The Westin Reserva Conchal
The Westin Reserva Conchal is the best all-inclusive in Costa Rica for most travelers. Its dual-section design separating a Family Club from an adults-only Westin Club makes it work for couples and families alike — and the combination of a Robert Trent Jones II golf course, 9 fully-included restaurants, and one of the country's finest crushed-shell beaches is unmatched. The long airport drive and lack of ocean-view rooms are real downsides, and golfers need to budget an extra $200+ per round on top of already-premium rates. But if you want the full Costa Rica experience — wildlife, championship golf, white sand, and Marriott Bonvoy points — nothing else in the country competes.
The Westin Reserva Conchal Review 2026: Costa Rica’s Best All-Inclusive Resort
The Westin Reserva Conchal is not your typical all-inclusive resort, and Costa Rica is not your typical all-inclusive destination. That tension — between a country built on eco-tourism and adventure, and a resort format built on pool bars and buffet lines — is exactly what makes this property so interesting. And it is, frankly, the best all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica by a comfortable margin.
Set on 2,400 acres of protected tropical reserve in Guanacaste province, the Westin Reserva Conchal fronts Playa Conchal, a beach famous for its crushed-shell white sand and turquoise water. It was the first Westin all-inclusive in the world when it opened, and the Westin brand standards show — this is not a mass-market AI with a logo slapped on it. The 406-room resort delivers nine restaurants (all fully included), a Robert Trent Jones II championship golf course, a dedicated adults-only section with butler service, and howler monkeys in the trees above your breakfast table. Not many resorts can claim that last one.
Whether you are a family chasing Bonvoy points, a couple looking for an adults-only escape with substance, or a golfer who wants a championship course and a beach in the same trip, the Westin Reserva Conchal has a strong argument for your booking. But it also has real flaws you should know about before you commit.
Quick Verdict
Who it’s for: Families wanting a polished all-inclusive with genuine nature experiences, couples seeking the adults-only Westin Club upgrade, golfers who want a Robert Trent Jones II course on their doorstep, and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists looking for one of the best points redemptions in the program.
Worth it? Yes — particularly for families on Bonvoy points (per-room pricing is outstanding value) and for couples who book the Westin Club tier. Standard-room guests at cash rates will enjoy it but may feel the sting of excluded premium spirits and a dinner reservation system that needs improvement.
Score: 8.7 / 10
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Playa Conchal — crushed-shell beach, turquoise water | 75-90 min drive from Liberia airport (LIR) |
| 9 restaurants fully included, no surcharges (except lobster) | Zero ocean-view rooms in any category |
| Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole championship golf | Golf not included — $160-$180/round plus rentals |
| Dual design: Family Club + adults-only Westin Club | Dinner reservations fill fast; last seating 8:45pm |
| Wildlife on property — monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds | Premium spirits excluded for non-Club, non-elite guests |
| Marriott Bonvoy points at 77,500-122,500/night | Public beach means vendors approach near the waterline |
| 24-hour room service included | Kids club capped at ~12 children |
| La Sabana and Manglar are genuinely excellent restaurants | Spa hydrotherapy requires a paid treatment to access |
The Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 406 (bungalow-style, no high-rise) |
| Restaurants | 9 (all included) |
| Bars | 5 (including 24-hour room service) |
| Pools | 2 — massive lagoon pool + adults-only Westin Club pool |
| Beach | Playa Conchal — public, crushed-shell white sand |
| Golf | 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II (Troon-managed, extra cost) |
| Airport | 75-90 min from LIR (Liberia-Guanacaste) |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
| Wi-Fi | Included throughout property |
| Loyalty | Marriott Bonvoy eligible |
Rooms and Suites
Every room at the Westin Reserva Conchal is bungalow-style, spread across the 2,400-acre reserve. There are no high-rise towers (except the two central Westin Club buildings), and there are absolutely no ocean-view or oceanfront rooms in any category. That is worth repeating because it surprises many first-time guests: you will not see the ocean from your room at this resort. What you will see are lush tropical gardens, the pool complex, and — if you are lucky — howler monkeys swinging through the canopy outside your terrace.
Getting around the property requires golf carts, and the resort provides them. Expect a 5 to 15 minute ride from your room to the beach or restaurants depending on your building assignment.
Deluxe and Premium Junior Suites
The base categories — Deluxe Junior Suite and Premium Junior Suite — share identical 538-square-foot floor plans with a king bed or two doubles, a sofa bed, private terrace or balcony, daily-stocked mini-bar, and air conditioning. The difference is location: Deluxe rooms are the furthest from the main pool, beach, and restaurants, while Premium rooms sit closer to the action. At roughly $400 to $450 per night, these are solid rooms with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed, but the distance penalty on Deluxe rooms is real. If you are booking a standard category, push for Premium.
