Month: August 2022

Masala – Indian Food In Playas Del Coco

Don’t get me wrong, I love gallo pinto and a fresh grilled garlic Mahi Mahi, but every once in a while it’s nice to have some new flavors. That’s why I was thrilled to find out Masala has opened up in Playas del Coco!

Masala is a truly authentic Indian restaurant. Currently, Masala has three locations. The first restaurant opened in Liberia in 2019 and was the only place that offered Indian food in the area. Then in 2021, Masala opened another location in Brasilito. Finally, July 29th 2022, Masala arrived in Playas del Coco. Seems like there is quite the demand for delicious Indian cuisine!

The restaurant is located right in the heart of Playas del Coco, across the street from Coopeguancaste. Masala has a clean, colorful, and inviting interior. You have the option of sitting in their air conditioned indoor space, at the bar, or enjoying the outdoor terrace that looks out onto main street Coco.

You will be blown away by the exceptional cuisine! Masala serves traditional & modern Indian food. Meals and beverages are served in imported hammered copper bowls and cups. Even the gorgeous utensils are all imported from India. Spices are hand ground and they use a real tandoori oven. Since the chefs are from India, they know exactly the taste expected in every meal.

Masala’s extensive menu has something for everyone! The menu indicates whether dishes are lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian, etc. With so many options, you can eat there for a week straight and never order the same thing twice! This is a perfect restaurant to go with a group of friends or family because the meals are meant to be shared.

Never had Indian food? Well this is definitely the place to try it, you won’t be disappointed! Interested in other dining options in the area? Check out my restaurant guide on my website (https://www.costarican-american-connection.com/Playa_Hermosa_Area_Restaurants/page_2639415.html). Hope to see you around town enjoying all the flavors that Playas del Coco has to offer!

Nya – An All Encompassing Community

Something huge is coming to the Guanacaste area, over 900 hectares of huge to be exact (that’s 2,223 football fields!). Nya is breaking ground just minutes from the Liberia International airport.

What is Nya?

Nya is an expansive real estate project that will be an all encompassing community. Residential, retail, health, recreation, green spaces, sport, education, hospitality, and a trade free zone will all make up Nya. 

What does Nya offer? 

Over 60 amenities will be offered! The biggest amenity will be the Crystal Lagoon with white sand beaches, more on that later…. There will be a retail village with plenty of shopping. Numerous dining options such as fancy rooftop restaurants, little cafes, smoothie shops, wine lounges, bars, mini markets, as well as just casual lunch spots. You can enjoy the various entertainment spots including a playground, marina, or concert pavilion. Interested in getting work done? There will be office buildings and a co-working center you can make use of. If you like sports and wellness, Nya will offer a gym, wellness spa, pickle ball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and a yoga center. Nya means tree in the Chorotega language so nature will play a large part in this development. There will be an Eco Canyon that will have an incredible assortment of flora and fauna. As well as a mile-long canyon, river, cliffs, waterfalls and endless trails to enjoy. Feel free to hike, horseback ride, atv or bike all 19 magnificent miles of trails nestled in nature. 

Crystal Lagoon

Nya has partnered with Crystal Lagoons to create a 8.6 acre clear turquoise lagoon. This lagoon will have 7 white sand beaches, some private and others public. So much will be offered at this lagoon. You will be able to kayak, paddle board, jet board, sail, enjoy an inflatable water park or simply just relax in the luxurious cabanas and lounge chairs. If you are hungry food service will be available and you can also make use of the wet bar! There will be restroom facilities, shaded areas and handicap friendly beach entry. 

Beachfront Condominiums

The beachfront condominiums will be the first residential project within Nya. These condominiums will be located right in front of the beautiful Crystal Lagoon. You have the options of a 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom + flex room, 2 bedroom, 2 bedroom + flex room, and a 3 bedroom (a flex room is an extra room that can be used as an office or a small bedroom). All units will have family sized balconies, floor to ceiling windows, views of the volcanoes/lagoon, cabinetry with quartz countertops, central AC, and hookups for a dishwasher, dryer, and washing machine. Aside from the Nya amenities, the condos will offer additional amenities such as beach volley courts, a dog park, BBQ ranchos with horseshoe pits, kids playground, 24 hour security and HOA fees averaging only $350. Prices start at only $199,000!

 

Sustainability

This massive project is also taking many steps towards being environmentally conscious and sustainable. Solar panels will be installed over parking spaces and provide renewable energy not only for Nya but for nearby communities as well. There will be recycling and composting programs as well as an initiative to reduce river contamination in the Liberia river. 100 hectares will be reserved for green areas, dedicated to reforestation and preservation of local wildlife. All waste water will be treated and used for landscaping. Even the Crystal Lagoon is innovative! The lagoon will use only 2% electricity compared to traditional swimming pools and uses 100x less chemicals! Nya has definitely taken into consideration Costa Rica’s green ideology! 

Nya is truly an all encompassing community with everything you need to live, work, and enjoy life to the fullest. Please contact me if you are Interested in more information or purchasing a condominium. Nya also offers financing! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity coming December 2023.  

Coopeguanacaste Introducing Gasification Technology For Green Energy

Costa Rica prides itself on being a green country, especially when it comes to green energy! Coopeguanacaste plans on making history by being the first organization to bring gasification technology into Central America! 

What is Gasification?

Gasification is a process that converts organic or fossil-based carbonaceous materials at high temperatures without combustion, with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Gasification technology has been around for more than 50 years and is in use all over the world such as in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. 

What is Coopeguanacaste’s plan? 

Coopeguanacaste plans to use gasification technology on municipal solid waste to convert it to energy that can be used to supply power to many homes in the region. The plant will be located in Belen de Carrillo and hopes to receive 150 metric tons of waste daily. Waste will be collected from Liberia, Carrillo and Nicoya.

How much power can this new gasification plant generate? 

Over 17,500 homes could be supplied with electricity. The 150 metric ton volume of waste can generate between 7.7 and 9 megawatts per hour.

What are the other benefits? 

Being able to use waste for energy will minimize the final amount of waste that ends up in the landfill. This is a step towards a better waste management system that will promote reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling. The municipalities of Liberia, Carrillo, and Nicoya will benefit from a quicker and safer disposal of waste and a strict control of gaseous emissions. There will be lesser risk of contaminated aquifers and spontaneous combustion in landfills as well. 

 

How is this project being financed?

Coopeguanacaste announced that they will have tradable green bonds on the National Stock Exchange with which they hope to raise the ȼ31 billion colones necessary for the creation of the gasification plant.  

The National Decarbonization Plan (2018-2050)

This gasification plant is just one of the many goals in the National Decarbonization Plan Costa Rica has created to achieve net-zero emissions in 2050. Costa Rica is always striving towards having a positive environmental impact and being a leader in the green movement. 

Visit this beautiful and forward thinking country today! Better yet, buy a property and make Costa Rica home. I would be more than happy to assist you.