As the first all-inclusive resort for the Westin brand, the beautiful Westin Reserva Conchal wows arrivals with its commitment to top quality. It will up-end any misconceptions you might have about what an all-inclusive can successfully deliver.
Shrouded by a lush forest, the meandering pathways connect guest bungalows with the large swimming pool, numerous restaurants and a Heavenly Spa. The resort shares the grounds with the larger Reserva Conchal, which has private residences, and the W resort next door. But, as an all-inclusive, guests here wear bracelets that give them access to as much food, drink and activities as they can fit into the day.
Here are five top reasons why Westin Reserva Conchal earns accolades from repeat guests for its ample roster of amenities.
The food
Food and beverage can make or break a vacation, especially at an all-inclusive where almost everything is locked into the price. For starters, guests have minibars that get restocked daily, but it is the restaurants that are the main draw.
Mitra Market is the all-day buffet venue that has made-to-order dishes and specialties like healthy fare, sushi, Westin’s signature wellness juices and a pizza oven. It is popular from breakfast through dinner, and of course, the full bar is always on offer.
Bamboo is the resort’s Asian venue serving freshly prepared sushi, noodle dishes and ramen each evening. It is the most popular restaurant at the hotel. Other options include a poolside venue named Caracola serving fresh salads and tacos as well as a pizzeria that has tasty Italian pies to enjoy (or take away in special boxes).
Guests booking Club rooms enjoy access to Faisanella, which is reserved for premium guests for breakfast and a Mediterranean evening menu. Throughout the day, guests can order drinks from a variety of bars, including swim-up options. You will not leave this resort hungry or thirst, that is for sure.
In total, the resort has seven restaurants and five bars for guests to enjoy. The property knows or thing or two about food and beverage. It is owned by the same family that owns Costa Rica’s famous beer brand Imperial. One of the many bars here specializes in the country’s famous beer label.
The activities
After the 75-minute drive from Liberia’s international airport, travelers are no doubt antsy to get out and explore. The resort can coordinate things like zip-lining and beach tours, but onsite, there is plenty to enjoy.
It all starts with the two lagoon-style pools, both of which meander with different corners and nooks for families or sports activities. One of the pools is reserved for Club guests, and the other is for everyone else, featuring a dedicated area for families.
For those that want a more stringent workout, the fitness center is open at all hours and showcases Westin’s traditional brand hallmarks with the latest workout equipment. Guests also have access to a Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course with preferred tea times and workout classes on a regular schedule.
Club category guests enjoy their own subset of special events reserved just for them. These include things like coffee tastings and yoga on the beach. Marriott’s top elite guests always enjoy access to Club facilities, which is a special perk of being loyal to Marriott Bonvoy.
Four lighted tennis courts with regular tournament and activity options on the schedule keep guests and Reserva Conchal members (the private residential guests) fully engaged. A daily calendar of events offers everything from yoga to group fitness classes.
The spa
Fresh from a complete makeover, the Heavenly Spa has a full list of massage and beauty treatments. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long trip, and there is more than just the standard routines on offer here. The detox massage, for example, combines a traditional deep tissue massage with lymphatic drainage to renew the body through cell restoration and renewal.
Before or after a treatment, spa goers can use the relaxation and hydrotherapy areas, which include hot and cold plunges. The men’s and women’s locker room areas also have a sauna, whirlpool and steam room.
New to the resort is a bridal salon for wedding parties to enjoy some pre-ceremony pampering. Hair and makeup services are also on the menu.
The people
Costa Ricans are notorious for their “Pura Vida” and easygoing lifestyle with friendly service. The staff here is perhaps the resort’s best calling card as they demonstrate a true interest in the guest experience.
From the housekeeping team to the butlers in the Club section, travelers will have a uniformly positive interaction with the team here. This can make a big difference, especially for people who have never experienced an all-inclusive. Service can be exceptional even when the check is already covered.
The accommodations
Cool and comfortable, the rooms have ceiling fans, tiled floors and the hotel brand’s famous Heavenly Beds with pillow-top mattresses and thick duvets. Power and USB ports are conveniently placed, a thoughtful touch for modern-day travelers with so many devices.
All are enormous, but the junior suites add living areas that are ideal for families. All of these come with sofa beds, and the premium units add extra poolside cabana perks (otherwise, there is a fee for these benefits).
Rooms are divided between several dozen “bungalows,” each of which has ground-floor units with patios and others with furnished balconies. Club guests have two buildings surrounding their own pool and with convenient access to the club lounge, where complimentary drinks and snacks await throughout the day.
Guests booking into the Family category have their own experience to look forward to during their stay. These units come with bunk beds as well as access to a private lounge. There, guests can enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. This lounge opens directly to the kids’ club, which is free for guests to enjoy. Parents can leave kids behind for supervised and educational activities to enjoy the resort’s activities and spa.
This all-inclusive resort, a first for the Westin brand, is testament to Marriott Bonvoy’s brand power. It also shows its commitment to delivering more attention to this vacation segment, without skimping on quality. And so successful is this resort that Westin has sent other brand leaders here to learn. The goal is that they can see how to replicate the operation here in other locations around the world. It is worth coming to see it for yourself.
