| A number of years ago (1999) while surveying | | | | bit of the beaches that you'll find in the Mexican |
| the beaches and hotels in Costa Rica's popular | | | | Caribbean. Besides the sprawling Melia resort which |
| Tamarindo resort area, I visited the Melia Resort | | | | occupies the southern end of the beach, there |
| and Country Club, a luxurious all-inclusive resort | | | | are a number of other small resorts scattered |
| that had recently opened at Playa Conchal. While | | | | along the hillside. Located just north of Playa |
| I'm not very fond of large all-inclusive resorts per | | | | Conchal, separated by a hill and some rocks, is |
| say because of their rather severe environmental | | | | the small village of Brasilito - the sands at Playa |
| impact, I must admit that the Melia was tastefully | | | | Brasilito are a light gray and the waters a dirty |
| done and the 18 hole professional golf course was | | | | brown, quite a contrast to the neighboring Playa |
| very impressive - despite the massive amounts | | | | Conchal. |
| of water needed to maintain it. Even more | | | | Like all beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Conchal is |
| impressive was the dazzling beauty of Playa | | | | open to the public- however unless you are |
| Conchal, a beach that is definitely one of a kind in | | | | staying at Melia or at one of the hillside hotels, the |
| Costa Rica. | | | | only way of getting to Playa Conchal is to swim |
| The sand at Playa Conchal is composed of millions | | | | around the promontory which separates it from |
| of crushed seashells of many different hues; it | | | | Playa Brasilito. The alternative is to pay the Melia |
| looks white but with a decidedly pinkish tinge and | | | | Hotel a day fee to use their facilities (and have |
| is very cool to the touch - definitely not your | | | | access to the beach). In my opinion, Playa Conchal |
| typical sand beach. The waters are a magnificent | | | | is by far the most beautiful (and most unique) |
| turquoise blue with a very gentle surf - perfect | | | | beach in Costa Rica. |
| for swimming and snorkeling. Reminds me a little | | | | |