Xandari Resort and Spa

Villa days above the Central Valley

The Central Valley spreads below Xandari Resort and Spa, where individually designed villas sit on a 40-acre coffee plantation in the Alajuela area. The setting rewards staying awhile: a walk toward a waterfall, laps in a pool, dinner with the valley in view. The hours between excursions can feel like part of the destination.

Let the grounds shape the day

Four kilometers of trails lead through the grounds’ greenery and to waterfalls. Give yourself time to look for the region’s flora and fauna, then return for a swim in a lap pool or a soak in the heated outdoor Jacuzzi. The spa village offers holistic services for a gentler afternoon. At mealtimes, the central dining room and bar keep the sweeping Central Valley outlook in sight; breakfast is included every morning.

A villa with its own character

The villas differ in size, layout and view, with tropical décor and outlooks toward the Central Valley, pool or grounds. Prima villas have 500 square feet of living space in buildings containing two to four villas. Their private terraces are furnished with a desk, table, chairs and chaise lounges—room to take a coffee or book outside and stay a little longer.

Prima mini-kitchens, mini-bars, dishes and glasses, a coffee maker, and a complimentary selection of coffee, teas, snacks, juices and water add to the pleasures of settling in. All villas have a safe, hairdryer, iron, telephone and alarm clock. Prima Plus, Ultra and Ultra Plus options vary in size and setting, with some stand-alone villas; compare the category when privacy or a particular outlook matters to you.

For a larger shared stay, the 1,420-square-foot Star Villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a salon, dining room, full kitchen and office. Its covered terrace faces the swimming pool and Central Valley. That extra space can bring family or friends together while leaving room for quieter hours of their own.

Coffee, cloud forest and a return to the view

La Paz Waterfall Gardens adds another waterfall outing, while the Doka Estate-El Veradero coffee tour explores older and newer coffee-making traditions. A half-day canopy outing begins with a zipline and finishes in the cloud forest. Back at Xandari, two gift shops offer places to browse, and wireless internet is available in the main building alongside television and internet rooms. Choose excursions around your interests, then leave time for the resort’s trails, water and expansive outlook.