chris

Going with my father in June. How is this place? Wondering if there are day trips to some good hiking or wildlife viewing close to this? How far to the Arenal Volcano? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Iza

Did not stay at Melia Playa Conchal but stayed nearby in Tamarindo a couple of times and visited the grounds of Melia Playa Conchal. It is a huge resort on a beatiful beach which is almost deserted most of the time. The golf course is supposed to be very good. The people I talked to who stayed there liked the resort. <BR>A nice day trip that we took (there were some people who stayed at Melia Playa Conchal taking the same trip) was to Rincon de la Vieja area. It included a canopy tour and a volcanic mud treatment at a little hotel/spa. If you want to do some hiking, though, I would recommend that you rent a car and do some driving around on your own. <BR>Arenal Volcano is at least 4 hours away. All of the hotels in the area offer a tour to Arenal/Tabacon but given the distance I wouldn't take that day trip (at least 8 hours on the bus for maybe 2-3 hours at Arenal!). Arenal is often clouded in so your chances of actually seeing it are very slim. We were there last year for 2 days and never saw it.

Diane

Our traveling group is interested in booking this resort in April 2002.I am interested in a little more information about the beach at this resort. I noticed that Iza indicated that the beach was beautiful. I am interested to know if it is white sand or more dark. Also can you swim safely? Are there any jellyfish and is there any marine life for snorkeling? Thank you. Diane

Iza

The beach is perfect semi circle, with white sand and crushed shells, not very wide or flat, sloping rather steeply into the water. On a calm day the water is clear and perfect for swimming and just floating. No good snorkeling though. We did not see any jelly fish there, just a couple of fish.

Parrot Mom

Stayed at the Melia a few years ago and loved it..It is 900 acres. There is a jitney that travels the property to transport you to the beach, pool or front. The rooms are the lovliest and largest (junior suites). When we were there the surf was so strong from El Nino that most people stayed by the pool...which is the largest in Central America..The pool has gardens and jacuzzi in the middle, not to mention a lounging area. Please write and I'll be delighted to send you pictures. I wish we could have gone back this year.