We have to admit that Costa Rica has no shortage of fantastic beaches to enjoy. With more than 300 different beaches along two different coastlines and a choice of white, black or brown coloration, we dare anyone to say that they can't find their perfect beach vacation in our country.

That said – and we admit that we're biased – Playa Flamingo is the best of the best. This mile-long, crescent-shaped beauty has everything you could want in a beach vacation. White sands, swimming, deep-sea fishing, other water-related activities ... you can enjoy a full day of activities and still have plenty of things left to do tomorrow.

And the next day. And the next.

But don't believe us. Believe Trip Advisor, which has named Playa Flamingo one of the " Best Destinations of 2011."

Here are some of the many amenities and activities you can experience during your stay here:

• Playa Flamingo hosts the sole full-service marina between Acapulco and Panama on the Pacific Coast of Central America. Because of this you're in luck whether you want to charter a boat or simply sail here on your own instead of taking a plane.
• If you're into deep-sea fishing, you're definitely in luck with Playa Flamingo. Costa Rica enforces a catch-and-release policy, so you don't have to worry that overfishing will leave you just sitting on a boat with nothing to catch.
• According to Fodor's, Playa Flamingo is "one of the loveliest strands in Costa Rica," with a fine-sand bottom and no strong currents.
• This area is almost embarrassingly rich when it comes to natural beauty, with mangroves on shore and the opportunity to watch dolphins and whales from the deck of your own chartered boat.
• When you're ready to take a break from the beach, Playa Flamingo is just north of Las Baulas National Park, a significant nesting site for the endangered Leatherback Turtle. If you plan your trip from November – April you can see the Leatherbacks coming ashore to reproduce; otherwise, the park is still a great place to view White Ibis, Blue-Winged Teal, monkeys, Coatis, and even crocodiles.

No matter what your preference – a lazy day spent with a book by the waves, snorkeling, a charter tour out to fish and see the dolphins – Playa Flamingo is here, offering you the perfect beach vacation.