Xandari Resort & Spa

The decor throughout the hotel is bold, colorful, and playful. Yes, it borders on kitsch -- with chunky wooden furniture, mosaics, and lots of abstract paintings -- but who doesn't want a cheerful welcome to their vacation in the tropics? In any case, the design is sufficiently cohesive and professional that it feels both fun and sophisticated, and helps make this one of the top choices in the Alajuela region. During the day, three pools provide substantial social space, especially considering the hotel’s size. A wide, hillside infinity pool has panoramic views to the surrounding mountains and the city of Alajuela -- similar views are available from many other vantages throughout the resort as well as most guest rooms. A terrace restaurant and bar is the hotel’s single entertainment space, and where most guests gather once the sun goes down. While children are allowed on the property, the vibe is relaxed, quiet, and adult-centric, and many guests use this as a base to regroup after just landing in Costa Rica, or before flying back home.

The hotel is located in a quiet, relatively rural area just north of the city of Alajuela. While there are homes and other hotels in the area, there are few points of interest within walking distance. The city is a 10-minute drive away, with dozens of shops, restaurants, theaters, and markets. San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is about 45 minutes away by road depending on traffic, and is home to a handful of cultural sights. The area’s most popular attraction, Poas Volcano National Park, is approximately one hour away by car. The hotel’s fee-based shuttle is the most convenient and affordable transportation option to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport, which is only a 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, several brand-name car rental agencies have counters in the airport terminal. 

The hotel's bright, colorful decor carries through from the common areas to each of the rooms. Cream walls and white tile floors are offset by accents in various tropical blues, purples, and greens. Contemporary dark wood furniture, wicker seating, and local Costa Rican-flavored wall decor all remind guests of exactly where they are. The overall aesthetic is bold and distinctly tropical, and plenty of light streams in through the windows. While this is a relatively peaceful spot in the country, noise from motorbikes and traffic is audible in some rooms.Rooms in every category are massive, and all have soaring ceilings that make them feel even roomier. Entry-level Prima Villas are almost twice the size of a comparable area hotel room. The one-room floor plan features a king bed, a wet bar, and a seating area with a small desk. Ultra Villas offer all of the above, plus a larger seating area and terrace with a full-size dining table. Ultra Plus Villas feature an expansive, bi-level floor plan with a full-size, sunken living room and a much larger bathroom. The hotel’s flagship room, The Star, provides all the amenities of a luxury condo, including two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dedicated office, and a large living room.Every room includes a minibar, a wet bar, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and a spacious balcony with lounge chairs, and views of the lush Central Valley. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property, but keep in mind that there are no TVs in guest rooms. Higher-category rooms have extras like iPod docks or stereos. Beds are well-reviewed as firm but comfortable.In every category, bathrooms are spacious and distinctive. Colorful mosaic tilework adds a nice dose of personality, and stone accents continue the local theme. Large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads are offered in the Standard and Ultra Villas, while Ultra Plus Villas and The Star also provide large soaking tubs. Small double doors open to an outdoor shower “garden.” Xandari Spa-branded bath amenities are all standard.

The hotel offers an excellent list of resort-style amenities, particularly given its small size. The full-service terrace restaurant, lovely boutique spa, and three outdoor pools -- including a stunning hillside infinity pool -- are all exceptional.Situated on a secluded deck, the first pool is a wide, curved, infinity pool with panoramic views of the valley and rolling foothills below. A dozen lounge chairs line one edge of the pool, though there are no umbrellas and the entire deck is exposed to the sun. Two additional heated lap pools are located near the interior of the property, surrounded by tall palm trees. Each space likewise features a dozen chairs, including a few dining tables. A small whirlpool hot tub adjacent to both can accommodate six guests comfortably. There are no bars or poolside drink service available at any of the pools.The small boutique spa has just five rooms, each situated in a spacious, open-air palapa with a private hot tub and lovely valley views. An extensive list of services and treatments is available, including couples massage, facials, body scrubs and wraps, plus manicures and pedicures.The hotel’s sole restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an open-air terrace with panoramic views of the Central Valley. The decor is as eclectic as the rest of the property, with bright colors and vibrant paint-splatter art adorning every wall. Meals are served a la carte and selections typically include Costa Rican specialties, as well as other seafood-centric fare. Breakfast is included in room rates and continental offerings range from breads and pastries to local fruits and cheeses. An adjacent bar offers indoor seating and a full liquor menu including cocktails, beer, and wine.The resort sits on a 12-acre forest reserve that includes a handful of waterfalls and a small river. Three miles of hiking trails connect the reserve to the main hotel buildings and daily nature tours are available (fee). For those who don't want to enjoy the outdoors, there is a TV room as well, plus a computer station with a printer. The gift shop has a nice selection of trinkets and souvenirs, including locally crafted items. The hotel also runs a shuttle service to the main airport for a fee. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.