Westin Resort & Spa Playa Conchal Costa Rica

Spread over 2,400 verdant, landscaped acres, this resort is practically its own seaside village. The grounds include an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II–designed golf course; tropical gardens; three pools (one adults-only, one kids-only, one huge and lagoon-like); tennis courts; a spa; and a secluded, white crushed-shell beach. Activities include photography classes, tango lessons, windsurfing, and fishing charters. Each of the 406 suites has a separate living area and a terrace, with contemporary, Balinese-influenced décor and garden-and-pool or golf-course views. With six restaurants (our favorites: Hoyo 19, with no-frills American bar-and-grill fare, and the Caribbean-themed Buccaneer; reservations required) and four bars to choose from, most guests don’t bother to venture off the property in the evenings.