TEXAS LIFESTYLE | Roughing It
CROWN JEWEL OF
Costa Rica
M
ental gurus in sports and life have a saying during rough or tense situations – “Go to your happy place.” This year, why not head to a happy place in what many refer to as the happiest country on Earth?
That would be the Reserva Conchal Beach Resort Golf and Spa, a luxury resort situated on Costa Rica’s sparkling northwestern Pacific coast. Situated between white sand beaches and a “dry” tropical forest, Reserva Conchal is a prominent resort destination in the country’s Guanacaste region. Set within 2,300 acres is a five-star all-inclusive Westin Golf Resort & Spa, featuring the 60,000-square-foot Reserva Conchal Beach Club. Its highlights include an extensive swimming pavilion, modern workout facilities, fine dining and an exquisite spa. But the crown jewel of Reserva Conchal is its championship golf course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the par-71 layout stretches to more than 7,000 yards. Jones II smartly routed the course between the azure Pacific waters and lush greens of the neighboring tropical forest. The returning nines feature amazing ocean vistas with unforgettable holes meandering through tropical lakes, rugged ravines and ample elevation changes.
24 Texas Lifestyle Magazine | Spring/Summer 2018
r e s e rva co n c h a l b e ac h r e s o r t , g o l f
&
s pa
By Robert A. Rodriguez
Notable professional golfers Jesper Parnevik, David Leadbetter and Hale Irwin have notched rounds here, and that list grew substantially in May 2017. That’s when Reserva Conchal hosted the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Essential Costa Rica Classic. The inaugural tournament – sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute – was the country’s first-ever PGA TOUR event in more than 30 years. Players enjoyed the course and tournament so much, the TOUR renewed the event at Reserva Conchal in 2018. Ranked as the best course to play in Costa Rica by Golfweek and Golf Digest, Reserva Conchal was also the first course in the country bestowed a certification by Audubon International. But it’s not just the golf course that gets acclaim – its world-class practice facility and learning center offers four green complexes, chipping and approach areas, and an expansive practice tee. Single- and multi-day golf clinics are offered, including the PGA TOUR Academy featuring certified instructors from the famed TPC Sawgrass. Golf reigns supreme at Reserva Conchal, but other outdoor activities rank a close second when it comes to fun. Relaxing by the beach is a must, and there’s no better place to soak in the rays
