The all inclusive Westin Reserva Conchal (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lirwi-the-westin-reserva-conchal-an-all-inclusive-golf-resort-and-spa/overview/ ) was a 4 night and 5 day stop for our family in Costa Rica. We love to have flexibility in our stays to eat and explore at our own pace. All inclusive resorts can sometimes overstructure a vacation (when to eat, schedule activities and outings etc). The Westin's slower pace, copious, available food options, ideal location and MASSIVE pool made relaxing and exploring with spontaneity remarkably easy.
First off: the bungalows! The Westin has organized its rooms into a rambling set of clustered bungalows on neighborhood-like streets. Our set of bungalows were well appointed and recently renovated. The decor was simple, functional and really all a family needs because for a brief time you live just up the road from the world class Playa Conchal. Within walking distance are at least 7 amazing restaurants and a lively backyard pool spanning 2 acres. Getting to breakfast: slow stroll to the MItra Market open air buffet past a coffee shop that could be on the corner of any downtown. Coming in from the beach: stop by some beachfront stalls to consider local crafts. Headed out for dinner: swing by the poolside bar for drinks before or just watch the sunset a block away. Coming and going at the Westin is half the experience. If walking isn’t for you, the friendly staff is available on demand to wisk you away in golf carts. Massive iguanas wander confidently through the bungalow lawns. Howler monkeys seem to enjoy outdoing each other's playful acrobatics. The ubiquitous, raccoon-like coati regard guests casually.
Playa Conchal was an easy beach to find privacy- especially if you are one to wander up or down the sandy strip a bit. We enjoyed a number of relaxing afternoons following our outings and had several private sunsets after a short hike up a rocky outcropping overlooking the hotel and beach. Paddle boards, boogie boards, snorkel equipment, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for guests.
As amazing as the beach proved- the draw of the Westin's sprawling pool can't be overstated. The pool is one gargantuan body of water divided into many coves and corners. If you want to splash with your littles there’s plenty of room. If you want a placid paddle, there's plenty of room. If you want to swim up and enjoy a drink, there's plenty of room. Sense a theme?
HIghlights of our stay:
1. An amazing hike to The La Leona waterfall: Only accessible by hiring a guide, La Leona is a wonder. To get there, splash through the crystal clear rock-bed rivers, take a small detour to appreciate jungle overlooks and pull yourself along a rope against a robust river current (don't worry, guides and life preservers aplenty!). La Leona spills out into a private grotto challenging you to swim under the cascade or just appreciate its roaring beauty and gentle mist. We had a great close-up experience with a coral snake traversing the rocks on the way back (or maybe not so great depending on your position on snakes in general)!
2. Deep sea fishing followed by jet skis from Playa Conchal. Our guide picked us up right from the beach and chased the fish running at the time. Our trip was out of season for the classic marlin and tuna, but we felt great catching some bonito which impressed absolutely no one but us. After grabbing a number of these, we elected to head in and use the rest of our time to jet ski off the beach.
3. Horseback riding on the beach. Mom and daughter loved their ride. Trip was complicated by a lost cell phone. It was amazing to watch the local horse riding-network swing into action to find it immediately far, far up the beach.
4. Dining: The Westin has over 10 restaurants to choose from. We made dinner reservations early and enjoyed great service and food. We especially loved to drop into the Mitra Market buffet for lunch and breakfast. We highly recommend sampling the local fruit juices offered in constantly changing colors and flavors. All the Westin venues are carefully themed to reflect mostly fusion cuisine including Italian, Asian, steakhouse, salads and southwest. Table service dining is available for lunch as well but we generally preferred the wide variety and drop in convenience at Mitra Market.
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