Family Junior Suite and Master Family Suite
This is where the Westin Reserva Conchal starts to separate itself. The Family Junior Suite ($480+/night) adds bunk beds alongside the king bed and sofa bed, plus access to the dedicated Family Club Lounge — a private space with kid-sized furniture, a Family Concierge, and a separate check-in area. The Family Concierge is not a gimmick; they actively manage your dinner reservations and family logistics, which becomes genuinely valuable when you are fighting the app-based booking system during peak season.
For larger families, the Master Family Suite ($600+/night) offers a two-bedroom layout with separate living and dining areas, plus all the Family Club perks. This is the best option if you need actual privacy from your children after 8pm.
Important for Bonvoy members: Family Junior Suites are NOT available on points redemptions. You can only redeem points for Deluxe, Premium, and Westin Club categories.
Westin Club Rooms and Suites (Adults-Only)
The Westin Club is the adults-only (18+) section of the resort, housed in two central towers adjacent to a private pool and lounge. Westin Club Room rates start around $520 per night and include a balcony with outdoor soaking tub, access to the Westin Club Lounge (afternoon cocktails and bites), butler service, premium top-shelf spirits, and an exclusive a la carte breakfast and lunch at Faisanella — the resort’s most refined restaurant.
The One-Bedroom Suite ($650+/night) adds a separate living space while retaining all Club perks. At the top, the Royal Beach Club ($700+/night) offers the most exclusive tier with its own lounge and private pool, positioned as “all exclusive” rather than merely adults-only.
Our Pick
For couples: Westin Club Room. The butler service, premium spirits, Faisanella breakfast, and adults-only pool make this a meaningfully different experience from the standard rooms. The outdoor soaking tub on the balcony is a genuine luxury touch.
For families: Family Junior Suite. The Family Concierge alone is worth the premium — they handle the reservation headaches for you.
Food and Dining
Nine restaurants, all fully included in the all-inclusive rate with no surcharges (one exception: lobster dishes at Manglar carry a supplement). That is the strongest dining variety of any all-inclusive in Costa Rica, and the quality at the top-end venues genuinely surprised me.
Mitra Market (International Buffet)
Open for breakfast (6:30-11am), lunch (12-3pm), and dinner (6-9:30pm), Mitra Market is the main buffet and the path of least resistance for families who do not want to deal with reservations. Quality is variable — some guests call it outstanding, others find it just OK. The breakfast spread is solid with fresh tropical fruits, eggs cooked to order, and Costa Rican gallo pinto. Dinner buffets are hit-or-miss depending on the theme night. My honest take: use Mitra Market for breakfast and poolside casual spots for lunch, then save your evenings for the specialty restaurants.
The Standouts: La Sabana and Manglar
La Sabana is the restaurant you will remember. A steakhouse and Costa Rican folk cuisine venue set under a thatched roof with roaming sabaneros — Costa Rican cowboys — who serve traditional dishes while live folk music fills the space. The grilled meats are excellent, the atmosphere is unlike anything at a competing all-inclusive, and the cultural authenticity sets it apart from generic resort steakhouses.
Manglar is the seafood venue, perched in an elevated beachside location with decor crafted from recycled beach materials. Signature cocktails are strong, the ceviche is fresh, and the overall setting — dinner with the sound of waves and a breeze off Playa Conchal — makes this the most romantic option on property. Note the lobster surcharge; everything else is included.
Other Specialty Restaurants
Faisanella serves international a la carte cuisine and is the most refined dining venue at the resort. At dinner, it is open to all guests with a reservation. At breakfast and lunch, it is exclusive to Westin Club guests — and that exclusive morning service is one of the strongest reasons to upgrade to Club level.
Spirula Trattoria handles Italian duties with brick-oven pizza and pasta. The dinner service is standard resort-Italian (fine, not memorable), but the poolside pizza at lunch is popular with families and genuinely convenient.
Bamboo offers Asian fusion at dinner. Guest reviews are mixed — it is generally considered the weakest of the specialty restaurants. Fine for a single visit during a week-long stay; do not prioritize it over La Sabana or Manglar.
Casual and Poolside
Caracola serves poolside lunch (12-4pm) — burgers, sandwiches, salads — for families who refuse to leave the main lagoon pool. El Ranchito is a barbecue grill open 11am to 4pm with casual grilled fare and snacks. Cauri Lobby Bar and Bistro overlooks the golf course with tapas and light bites, though it was reported as temporarily closed in late 2024 — verify its status before arrival.
