Paradisus Playa Conchal AllSuite and Golf Resort
This spectacular all-suite resort is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World association. It sprawls across 704 acres of prime coast along one of the best beaches on the Nicoya peninsula. It is quite simply the country's finest large resort.

The Paradisus is an opulent showcase of superior luxury, exemplified by the fact that its most "basic" lodging is a spacious split-level suite with a marble bathroom, balcony, and large living area. All of the 310 exceptionally large and gracious split-level guest quarters are housed in 37 two-story units and feature living areas appointed with air conditioning and ceiling fans, two sofas, phones, TVs, mini-bars, and safes. Pillars flank mezzanine bedrooms and the adjoining baths are finished in Italian marble. Bougainvillea petals decorate the beds, where terry robes are presented.

The lavish reception lounge is in a 3-story open-air building that affords views across a gleaming 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course. Trolleys run nonstop from the main lobby -- which also houses a bar and grill -- to all parts of the luxuriously landscaped resort including three restaurants, the largest swimming pool in Central America, a large casino, various bars, and 2-story villas.

Activities center on the lagoon-sized pool, which features landscaped islands and a bubbling whirlpool, on four lighted tennis courts, the golf course, the gym, and the long crescent of brilliant white-sand beach. The all-inclusive format encourages guests to sidle up to the bars scattered throughout the property. In the evenings, staff shows are staged next to the main bar. The three restaurants are by the pool and include an Italian room, a steakhouse, and an international buffet room. The casino is sequestered in a hilltop building along with a bar and convention facilities for up to 450 people.

Piped-in music, open-air entertainment, and nonstop social activities animate these tropical grounds, and most guests are understandably dazzled. Shops, car rental, and travel agencies add convenience. Topping it all off is the staff, which is arguably the best in Costa Rica when it comes to friendly service and professional attention!