The Top 30 Hotels in 2012: #18 The Westin Resort and Spa Playa Conchal

In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!

Coming in the #18 spot is the Westin Resort and Spa Playa Conchal which s located in Cabo Velas, in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. Here are a few fun facts and features about this luxury hotel:

- The exotic 4-kilometer Playa Conchal beach owes its name to its unique sand, comprising millions of finely crushed seashells

- Awarded the Blue Flag eco-label for its cleanliness

- Aquatic activities enjoyed here include fishing, snorkeling, marine life observation, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving

- Local weather and water temperatures are enjoyable throughout the year, with sunlight lasting more than half the day in winter and spring months

- Offers both all-inclusive and room-only rates

Explore photos, availability, and rates at this stunning hotel here >>

Image of the Day: The Westin Resort and Spa Playa Conchal

A meandering pool is just one of the amenities at The Westin Resort and Spa Playa Conchal.

Availability in Costa Rica for Winter Holidays

Escaping the cold and checking into a luxury beach resort seems to be quite popular amongst our travelers, so we’re making it a bit easier for you to plan your getaway by hi-lighting the hotels with availability at popular spots.

A popular destination this year is Costa Rica. With activities ranging from zip lining, white water rafting, lounging on the beach, and relaxing in the hot springs, it’s no wonder folks are drawn to this country. The 5 star hotels that currently have availability during the last week of December are the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa and the Marriott Los Suenos Resort. The only 4 star hotel with availability is  the Radisson Europa Hotel. Be sure to make your travel plans and reservations before these hotels sell out!

Starwood Opens 1st All-Inclusive Resort: The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal in Costa Rica

Good news for those itching to vacation in style in beautiful Costa Rica. Starwood's just opened their first all-inclusive resort, and it's pretty swank. Formerly called the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort, The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal-- centered around a lagoon-style pool-- is starting to redo the 406 suites and all public areas-- a renovation project that will be done in phases until the end of 2011. The advantages of staying at an all-inclusive resort are many, notably, no surprise fees when using the leisure facilities and dining at the restaurants. (Though we imagine that guests must pay for massages at the spa!) The launch of The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal marks the return of Starwood Hotels to Costa Rica after 20 years.