Bars and Drinks
Five bars serve the property, including the Westin Club Lounge Bar (adults-only, premium spirits), Manglar Beach Bar (beachside, open to all), and Caracola Pool Bar at the main lagoon pool. Standard cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are included for all guests. Premium and top-shelf spirits are reserved for Westin Club guests and Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador elites only. If you drink well liquor and beer, this will not matter. If you want aged rum or single malt scotch, factor the Club upgrade into your calculation.
Food Quality Verdict
The dining at the Westin Reserva Conchal is the best of any all-inclusive in Costa Rica. La Sabana and Manglar are genuinely excellent by resort dining standards — not “good for an all-inclusive” but actually good. The buffet is serviceable but not the point. The reservation system, however, is the thorn: all specialty restaurants require reservations, last seating is 8:45pm, and the app-based booking fills up fast during December through March. Email the concierge before your trip to lock in your top picks. Do not wait until check-in.
Beach and Pools
Playa Conchal
The beach is the reason this resort exists. Playa Conchal — “Shell Beach” — gets its name from sand made of millions of tiny crushed shells, giving it a uniquely white, almost powdery texture and a turquoise watercolor you would expect in the Caribbean, not the Pacific coast of Central America. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, and that reputation is earned.
There are caveats. Playa Conchal is a public beach, which means the section between the resort boundary and the waterline is open to vendors, independent masseuses, and anyone else who walks over from the town of Brasilito (about 2 km away). They can be persistent, and resort staff cannot remove them. Inside the resort-managed zone, you get free deck chairs and towels without issue. The surf can be rough in January and February during peak dry season, limiting swimming. Ironically, the calmer water and better swimming conditions come during the green season (May-October) when rates are 30 to 40 percent lower.
At high tide, the usable beach area feels smaller than photographs suggest. Sea turtles nest on nearby beaches seasonally, and the resort organizes viewing excursions.
Pools
The main lagoon pool is one of the largest resort pools guests will encounter anywhere. Lagoon-style and free-form, it sprawls across a massive footprint with a swim-up area, pool bar, and designated Westin Family seating section. During peak dry season it gets busy, but the sheer scale absorbs crowds better than most. Cabanas are available for rent starting at $99 per day — worth considering if you are there in late December or January.
The Westin Club Adults-Only Pool is a separate, significantly quieter space exclusive to Club room guests. Bali beds, a reserved bar, and a serene atmosphere make it the obvious draw for couples. If you are booking Westin Club, this pool alone justifies the premium.
Activities and Entertainment
Daytime Activities
The 2,400-acre reserve provides the resort’s most distinctive experience: wildlife. Howler monkeys routinely appear in the trees around the pools and restaurants. Iguanas sun themselves on the paths. Tropical birds are everywhere. The resort leads nature walks through the property, and unlike “wildlife tours” at most all-inclusives, you will actually see animals.
Non-motorized water sports — kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding — are included for one hour per day. Tennis and pickleball courts are free until 6pm ($10/hour after). Morning yoga sessions run daily. Resort-led bike tours explore the reserve. Motorized water sports (jet skiing, speedboat), scuba diving, and fishing charters are available at extra cost.
Off-property excursions include whitewater rafting, zip-lining at Rincon de la Vieja, Palo Verde National Park bird-watching, Catalina Islands snorkeling, hot springs, and seasonal sea turtle tours — all at additional cost.
The Golf Course
The Reserva Conchal Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-71 championship layout designed by Robert Trent Jones II and managed by Troon. It weaves through tropical landscapes with water hazards, ravines, and elevation changes, and holds Audubon International Certified Sanctuary status — one of only three certified courses in all of Costa Rica.
Golf is not included in the all-inclusive rate. Green fees run $180 for 18 holes in high season (December through July), $160 in low season (August through November). Nine-hole rates are $115 and $105 respectively. Club rentals add $75 for 18 holes or $55 for twilight play after 1pm. Junior rates are $115 year-round. The course is reserved exclusively for hotel guests — book in advance at golf@reservaconchal.com.
For golfers, this is a legitimate draw. The course would be a destination on its own without the resort attached.
Evening Entertainment
Nightly theater shows and entertainment programs are included. These are standard resort entertainment — enjoyable enough but not the reason you book this property. The small on-site casino offers additional evening options at extra cost.
