Our family of 5 stayed in a 3BR, 4BA condo in Bougainvillea on our first trip to Costa Rica. Figured we would use this as a home base for exploring the Guanacaste region. Ended up thoroughly savoring our beach time on Playa Conchal while still enjoying several full- and half-day trips and dining in local towns.
The condo was spacious, clean and beautiful. A very quiet setting. Very comfortable king-sized bed in each room. Used kitchen to cook a couple simple meals. Felt very safe here. Heard birds and occasional howler monkeys from condo. Laundry right in condo a plus. Only wished we were closer to beach--didn't realize it was a 7-8 min drive/shuttle ride to restaurant, pool, beach.
We were pleasantly surprised that breakfast at Catalinas restaurant was included in our stay. The food was delicious with great menu options. We also enjoyed a top notch dinner at Catalinas and would highly recommend it as a convenient and casual, yet gourmet dining experience. Poolside service for drinks and lunch was tasty and relaxed.
The concierges were extremely friendly and accommodating in setting up tours (they contract with Swiss Tours, which we highly recommend) and helping us to navigate the local area. Rented a car onsite--very easy. We only wish they (and our Lonely Planet and Fodor's guide books) had been more knowledgeable in providing directions to drive (and instructed us to have a more rugged 4WD car for driving final 3km to Santa Maria ranger station) on our own to Rincon de le Vieja National Park. It seemed like such a straightforward outing but turned into a circus of a 5-hr drive, never actually reaching the hiking trails we sought. After succumbing to an organized tour with 2-hr hike to that locale the following day (surprisingly great hike!, enjoyable tour), we could now very easily give others guidance on a do-it-yourself outing.
The pools and beach access for us was separate than those for the Westin guests--quiet and peaceful, never crowded. Beautiful pair of rectangular pools that could be used for lap swimming. Beach is stunningly beautiful with great expanse for walking, fun waves for play with kids.
Several paddle boards and kayaks are available for guests. Wish the resort had a few soccer balls, footballs, and Kadima sets for playing on beach.
Occasionally got annoyed by vendors on beach offering guide services, massages, and selling wares, though they weren't too intrusive.
As our week progressed, we became more aware of the trails/paths on the property that can be used for hiking and mountain biking. Bikes for the resort were being repaired and were not available. Instead we drove up to Las Catalinas and my husband rented a mtn bike from Pura Vida Ride and rode mountainous trails (single track and wider) there. Fun outing for mountain bikers. Kids and I hiked same trails. Would recommend that Reserva Conchal enhance its trail system with signs and maps to make them more accessible to guests, as the property is really beautiful and the trails offer great views and escape into nature (trees, birds, monkeys). We had awesome runs each day both along the hilly road down to beach, on trails, and on the beach into Brasilito.
We did not use golf course or spa or gym, but they all looked very nice. Wish there was yoga.
We would stay here again if we ever return to this area of Costa Rica. Thank you, Reserva Conchal, for a gracious introduction to Costa Rica!
