You’ve probably heard the hype about Costa Rica. Everyone talks about the sloths and the "Pura Vida" vibe, but finding a spot that actually delivers luxury without feeling like a sterile museum is surprisingly tough. That’s where the Westin Reserva Conchal Guanacaste Costa Rica comes in. Honestly, it’s one of those rare places that manages to be massive—we're talking 2,400 acres—yet feels oddly private if you know where to hide.
It’s an all-inclusive. I know, usually, that phrase conjures up images of lukewarm buffets and watered-down margaritas. This isn't that. Located in the Cabo Velas area of Guanacaste, it sits on Playa Conchal. That beach is legendary because instead of sand, it’s made of tiny, crushed white shells. It keeps the water insanely clear.
The Golf Situation at Reserva Conchal
Let’s get into the grass. The golf course here isn't just an afterthought tacked onto a hotel. It’s a Robert Trent Jones II design. If you play, you know that name carries weight. It’s a par-71 championship course that snakes through the dry forest and along the Pacific Coast.
What makes it tricky? The wind. Guanacaste is famous for the "Papagayo winds" that kick up between December and March. You might think you've lined up a perfect drive on the 15th, and then a gust catches it and sends it into the tropical forest. It’s challenging. But the views of the ocean from the higher elevations make the inevitable double-bogey a lot easier to stomach. They’ve also been recognized for sustainability, which matters in a country that takes its ecology as seriously as Costa Rica does. They use reclaimed water for the greens, which is a big deal in the Guanacaste province where water scarcity is a real, ongoing conversation.
What Most People Get Wrong About the All-Inclusive Label
People show up at the Westin Reserva Conchal expecting a standard Marriott experience. It’s a bit different. Because it’s an "All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa," the rhythm of the day is built around the "Club Lounge" and the various "stations."
Food is usually the dealbreaker. Here, you’ve got about eight or nine restaurants. Fogo is the Brazilian steakhouse—it’s heavy, it’s salty, and it’s great. Then there’s Mitra, which is the main buffet. Pro tip: if you want a quiet breakfast, get there early or skip it and head to the Cauri Cantina. The lobster at some of the specialty spots usually requires a reservation that fills up faster than a Taylor Swift concert. You have to be on the app the second your window opens.
The Royal Beach Club: Is it Worth It?
This is the big question. The Royal Beach Club is the adults-only section. If you’re traveling without kids, just pay for the upgrade. Seriously. You get a private pool, a separate breakfast area, and—most importantly—no splashing toddlers while you’re trying to read.
The service in the Royal Beach Club is noticeably snappier. You get a "concierge" (basically a localized butler) who can handle your dinner bookings and spa appointments. In a resort this size, having one person to text via WhatsApp instead of standing in line at the front desk is a massive luxury.
The Reality of the Guanacaste Climate
Guanacaste is the "Dry Forest" region. It’s not the rainforest of La Fortuna or the cloud forest of Monteverde. From January to April, it is brown. Like, really brown. If you go expecting lush, neon-green jungles during the dry season, you’ll be disappointed.
But that’s actually the appeal for golfers and sun-seekers. It almost never rains during the winter months. You get 90-degree days and cool, breezy nights. If you want the emerald green look, visit in June or October, but bring a poncho because the sky will open up every afternoon at 3:00 PM like clockwork.
The Spa and the "Heavenly" Factor
The Westin brand leans hard into their "Heavenly" marketing—Heavenly beds, Heavenly showers, Heavenly Spa. It’s a bit kitschy, sure. But the Heavenly Spa by Westin at Reserva Conchal is legitimately massive. They use local ingredients like organic coffee and volcanic clay in the treatments.
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Costa Rica is a global leader in "wellness tourism," a market worth billions. The Westin taps into this by offering "Eat Well" menus and high-end fitness studios. It’s a weird contrast to the all-you-can-eat churros by the pool, but hey, balance is everything.
Getting Out of the Resort Bubble
Don't spend the whole time on the property. Please.
Guanacaste has some of the best surfing in the world. Tamarindo is just a 15-minute drive or a short boat ride away. It’s a bit touristy—some people call it "Tamagringo"—but the energy is fun. If you want something more authentic, head to Brasilito. It’s the little town right next door. You can walk there along the beach from the Westin. It’s dusty, there are dogs running around, and the "sodas" (small local restaurants) serve a casado that costs a fraction of the resort food and tastes twice as good.
- The Wildlife: You will see iguanas. They are everywhere. They're harmless, just giant prehistoric-looking loungers.
- The Monkeys: Howler monkeys live in the trees around the golf course. They don't howl; they roar. It sounds like a demonic gorilla. It’s terrifying the first time you hear it at 5:00 AM, but it’s just the local alarm clock.
- The Birds: Keep an eye out for the Turquoise-browed Motmot. It’s the national bird of Nicaragua but lives all over Guanacaste. It has a tail that looks like a pendulum.
Nuance and Limitations
Is the Westin perfect? No.
Because it’s an older, established property, some of the rooms can feel a little dated compared to the ultra-modern Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo nearby. The property is also very spread out. If you have mobility issues, you’ll be relying on the golf cart shuttles that roam the paths. Sometimes they're fast; sometimes you’re waiting ten minutes in the humidity.
Also, Playa Conchal is a public beach. Costa Rican law says all beaches are public. This means locals and vendors will be on the sand. They are generally polite, selling everything from massages to jet ski tours, but if you’re looking for a totally "walled-off" private beach experience, you won't find it anywhere in this country. Embrace it. Buy a cold coconut (pipa fria) from a vendor. It’s part of the experience.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
If you’re planning a stay, here’s the move.
First, book your tee times at the Reserva Conchal Golf Club at least a month out if you’re going during peak season (Christmas through Easter). The course gets crowded with both hotel guests and owners from the surrounding villas.
Second, fly into LIR (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia). It’s only about an hour's drive. If you fly into SJO (San Jose), you’re looking at a five-hour drive that will make you regret your life choices.
Third, pack a pair of water shoes. Walking on Playa Conchal is beautiful but those tiny shells can be sharp on the soles of your feet.
Lastly, check the "Moonlight Dinner" schedule. Occasionally, they do beachfront dining under the stars. It’s usually an extra fee, but given the lack of light pollution in this part of Guanacaste, the star-gazing is world-class.
The Westin Reserva Conchal isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a massive ecosystem of luxury, sport, and nature. It’s busy, it’s big, and it’s arguably the most consistent vacation spot in the province. Just remember to book those dinner reservations the second you check in.