Kids Club
The kids club is included in the all-inclusive rate with structured activities throughout the day. The critical limitation: maximum capacity is approximately 12 children at a time. During peak season (December through March), it fills fast. Book early in the day or ask the Family Concierge to help secure a slot.
Spa and Wellness
The Heavenly Spa by Westin offers massages, body scrubs, sports massage, and body treatments from 9am to 7pm. All spa treatments carry an additional cost. The hydrotherapy circuit — gender-specific steam rooms, saunas, and jacuzzis, plus a shared outdoor cold plunge pool — is genuinely appealing, but here is the catch: you can only access it after purchasing a paid treatment. You cannot simply use the steam room and sauna on a rest day. This is a legitimate disappointment at a luxury property charging $400+ per night.
Morning yoga and wellness programming are included in the all-inclusive rate.
What’s Included vs. Extra
| Included | Extra Cost |
|---|---|
| All meals at 9 restaurants | Golf green fees ($160-$180/round) |
| Standard cocktails, beer, wine | Golf club rentals ($55-$75) |
| 24-hour room service | All spa treatments |
| Daily mini-bar refresh (soft drinks, water, juice, beer) | Premium spirits (unless Club or Platinum+ elite) |
| Non-motorized water sports (1 hr/day) | Lobster supplement at Manglar |
| Tennis and pickleball (until 6pm) | Motorized water sports, scuba, fishing |
| Kids club | Pool cabanas ($99+/day) |
| Morning yoga and daily activities | All off-property excursions |
| Nightly entertainment | Airport transfers (~$200+ each way) |
| Fitness center and Wi-Fi | Tennis after 6pm ($10/hr) |
| Wildlife nature walks | Laundry and dry cleaning |
Pricing and How to Book
Price Ranges by Season
| Season | Period | Nightly Rate (2 adults) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak / Dry | Dec - Mar | $650 - $900 | Highest prices, guaranteed sun, rougher surf |
| Shoulder | Apr - May | $500 - $700 | Dry weather, lower rates, excellent value |
| Green / Low | Jun - Aug | $400 - $550 | Brief afternoon rains, calmer ocean, wildlife active |
| Deep Low | Sep - Oct | $400 - $500 | Wettest months, biggest discounts, lowest crowds |
| Late Shoulder | Nov | $500 - $650 | Rains tapering off, rates still reasonable |
Westin Club rooms add approximately $100 to $200 per night above standard rates. Family Junior Suites start around $480 year-round.
Best Time to Book
Book 3 to 4 months ahead for December through March peak season — both rooms and dinner reservations. Green season (May through August) offers 30 to 40 percent savings with calmer ocean conditions and more active wildlife. September and October are the wettest months in Guanacaste with heavier sustained rain; most travelers should avoid these two months.
Where to Book
Marriott.com direct is the best option for Bonvoy members. Points redemptions run 77,500 to 122,500 points per night, and the per-room pricing (not per-person) makes this exceptional value for families of four or more. Platinum elites and above receive Westin Club lounge access even in standard rooms.
Marriott Luminous partners can add complimentary perks (upgrades, resort credits) at no extra cost versus the direct rate — worth investigating if you are booking cash.
Costco Travel often bundles air and hotel packages with meaningful value. Booking.com and Expedia are worth checking for cash rate comparison.
Check latest prices at Marriott.com →
Marriott Bonvoy Points Strategy
At 77,500 to 122,500 points per night, the Westin Reserva Conchal is one of the best Bonvoy all-inclusive redemptions in the program. Points are priced per room — not per guest — meaning a family of four pays the same points as a solo traveler. For a family spending $700 per night in peak season, that is roughly 1.0 to 1.5 cents per point in value, which Bonvoy enthusiasts will recognize as strong. Platinum and above elite members also receive Westin Club lounge access in standard rooms, effectively bridging part of the Club upgrade gap for free.
Compared to Nearby Resorts
Secrets Papagayo is the obvious alternative for adults-only travelers. It is an Unlimited Luxury property on the Gulf of Papagayo — no reservation system, no kids, and an all-suite layout built for couples and honeymooners. The beach at Papagayo is weaker than Playa Conchal, and the setting feels more remote. Rates run $400 to $900 per night, comparable to the Westin Club tier. If you are a couple who does not want to share a resort with families and does not care about golf, Secrets is the move.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica sits on Culebra Bay in the Papagayo area with 292 suites, a pop-culture entertainment focus, and the Star Class upgrade option. Its biggest advantage: only 30 minutes from Liberia airport, cutting the Westin’s transfer time in half. The beach is weaker, the vibe is louder, and the dining does not match the Westin’s depth. Better for younger couples and groups who prioritize entertainment over nature.
