Erika on the patio of our Premium Jr. Suite
Introduction to My Experience at the Westin Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica
Tucked away along the shores of Playa Conchal, the Westin Reserva Conchal is a picturesque beachside hotel. With all the comforts one could ask for - including numerous restaurants, a pool deck and bar, and a sprawling golf course and clubhouse, - this is a standout all-inclusive resort.
I stayed at the Westin with my wife for an extended weekend. By recounting my personal experience at the resort, I hope to highlight its many standout features and amenities, and to help you decide if it’s the right hotel for your next Costa Rican vacation.
Why Costa Rica is a Great Travel Destination
Few destinations truly embody the spirit of the all-inclusive resorts like those in Costa Rica. Beautiful beachside retreats can be found all across the country, all offering an opportunity to slow down and enjoy life’s little pleasures, from the feeling of warm sand against your soles to the smell of freshly-roasted coffee.
While some prefer the adventure of hiking through Monteverde Cloud Forest, those who seek a more relaxing vacation can certainly find it in Costa Rica, especially if they stay at the Westin like I did.
Erika Having Fun in the HUGE Pool at The Westin Reserva Conchal
About Westin Reserva Conchal All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
The Westin is situated in the North Pacific Coast area of the Guanacaste Region. Its biggest draw is its beachfront location, bordering Playa Conchal which is right in front of the hotel.
The property gives off a secluded vibe that encourages rejuvenation in a natural environment, though it’s not far from popular spots like Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo.
Overview of Amenities
The Westin’s golf course and clubhouse are a major draw, as are the hotel’s multiple on-site dining options and its massive pool. Other amenities include a Kids Club, room service, and a fitness center with tennis and pickleball courts.
Gift Shop at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Checking in and Settling Down at Westin Reserva Conchal All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
Right from the get-go, I knew I would have a good time at the Westin. Arrival and check-in was a simple and worry-free process, as was the trip to our room.
First Impressions
The Westin Reserva Conchal set the mood for my visit the moment I stepped through the resort’s doors. Located just next to the Reserva Conchal Golf Course, the open plan of the lobby gave it a grandiose feel that immediately put me in the mood to relax and unwind during my stay. Everything felt upscale with a clean and pretty interior.
After checking in, we hopped in a golf cart to go to our room. The golf carts were electric and extra large. Traveling to our room also showcased just how expansive the property was, and it was fun to look around as we drove past the rolling green hills of the golf course and the other rooms.
Most of the rooms at the hotel are bungalow-style, with each bungalow housing 8 rooms each. There are over 40 bungalows on the property.
We also passed by two towers, which were fairly discrete and did not intrude on the view at all. These towers were part of the more exclusive area of the resort called Club Westin, which has a private pool and restaurant for Club Westin guest use only, though I didn’t stay there during this visit.
Entrance living area in the Premium Junior Suite at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Junior Suite Accommodations
I spent my stay at the Westin Reserva Conchal in a Junior Suite room, which I found beautiful and very spacious. Right inside was a cozy sitting area with a couch and a full-sized desk, plus a mini-bar perfect for kicking back after a long day.
The bedroom area was sectioned off from the rest of the room with a small wall, which lent it some extra privacy without leaving me feeling boxed in. The bathroom was large with a standup shower and two sinks.
The standout feature of the Junior Suite room we stayed in was the connected patio. It was the perfect way to wake up with a cup of coffee in the morning. There was the perfect amount of shade for getting out of the sun for a while in the heat of the afternoon, too.
In Room Stocked Mini Bar in the Premium Junior Suite at the Westin Reserva Conchal
In-Room Amenities
One of the best perks of visiting Costa Rica is getting to drink Costa Rican coffee, which I love, right where it’s harvested. My room was stocked with a Café Britt coffee maker plus my favorite, Café Britt Espresso. There was also a mini-fridge fully stocked with cold drinks.
Since the hotel provided all-inclusive service, I didn’t have to worry about paying extra for any of these amenities. The staff seamlessly restocked the mini-fridge and the coffee each day during housekeeping visits, which was an extra touch of convenience that I appreciated.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
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Beach chairs and umbrellas at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Exploring Reserva Conchal and Playa Conchal in Costa Rica
The Westin Reserva Conchal has an ideal location for beachgoers, as alongside its signature golf course, it’s just a few steps away from Playa Conchal. You don’t have to travel far from your room to get a great spot on the beach early in the day, whether you’re the type who likes to kick back or if you prefer to stay active with water sports.
Clear and Beautiful Water at Playa Conchal
The Beach at Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is right in front of the resort, and we only had to walk about two minutes from the hotel pool. Conchal means shell in English, and the beach did not disappoint, with millions of shells located along the sand making for perfect souvenirs.
Playa Conchal is known for being a great beach for swimming. The waters were clear and calm, and the beach itself was beautiful.
Another good swimming beach, Playa Brasilito, is about a 5-minute walk away. It’s easy to reach as you walk over the head, or point, of Playa Conchal and toward the short trail leading to Playa Brasilito.
During my visit, the beach wasn’t very crowded, with at most a dozen or so people swimming near the hotel at any given time and a small handful of people set up along the beach. It was easy to find a little more seclusion by walking just a few minutes in either direction, where the crowd thinned and we could go swimming by ourselves.
Jet skis for rent in front of the Westin Reserva Conchal
Water Sports
For the length of my trip, the ocean was calm, and conditions were almost always perfect for swimming. Of course, that wasn’t the only activity available. There were also jet skis available to rent all day for those who prefer to ride the waves further from the coastline.
