Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

Reserva Conchal is located on an enormous property, which it shares with its sister hotel, the Westin. In addition to a manicured golf course, this huge property encompasses a 96-acre wildlife refuge. A one-mile trail running through the refuge offers guests a chance to spot dozens of different mammals, birds, and reptiles, such as howler monkeys and coatis. Sustainability is a priority here and the property has received several awards for its eco-conscious efforts, including a Sustainable Tourism Certification from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. 

The condos are organized into a series of residential areas, each named after a native tree or flower. While these low-rise condo buildings are peaceful, they feel disconnected from the beach and other amenities. Paved roads lined with greenery curve through the property, linking the condo villages with the main building. All but the most ambitious walkers will need to rely on a car or the free shuttle service to get around.  

Guests are primarily Westerners, with the multi-bedroom condos attracting lots of families and groups. Families should keep in mind, however, that the property doesn’t really offer anything in the way of entertainment for young kids. 

Reserva Conchal is located on a massive property, which is shared with its sister resort, the Westin Playa Conchal. It offers direct access to Playa Conchal, a pretty beach named for the “conchas” (seashells) that form the basis of its white sands. An ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, Playa Conchal is considered to be among Costa Rica’s best beaches. 

While there’s nothing else within walking distance of the property, a few good beaches are located a short drive away. The nearest town, Playa Brasilito, can be reached in a 15-minute drive. It’s a charming little town with a quiet, gray-sand beach. The nightlife and surf culture of Tamarindo is a 30-minute drive away, and it’s around an hour by car to Liberia’s airport. 

No two of Reserva Conchal’s one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom condos share the same layout and decor, but all are roomy and attractive. Some condos are more business-like with crisp white bed linens, blue-gray sofas and armchairs, and minimal artwork. Others are artsy and colorful, decorated with vivid artwork, bold accent walls, and flourishes of flowers and potted plants. All condos have large living spaces with comfy sitting areas, and either a dining table or a kitchen island with high-top chairs. Free Wi-Fi is available and living areas have flat-screen TVs, with some also including a TV in each bedroom. 

Kitchens vary from condo to condo, but expect dark or medium wood cabinets, gleaming countertops, full-size fridges, and ovens. All kitchens feature a great range of cookware and cutlery, along with an array of appliances such as microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, and blenders. Washers and dryers are standard, usually tucked inside kitchen closets. 

Bathrooms have glass-doored showers and bath products by Lord & Mayfair and Bath & Body Works. The master bathrooms in some condos have separate jetted tubs. Big private balconies or terraces, which offer views of the ocean or golf course, feature patio furniture that ranges from loungers to cushy outdoor sofas. Some units have private pools. 

Reserva Conchal has an elegant beach club, which features a pair of long, rectangular pools. The two pools are picturesquely set side-by-side between the hacienda-style main building and a row of trees, beyond which the beach is found. Cushioned white loungers and matching beach umbrellas line the tiled deck surrounding the pools, along with a couple of daybeds.

The beach club offers access to Playa Conchal, a wide beach with coarse sands made from crushed shells. The beach is quite serene, shared only with Reserva Conchal’s sister hotel, the Westin. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available, among other water sports opportunities. 

A free breakfast spread of rice and beans, pancakes, and fresh fruits, among other items, is served at poolside Catalinas restaurant. The restaurant is a beautiful, airy space with dark wood-beamed ceilings, graceful white pillars, and polished tiled floors. Catalinas serves an international a la carte lunch menu, and a Mediterranean-influenced dinner menu (reservations are required for dinner). Guests also have the option of making reservations at the Westin’s numerous restaurants. 

The beach club includes a stunning, 30,000 square-foot spa that’s shared with the Westin as well. The spa’s Asian-inspired decor emphasizes elements of wood, stone, and water. There are six treatment cabins, a beauty salon, two steam rooms, a relaxation lounge, and a striking, open-air whirlpool. Many treatments incorporate natural ingredients, such as local sea shells. 

Next door to the spa is a bright, two-floor fitness center (another feature shared with the Westin). It features modern Cybex machines, free weights, and cardio equipment, along with weekly instructor-led yoga and pilates classes. The Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course is one of the property’s stand-out features. This 18-hole course has broad open fairways and some nice Pacific Ocean vistas. 

Free shuttle service is available to transport guests around the sprawling property. Airport transfers can be arranged for a surcharge. There are handful of regular weekly and monthly events like sushi nights and wine tastings -- some are free while others come at an extra charge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there’s free parking on-site.