Review by Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe
Xandari Resort & Spa is set in Tacacorí de Alajuela on a ridge overlooking Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, nestled below in the Central Valley. The grounds are a lush, tropical paradise with extensive hiking trails through steep hills and winding paths. With five spectacular waterfalls, the hikes provide the ideal wellness activity for those looking for an active vacation in Costa Rica.
The most noticeable feature on arrival at Xandari is the abundance of tropical color – partnered with contemporary design, innovative architecture and artistic accents. Xandari Resort boasts 24 spacious and uniquely designed individual villas, each offering guests private terraces and stunning views of the jungle foliage and cityscape across the majestic Central Valley.
The Spa Village at Xandari features five private, palm-roofed palapa style treatment suites, each with its own Jacuzzi to relax in pre-treatment. Using all natural, local ingredients, Xandari is dedicated to exhibiting the abundance generously provided by nature in this particularly rich and diverse country. Scheduling a spa service in the afternoon during rainy season, is a great way to spend a stormy afternoon when other outdoor activities are restricted.
Certified by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism in Sustainable Tourism, Xandari Resort prioritizes ecology and conservation. This sustainability initiative includes the Plant-a-Tree program, organic composting, energy conservation and renewable energy – including solar lighting and solar pool heating, water conservation, recycling of paper, glass, aluminum and cardboard and the use of biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products throughout the hotel.
The Xandari grounds house extensive orchards, greenhouses and farmlands, and are home to over 30 chickens, a pair of goats and a trio of turkeys. The orchards and greenhouses grow a host of fresh fruits and vegetables, ranging from oranges to cherry tomatoes, eggplant to arugula, chard to bell peppers, yucca, jicama, pineapple and bananas. Hydroponic bamboo scaffolds around the resort sprout strawberries, mint, lettuce and a variety of herbs. Join a tour of the “Garden and Farm” or “Medicinal Plants” with Xandari’s head gardener to learn more.
The elegant Xandari restaurant sits on the terrace of the main building, once again offering views of the Central Valley. A variety of cuisines are available, from Costa Rican specialties to Californian and Mediterranean. Served directly from farm-to-table, the restaurant features fruits, vegetables and dairy items produced on the resort’s own plantations grown with natural farming methods.
Sara Jones
Editor