I was blown away by Xandari from the moment I drove through the front gates until the moment I left. The entire staff at Xandari is exceptional. They are incredibly welcoming and do everything they can to make sure their guests are taken care of and happy. The check in and check out process was smooth and I was walked to my villa after check in. The views from all of the rooms are breathtaking and change every time the weather changes!
The property is very well-maintained. The pool areas were cleaned every morning and I felt like I had the pool by my villa to myself since I only saw one other person in the pool area the entire week while I was there! The paths winding through the property are lovely. The foliage and plant life are vibrant and provide a tranquil and soothing feeling when walking through. The hiking trails are steep in some places, but very well-maintained. The waterfalls on property are stunning! I couldn't wait to go see them and went back a second time to see them again. I walked every path and trail on the property and never felt unsafe or unwelcome there. I only saw one other person on the trails while I was there so I felt like I had the entire rainforest to myself!
The villa I stayed in was Villa #3. It was perfect for my stay. It was incredibly spacious, clean, and very functional. I loved having the sliding doors open to the patio area so I could hear the nature sounds from the property. I awoke every morning at dawn to a rooster crowing on property. The only negative part of the villa was that there was a bird that liked to peck at one of the windows throughout the day. By the end of my stay, it was comical.
The spa was a wonderful experience. I purchased the Day in Paradise package, which includes 6 hours of spa time. The private jalapa was very comfortable and had the same views as the rest of the resort of the Central Valley. I opted for a deep tissue massage, body treatment, and sensitive skin facial. The services were all amazing. I felt so relaxed by the services I fell asleep for a small part of the last one. Dinner or lunch is included in the spa day, and it was wonderful. It was served at the restaurant rather than the spa, and included a drink, appetizer, main course, and dessert. The spa manager was very kind and helped me to determine which services I wanted and what order to schedule them. All I had to do was show up and be pampered!
The food at the restaurant was outstanding! The breakfast alone was phenomenal! The whole wheat bread and homemade strawberry jam was my favorite and I wish I could have taken it home with me! I loved the selection of muffins and homemade granola bars and made sure to take one of each at the end of breakfast for my morning snack! The waitstaff is outstanding, and truly made me feel welcome. They were friendly and quite kind while I tried to speak Spanish at times. They made sure each time I was in the restaurant, I was taken care of. I ate almost all of my meals there and was not ever disappointed!
I have been waiting to come to Xandari since 2012 when I first discovered the hotel. I am so glad I finally came and when I return to Costa Rica, I will come back to Xandari. this place was like a piece of paradise, and just outside of San Jose, making it so convenient for my return travel home. I am blown away by this resort and cannot say enough positive things about it! You will not be disappointed if you choose to stay here!
