me something about how she needs to move out of the sun or her husband got her another chair and asks if I want hers. UMMM, yes please!
She blurts out something about how this is so much better than NYC, and we get to talking. Right then and there on the pool patio she tells me she lives (I’m not exaggerating) on the same street as me!!! Turns out she does actually live in the building across the street from me (literally they face each other) back home in the city. We became fast friends and honestly the rest is history! Such a small world sometimes, but the people I meet are honestly one of the best parts of travel for me! I have so many more hotels from this trip to share, but honestly the couples I met during this solo Valentine’s day trip, were just goals and reminded me never to settle.
The Parador is jam packed with incredible amenities for literally everyone from the solo traveler to the family on vacation. Starting with pools: The hotel boasts 2 main pools equipped with a poolside bar, an adults only pool and an additional pool in the suites section of the resort. Guests also have access to the private beach Biesanz Beach, A full service Spa, a Monkey/wildlife trail to go hunting for monkeys and other wildlife, a fitness center, mini golf course, tennis courts, several gift shops, a game room and a few other fun amenities for the kiddos. Literally this one of those resorts, you really don’t have to leave.
Looking for a spa day? I treated myself to a Valentine’s day massage at the Pacifica spa at the resort and it was absolutely worth every penny. I couldn’t have asked for a better solo, self care Valentine’s Day. The spa offers a variety of services: everything from massages to wraps, a steam room, mani pedi, waxing, facials to private Yoga sessions. They even have packages for the kiddos. What’s NOT to love?
On site restaurants. Now let me start by saying that I’m of the school of going out and trying local food but the Parador has an absolutely INCREDIBLE choice of food. The dinner I had the first night was SO good that I knew I didn’t have to leave. The place was a foodie heaven. The breakfast at the parador is one of the BEST and most extensive breakfast buffets I’ve seen in my traveling days (and trust me I’ve seen A LOT of hotel breakfast spreads). They have a HUGE variety of options along with stations for pancakes, omelets etc. They have 3 restaurants: La Galeria (breakfast buffet, casual lunch & upscale dinners), Nama sushi lounge (dinner only), La Fragata (lunch & cocktails with a view) , La Panga Pool bar (lunch) & Bar Don Juan (drinks). Additionally, the Parador offers 2 private dining rooms/dining experiences. For those days you don’t feel like getting out of bed? Room service is offered as well!
In addition to all this, The Parador offered tours that made me question why I wasn’t spending my entire trip there. Everything from tours of Manuel Antonio National Park to Waterfall tours to private yacht excursions to adventure tours - they have it all!
The best part of the hotel, is that in addition to the luxury and next level service provided, they are certified as sustainable by the Costa Rican Tourism Board at the highest level achievable (Elite). They have also received the prestigious Ecological Blue Flag for several consecutive years for “Actions Against Climate Change”. What does this mean for you? It means that you can comfortably enjoy living that luxurious lifestyle, while being sustainable & without taking a toll on our precious planet!
One last pro tip, should you decide to stay here: you do NOT want to miss sunrise or sunset at this hotel. Check out some of the sunrise and sunset views from my solo Valentine’s Day adventure here!
If you’re interested in checking out or booking the hotel, I’ve linked it for you here. Pura Vida!
