Starwood Opens First All-Inclusive Resort

Starwood has opened its first all-inclusive resort - The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal in Costa Rica.

The property formerly known as the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort will begin renovation on the hotel's 406 spacious suites and all public areas, which will be conducted in phases through December 2011.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal marks the return of Starwood Hotels to Costa Rica after 20 years.

"The opening of The Westin Resort & Spa Playa Conchal accelerates the brand's expansion in Latin America where Westin will open three more properties by the end of 2011 and double its portfolio by 2014," said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. "The Westin brand's emphasis on wellness plays well in diverse international markets and has fueled our phenomenal global growth. More than 90% of Westin hotels currently in development will open outside the United States."

Centered around an expansive, lagoon-style pool, The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is adjacent to the championship Robert Trent Jones II golf facility and is easily accessible from the international airport in Liberia, Guanacaste.

Inspiring wellness with its signature Westin The Spa, the resort features beautiful gardens, luxurious suites, thatch-roofed bungalows, as well as breathtaking vistas. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation and nightly entertainment with several restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

"Costa Rica is an increasingly popular destination for tourists and leisure travelers and a terrific location for our first all-inclusive Westin Resort," said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America. "Recent growth in the all-inclusive luxury resort market in Mexico and Central America, coupled with increasing demand from our SPG members for vacation packages have created fertile conditions for our entry in the all-inclusive market."

Westin currently has six hotels in Mexico and one in Guatemala, and will be opening four more in Latin America during the next two years including The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, Peru; The Westin Guadalajara, Mexico; and two in Panama: The Westin Panama and The Westin Playa Bonita.

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