W Escapes Embraces Costa Rican Lifestyle

Rachel Cherry White - MAY 31, 2019
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We’re on the List: W Escapes Embraces Costa Rican Lifestyle.  Dubai, Ibiza, and … Costa Rica? Prime business destinations and must-have locations. For the very same reasons motivating most people who move here — friendly, highly educated people, a good economy and an infrastructure that grows stronger every day — many businesses are following. Tourism continues to be the largest, fastest-growing sector and the world’s top hotel chains have taken note. Notably, the W Costa Rica.

World class

So what is the W’s business? Luxe but never buttoned up, playful but all grown up. It’s a next-level escape for those of us so inclined, in the very place we came to get away. The W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is all that and more, and now we get to play there, because it’s right in our own backyard — that is, for those of us in Guanacaste, but well worth the trip for anyone further afar.

The owners of Costa Rica’s omnipresent Imperial beer, Florida Ice and Farm Company S.A.(FIFCO), own the Reserva Conchal development, where the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal opened in late 2018. The Westin is on the property and thriving, so they partnered with Marriott to add another hotel. But this time, they went in a new direction. They wanted something more casual, but still lavish. The W Escapes was a perfect fit. The 150 guest rooms feature private balconies, rain showers and Cheboards bars — and plunge pools in every suite!

Costa Rican architect
Ronald Zurcher was given a concept.
Be bold.
Be authentic. And boy did he run with it.

 

Welcome all

Unless you were a guest of someone living or staying at Reserva Conchal, historically the residential community / resort has been pretty much closed off.  That’s no longer the case.

“W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal’s facilities are open to the public. You can enjoy the lifestyle at any of our bars, restaurants and beach club,” says Hector Ladeveze, general manager of the hotel. “The W brand is inclusive; all are welcome: families, solo travelers, LGBTQ+, even pets!  Everyone is invited.”

How to get in on the action: simply contact W’s  Whatever / Whenever team. W does thing differently, starting with language. They don’t have a concierge, they have something much better – the Whatever / Whenever team. If you are not staying at the W, it’s your contact for everything the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal offers and more. Team members are on the scene, 24/7. Contact them to make your reservations.

Pro Tip: For VIP service, ask for Gina, the W Insider. It’s not just for people staying at the hotel! She can personalize any experience — from birthdays to first dates, she’s got you covered.

Wow factor

The design narrative at each W locale in the world tells a unique story. This one is totally Tico … and, well, also “eco.” Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher was given a concept. Be bold. Be authentic. And boy did he run with it.

It all starts when you enter the property. Along the winding drive more than 2,000 gumbo limbo trees have been planted, a nod to the living fences ranchers in Guanacaste make to corral their cows. Then you pull into the valet area, a bold red corral that echoes the bullrings ubiquitous in every village throughout the province. Music is a very important part of the W brand, so the Marimba (xylophone) sculpture that you walk through should come as no surprise. The lobby design is reminiscent of a forest of Guanacaste trees, replete with pendant lights that mimic beehives. The guest rooms and suites are lighthearted and the overall atmosphere is fun, in keeping with Guanacaste’s coolest luxury spot.

For example, step into the “Living Room” for après dinner drinks. Over the bar, you’ll find a tree made up of over 8,000 recycled Imperial bottles in a pattern giving the impression of a hummingbird tail. This bar is edgy, it’s a fusion of New York and Costa Rica, and it’s got the best cocktails this side of San José.

Pro Tip: Tell the mixologist your fave flavors, and they’ll create a custom beverage just for you! Try “The Rachel” —  it’s divine.

 

Wind down

Ready for some self-care? Pamper yourself at Away Spa. Exclusive to the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, it offers a full range of spa services plus a champagne bar. Treat yourself to a couple’s massage, then while away the afternoon at the private pool in your own cabana. How about a pedicure while you sip some spumante? Open from 8 am to 7 pm, book your appointment by calling 2654-3620.

Pro Tip: Ask about Bubbles and Beauty, a monthly event featuring champagne and spa treatments at a discount.

 

Water

Need to chill? Zona Azul, the W’s private beach club, is actually open to the public. Yep, you’re on the list. Soak it all in by purchasing a day pass for $100 per person, with $75 of that credited to food and drinks at the poolside restaurant. Besides the pool, you get access to the (pretty much private) beach, non-motorized water sports like stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks and snorkel equipment. Parents, check out the Games Room for the kids in the wee ones section below.

 

 

What’s cooking

There are three restaurants, all open to the public: Cocina De Mercado open for all three meals, Zona Azul at the beach club for a chill meal by the pool, and Latitud 10° Norte for an upscale dinner (check out the Howler Dining Guide for detailed info), plus the Living Room which features a bocas bar.

Pro Tip: Celebrating an anniversary or just want to do something special? Ask about the W’s “Fuel the Passion” deal. Your room comes with a sunset cruise, four-course dinner for two at Latitud 10° Norte, sparkling wine and a couple’s massage at the spa. What more could you ask for?

Wee Ones

The W brand is historically an adult playground, but families, have we got news for you!

The hotel has a supervised Games Room for kids. IT’S FREE if you are a guest (hello, getaway) or even if you purchase a day pass to the beach club. Open 9 to 5 daily, it’s for ages 4 to 12. Different activities are planned every hour and a bilingual babysitter is available, along with a special kids menu, a large screen TV with video games, and more. Moms, take a break and get over there ASAP!

 

Whatever /Whenever®

Contact the Whatever / Whenever team to make your reservations, 24/7.
Call: 2654-3600
WhatsApp: 8489-7458Spa: 2654-3620

Winning events and business retreats

Event spaces at the W  are exceptional. Airy and inviting, personalized and posh, they can accommodate any party or incentive event. The state-of-the-art Convention Center holds up to 250 people. Thinking about your wedding rehearsal dinner? Book the entire Beach Club. For more intimate gatherings you can book a private room in Latitud 10° Norte. So pretty much anything you need, the W has got it.

Check out the dining options at the W Costa Rica.