8 ways to feel like Royalty in Costa Rica

Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and treat yourself. Travel does not need to come with large budgets. A backpack and a tent can be enlightening for the budget-conscious, as can be getting into the car road trip and let the highway be your guide. Other times if you have the opportunity luxury travel can be an experience that can be enjoyed by all. Often when you are scouting out a new location, having a safe and clean place to start can be paramount to getting your holiday off to a rousing start.

 

We conceived this adventure at the last minute. We literally threw a dart at a map of the western hemisphere, like a missile soaring through our living room. It located in Costa Rica. Perfect. Now what, where to stay and what to see. Costa Rica is an ecological wonderland, so narrowing that down could prove to be complicated. With a credit card in hand, and the internet available. We decided to stay at the Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal. At the time of Booking I did not realize we had a date with royalty in Costa Rica.

We all need a change sometimes

Honestly, the name sounds too elitist for me. First I don’t golf, never have and doubt I ever will. To quote Mark Twain; “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” As for Spas, I am not a spa guy either. A message after a game of tennis perhaps, and only on special occasions. Yes, they have tennis courts here too, but I didn’t play as this was not the purpose of this getaway- more on that in other posts. When on vacation, especially when travelling with a friend,  or a person with whom you share longer relationships. It is essential that you consider there needs and wants. This will lead to having a much more enjoyable stay.

All this for US

As I said earlier, this is luxury accommodation. It starts with your transfer from the airport. Ready and waiting for you as you leave customs and immigration is an air-conditioned van, with WiFi and two-people prepared to help you with anything you wish. This vehicle that seats 8, we were the only two guests and off we were — located approximately a 45-minute drive southwest from the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia. The highway is two-laned and paved. Like most places that you arrived for the first time, you are disoriented by the surroundings while also trying to listen to what your tour representative is advising. 

Four!

You can imagine that since this is a Golf club, the property is immense, but it extends beyond that. There is also a wildlife reserve on the property, “Reserva Conchal,” here you can go hiking and biking to explore some of the local wildlife. There are many, Howler Monkeys, many species of reptiles and birds, ample wildlife to behold. Not to be outdone, the property is also home to many full and part-time residents who rent or have purchased their own condominium. They have tried and have been quite successful at integrating the natural environment into the resort’s footprint. With that, they have also been promoting a “green” agenda. This is just the beginning.

Royal Beach Club…Yes Royal

The resort is an all-inclusive environment that offers many levels of services. Those, of course, will correspond to the remuneration. In our case we decided on the Royal Beach Club for adults only, now don’t get too excited it is not hedonism. There are simply no children in your area. I love my children, but when I leave mine at home, I don’t want to deal with someone else’s. This makes for a much more relaxing vacation. That being said, some adults act like children after a few cocktails. You still have access to the entire resort, so you can enjoy it wherever you choose. 

The Club Lounge

You also get access to the Royal beach club lounge. Here each day, there are late afternoon snacks under the guidance of a mixologist par excellence. Armando will and can make you any cocktail your heart desires. After a hard day of relaxing,  or coming back from an all tour, Armando Guerrero is the “go-to” man. The intermediary to your accommodations.

This person Exists?

Not to be outdone the Royal Beach club comes with 24 hours room service and concierge. Here they take service to an entirely new level of quality. John Ruiz, the person responsible for our area, was amazing. He would be handy when you needed him and was available to answer any questions that you may have. Personable to the core, this is a man that takes a genuine interest in his clients. He has a level of sincerity that is not found anywhere in the service industry no matter where you reside. Needless to say, these two gentlemen made our stay very satisfying. Just another way you feel like royalty in Costa Rica.

I like to walk, I like golf carts too

Getting around the WGCS can be a bit of a chore, especially during your first few days. As we like to walk most places, the distances between pools and restaurants may be considered by some as daunting, especially under the hot Costa Rican sun. Fortunately, the resort has found a method to combat this with the use of “bus-like” golf carts. You can call from your room and arrange one of these vehicles to pick you up and drive you to your destination. This is convenient, especially for those that have physical challenges. 

Sunsets and Cocktails

As the name implies, Playa Conchal translates into “shell beach.” Now, don’t let this put you off the beach. There is no worry about cutting your feet. The shells have been ground up to a sand-like consistency.  The beach here is on public property, so you do come in contact with vendors trying to sell items such as jewelry and other trinkets. Not to worry, the vendors are not aggressive and will move along once you show no interest in what they are selling. Sitting on the beach with a cocktail and loved one next to you as the sun sets behind the mountain, transfer this idyllic paradise to something that you must behold to understand the magnitude of this vision fully.

What more food?

As the day comes to an end, there is one other item on the days’ menu to consider. Dinner. At the WGRS, your choices are virtually unlimited. There are seven restaurants all serving unique cuisines at varying levels of quality and service.  I did not like “La Sabana.” Here the staff come by with pieces of meat and place them on your plate if requested. It sounds simple enough. The exception here is that the only people that seem to be working were the food distributors. The waiters and busboys were practically non-existent accept when they were greedily spying on the tip. I am starting to believe that this type of dining was not corresponding to what I would consider fine dining.

The other restaurants were very good with my favourite being Faisanela, here the food was Italian cuisine served impeccably with no detail neglected. I would recommend the Eggplant Parmigiana as an appetizer as it is simply amazing for a simple dish with a unique presentation. Here the service was immaculate and the staff engaging.

Gratuities. Tip or not to tip, that is the question

I alluded to tipping earlier. In an all-inclusive, tipping is not necessary as gratuities have been factored into your costs. But consider this, most people earn 45 -50 USD per week in a country where the cost of living rivals some US states. Me, if I find the service, food and experience amazing, I tip probably too much. If I don’t feel the experience was adequate, then tip accordingly. Use your discretion.

Like I need another drink!

Now that you are basking in the moonlight, it is always lovely to spend some time with the obligatory show. Here you will see local and professional talent. The shows themselves rival those that you may have seen other resorts, not better, not worse. I have seen more than my share of Salsa dancers. In my case, I would generally look for a few minutes and make my way to the Imperial bar and Disco. 

Here you will find a DJ or live musicians. It is fun; here you can also get yourself a nightcap. Then make your way along many of the internal roadways that will take you back to your suite.

Do not miss Costa Rica

Playa Conchal offers you some “elevated amenities,” friendly people and some fantastic food. It is an ideal place to come and relax and waste your days away.  Like most resorts, it does not offer a great introduction to what Costa Rica is as a society. Book yourself a tour or go for a walk-off of the resort. Here is when the enchantment of Playa Conchal, Cabo Velas starts to shine to leave an indelible imprint on your psyche.

 

If you have been here and would like to add or correct or leave a comment, please do so. If this post has inspired you to make this your next travel destination, again we would love to hear about your experience.

 Your Vacation, Your Escape.

 

VTE