You can also go snorkeling, with the best spot just a few minutes’ walk north, to the right of the hotel. The rocky head of the beach is ideal for snorkeling, especially during the early mornings.
Reserva Conchal Golf Course and Clubhouse
While I didn’t spend much time at the Reserva Conchal Golf Course myself, it’s a central feature of the hotel. It’s a world class 18-hole course designed in an eco-friendly way that highlights the gorgeous natural surroundings.
Golfers won’t want to miss out, though keep in mind that playing on the course and visiting the attached clubhouse doesn’t come cheap. Still, it’s worth the cost for those who love the sport.
The main lunch restaurant at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Dining Options and Room Service at the Westin Reserva Conchal All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
The Westin boasts multiple different restaurants serving diverse styles of cuisine. Traditional Costa Rican fare is readily available at each of them, but each restaurant also focuses on a different style. Of the five on-site restaurants that require reservations, dinner options include a steakhouse, Asian fusion, seafood, Italian, and fine dining.
In addition to these sit-down style restaurants, I also stopped in at Mitra Market, which was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without reservations. Mitra Market served food buffet-style, making it a convenient no-frills choice any time of day.
In between meals, the snack bar at the pool served lighter fare.
Room Service
On the day we arrived, we were tired from traveling and hadn’t eaten all day. This was an opportunity to try out the room service at the hotel, and it did not disappoint.
The staff who delivered the food were prompt and all very nice, and the meal was tasty. I ordered the chicken Casado, and it was among my favorite meals of the whole trip.
My Personal Dining Experiences
As the one restaurant that was open during breakfast, most days started with a trip to Mitra Market. The food was always tasty, but the coffee on offer was the high point, with a specialty coffee of the day that was just the right level of sweetness alongside the usual fare. My favorite was the delicious coconut cold brew, though I also enjoyed vanilla and caramel (dulce de leche) flavored drinks.
My favorite spot for dinner was the Asian fusion restaurant, Bamboo. The restaurant served Asian food with a Costa Rican twist which made it feel like a truly unique meal I couldn’t get elsewhere.
While I really enjoyed this, I also loved the Costa Rican food on the menus of most of the resort’s restaurants. Both the chicken and beef Casado were amazing, as were the ceviche with fish and ceviche with heart of palm (palmito).
Finally, getting a drink at Bar Imperial was a great way to cap off the evening. The bar had a cool atmosphere that was perfect for winding down after a long day of exploring Costa Rica’s best sights.
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Pool bar at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Relaxing at the Westin Reserva Conchal All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
The best all-inclusive resorts prioritize guest relaxation, and the Westin was no exception. With luxury amenities and services, I felt any stress I’d been carrying melt away so I could enjoy the pura vida state of mind.
Spa and Beachfront Massages
Rather than having on-site masseuses, beachfront massages were provided by masseuses from a place right near the hotel. I didn’t visit the spa or get a beachfront massage during my visit, but the facilities seemed nice and professional.
Can not get enough of the pool at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Outdoor Pool and Pool Bar
The Westin’s huge pool was a mainstay of my visit, as we found time to stop by every day. Most days we swam a little, then kicked back in a lounge chair. The chairs were laid out with some in the sun and some in the shade.
The pool had its own bar nearby, plus a swim-up bar inside the pool. The bartenders were happy to make any drink we liked, plus various types of smoothies for kids or anyone who didn’t want alcohol.
Fitness Center and Tennis Court
The hotel’s fitness center was well-appointed with both a tennis court and pickleball court to play on. I didn’t use either during my stay, but it’s a nice option for those who don’t like to slack on their workout routine.
One of the many resting areas at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Additional Amenities and Services at the Westin Reserva Conchal All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
Other amenities offered at the Westin Reserva Conchal include convenient services like free Wi-Fi and accommodations for families. While the hotel is popular with solo travelers, these amenities make it an excellent choice for vacationing families too.
Westin Kids Club
Parents can take advantage of the Westin Kids Club, a playroom geared toward younger family members. Our kids didn’t come with us during this vacation, but other hotel guests’ kids seemed to have a lot of fun at the club.
Free Wi-Fi and Westin Club Lounge Access
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire resort property. It worked well every time I used it regardless of what area of the property I was in at the time.
Anyone staying in a Westin Club Executive room also gets added perks like access to a private pool and the lounge, as well as a more exclusive restaurant. While any guest can reserve a table at the restaurant for dinner, Westin Club members also have access during breakfast and lunch.
Family Junior Suite Accommodations
The Family Junior Suite rooms are great for anyone traveling with their kids. They are a little larger, and anyone staying in these rooms also gets access to an area of the main pool that’s just for kids.
Erika loving the beach at the Westin Reserva Conchal
Overall Impression of the Westin Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Westin Reserva Conchal. It’s an excellent hotel for any size group, from couples and friend groups to families.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and easy vacation with minimal planning, booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort takes a lot of the stress out of the trip-planning process, and the Westin gets high marks in every category.
With delicious food, a beautiful beach, great golfing, and an expansive pool, anyone who prioritizes relaxation while on vacation is sure to be impressed.
Just note that it’s not quite as good of a fit if you’re a more adventurous traveler who wants to spend more time exploring Costa Rican jungles and rainforests. If lounging by the pool and spending time on the beach is your style, though, you can’t go wrong booking a room at the Westin Reserva Conchal!
