Costa Rica is Calling

The opening of a new W Hotel elevates Costa Rica’s Reserva Conchal to elite status.

Mental gurus in sports and life have a saying during rough or tense situations: “Go to your happy place.” This year, why not head to Costa Rica, the world’s happiest country.

Costa Rica is home of the Reserva Conchal Beach Resort Golf and Spa, a luxury resort situated on the country’s sparkling northwestern Pacific coast. Situated between white sand beaches and a “dry” tropical forest, Reserva Conchal is a prominent resort destination in the country’s Guanacaste region that is the perfect spot for a buddy trip.

Set within the resort’s vast 2,300 acres is a five-star all-inclusive Westin Golf Resort & Spa—whose highlights include an extensive swimming pavilion, modern workout facilities, fine dining and an exquisite spa—and a spectacularly modern W Hotel that debuted last week.

Pura Golf!

Reserva Conchal’s crown jewel is its golf course.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the par-71 layout stretches to more than 7,000 yards. Jones smartly routed the course between the azure Pacific waters and lush greens of the neighboring tropical forest. The returning nines feature amazing ocean vistas with unforgettable holes meandering through tropical lakes, rugged ravines and ample elevation changes.

Every May, Reserva Conchal hosts the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Essential Costa Rica Classic. Thus, you and your buddies can walk the same fairways as the aspiring Tour pros. You and your golf buds also will be playing what Golfweek and Golf Digest consider the best course in Costa Rica, and the first course in the country bestowed certification by Audubon International.

But it’s not just the golf course that gets acclaim—its world-class practice facility and learning center offers four green complexes, bunkers, chipping and approach areas, and an expansive practice tee. Single- and multi-day golf clinics are offered, including the PGA TOUR Academy featuring certified instructors from famed TPC Sawgrass.

¡Pura Vida!

Golf reigns supreme at Reserva Conchal, but other outdoor activities rank a close second when it comes to enjoyment. Relaxing by the beach is a must, and there’s no better place to soak in the rays than at the resort’s beach club.

Your adventurous side can also explore Reserva Conchal’s 96-acre wildlife refuge, which is home to more than 30 species of birds, 12 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and native plants and flora. Deep-sea fishing expeditions, horseback riding and the surf town of Tamarindo are all nearby.

At Reserva Conchal, the letter “W” is synonymous with luxurious accommodations. The all-inclusive Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal sits on a pristine stretch of white sand and provides the ultimate in elegance – with personal concierge services at the Royal Beach Club and the sumptuous amenities synonymous with the Westin brand. Additional five-star touches include 10 on-site restaurants and bars, and a well-appointed spa that offers an array of services and treatments.

As of November 29, the W Costa Rica, Reserva Conchal places this part of Costa Rica among the elite in world-class destinations. The W offers 151 guestrooms, and contemporary luxury touches and amenities such as a W Living Room lifestyle lounge, specialty restaurants, meeting space, a destination bar and lounge, an infinity edge pool and spa.

For larger groups or those looking to stay longer in paradise a while, Reserva Conchal has premium one-, two- and three-bedroom private residences, and a four-bedroom penthouse that overlooks the Pacific. It’s a bit of a walk down to the beach, but not too far. There’s a shuttle.

Getting There

The nearest airport – Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia – is updated, modern, clean, and you can be out the plane and on your way in under 15 minutes most of the time. Major carriers fly into Liberia from various U.S. destinations, and then it’s a scenic one-hour drive to Reserva Conchal.