Occidental Papagayo is the budget play — adults-only starting at $180 to $350 per night on the same Papagayo peninsula. It is less upscale and the food quality drops noticeably, but at less than half the Westin’s price point, it is the right answer if your budget is firm.
The Westin wins on beach quality, golf, family infrastructure, and dining variety. It loses on airport proximity and adults-only purity.
Practical Tips
- Golf carts are your life. The 2,400-acre property means a 5 to 15 minute ride from room to beach. This is not a walk-to-the-ocean resort.
- Email the concierge before arrival to request dinner reservations at La Sabana, Manglar, and Faisanella. The app-based system during peak season is frustrating — get ahead of it.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Costa Rica takes marine conservation seriously.
- USD is accepted everywhere on property, but the Costa Rican Colon also works. Tips are not included — budget $1 to $2 per drink and $5 to $10 per day for housekeeping.
- Smart casual dress code applies at all specialty restaurants for dinner.
- Beach vendors: They operate between the resort boundary and the waterline. A polite “no gracias” usually suffices, but be prepared for the approach.
- Airport transfer options: The resort offers private car service for $200+ each way. Independent shuttles are significantly cheaper — ask the concierge for recommended operators.
FAQ
Is the Westin Reserva Conchal truly all-inclusive?
Yes — all 9 restaurants, standard cocktails, beer, wine, 24-hour room service, non-motorized water sports, tennis, kids club, and daily activities are included. The notable exclusions are golf (green fees plus rentals), spa treatments, premium spirits (unless you are a Westin Club guest or Marriott Platinum+ elite), and off-property excursions.
Are there ocean-view rooms?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the property. All rooms are bungalow-style and face gardens or the pool complex. No ocean-view or oceanfront room category exists at any price point.
Is it worth upgrading to the Westin Club?
For couples, absolutely. The adults-only pool, butler service, premium spirits, outdoor soaking tub, and exclusive Faisanella breakfast and lunch access create a meaningfully different experience. The $100 to $200 per night premium pays for itself if you value quiet and top-shelf drinks. For families, skip it — the Family Junior Suite with its Family Concierge is the right upgrade.
How does the Bonvoy points redemption work?
Redeem at 77,500 to 122,500 points per night depending on season. Points pricing is per room, not per person — a family of four pays the same as a couple. Family Junior Suites are excluded from points bookings. Platinum+ elites get complimentary Westin Club lounge access even in standard rooms.
Is the golf course worth the extra cost?
If you are a golfer, unequivocally yes. The Robert Trent Jones II layout is a genuine championship course — Audubon-certified, Troon-managed, and carved through tropical forest with dramatic elevation changes and water hazards. At $180 per round plus $75 for club rentals, it is expensive on top of an already-premium all-inclusive rate, but the quality is legitimate. Budget for 2 to 3 rounds during a week-long stay.
Is this resort good for kids?
Very good, with one caveat. The Family Club infrastructure — dedicated concierge, private lounge, bunk-bed suites, priority reservations — is the best family system at any all-inclusive in Costa Rica. Kids will love the wildlife, the massive lagoon pool, and the beach. The limitation is the kids club capacity: approximately 12 children maximum. In peak season (December through March), secure your spot early each day.
Final Verdict
8.7 / 10
The Westin Reserva Conchal is the best all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica, and it is not particularly close. The combination of Playa Conchal’s crushed-shell beach, a Robert Trent Jones II championship golf course, nine fully-included restaurants with two genuinely excellent standouts (La Sabana and Manglar), and a smart dual-design that separates families and couples into their own ecosystems — it adds up to something no other resort in the country can match.
The 75 to 90 minute airport drive is real. The lack of ocean-view rooms is disappointing. The dinner reservation system needs work. And golfers should budget an additional $200+ per round on top of already-luxury rates. These are not trivial complaints.
But for families using Marriott Bonvoy points, this is one of the best value redemptions in the entire program. For couples who book the Westin Club, the adults-only pool, butler service, and Faisanella breakfast create a resort-within-a-resort that genuinely feels exclusive. And for anyone who wants to wake up to howler monkeys, play 18 holes through a certified wildlife sanctuary, and end the day with fresh ceviche on a crushed-shell beach — the Westin Reserva Conchal is the only answer in Costa Rica.
Book the Family Junior Suite if you have kids. Book the Westin Club Room if you do not. Email the concierge about dinner reservations before you pack your bags. And bring your golf clubs.