Is the Paradisus Playa Conchal still open?
Yes, under a different name. Westin took over the resort from Paradisus in the early 2010s, and today it’s The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa. It sits inside Reserva Conchal, a large development of forest, golf and residences behind the beach, which it shares with a smaller sister hotel, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal. If you’re searching for the Paradisus, the Westin is the resort you’re looking for.
What is the Westin Reserva Conchal like?
It’s a big, all-inclusive beach resort built for easy days: you eat, swim and play without leaving the grounds. Highlights include:
- More than 400 rooms, plus seven restaurants and five bars, all included.
- An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II: par 71, just over 7,000 yards, and certified by Audubon International for its environmental management.
- The Heavenly Spa by Westin, a fitness studio and four lighted tennis courts.
- Direct access to Playa Conchal. Guests walk straight from the grounds onto the sand.
Want something smaller and more design-led? The W, on the same property, has about 150 rooms, suites and residences, its own spa and five places to eat and drink.
What is Playa Conchal like?
Many people’s pick for the prettiest beach in Costa Rica. The “sand” is made of tiny crushed shells, and the water is a clear turquoise. The best snorkeling is at the east end, near Brasilito. Away from the sheltered corners the drop-off is steep and the waves can get strong, so keep children close. And please leave the shells where they are: taking them is illegal, and there are fewer every year.
Every beach in Costa Rica is public, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you can still visit: park in Brasilito and walk about 20 minutes along the sand. Our Guanacaste beaches guide has more on Conchal and its neighbors, Flamingo and Potrero.
What’s the closest airport to Playa Conchal?
Liberia airport (LIR), about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes away on paved roads. From San José’s airport (SJO) it’s around 4.5 hours, so if your trip is mostly on this coast, fly into Liberia. Doing Arenal or Monteverde too? Compare Liberia and San José for the open-jaw option.
What day trips can I take from Conchal?
Tamarindo, with its surf, restaurants and sunsets, is about half an hour south. Rincón de la Vieja, with its mud pots, waterfalls and hot springs, is about 1 hour 30 minutes inland, an easy full day. Arenal and Monteverde are too far for a comfortable day trip, so plan a night or two there instead. Your Anywhere Costa Rica insider can arrange the transportation and stays to fit them into your trip.
Getting there from Liberia airport
Liberia airport (LIR) is the closest international airport: 45–70 km and 1 hour – 1 hour 30 by road to the Flamingo & Conchal area. Paved, via Highway 21, Belén and Huacas. Your driver meets you at arrivals with a sign bearing your name, and up to an hour of stops on the way is included. See Liberia airport to Flamingo & Conchal for the full route.