Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and enchanting countryside, so what better place to stay than this cheerful resort set within large tropical gardens on a working coffee plantation?
Xandari Plantation is in the rural province of Alajuela, just 20 minutes’ drive from San José’s airport.
The resort has won several awards including one for its architecture - there are 22 villas, each with its own private terrace and boldly decorated with contemporary (well, maybe a bit 70s-ish) artefacts and fabrics in bright colours, inspired by its enthusiastic American owners.
It makes the most of its charming countryside location with huge valley views from the restaurant and a number of walks you can do within the grounds, including one (up some steps) to a pretty waterfall. The weather can be particularly agreeable so you may well want to spend most of your time outside, though board games and other entertainments are available for when it is wet.
Our Comment
The restaurant, like the villas, is built into the hillside overlooking the valley. I’ve had an early breakfast in lots of hotels, but the combination of granola, strawberries and panorama they serve here beats them all.
Chris Parrott, Proprietor and Marketing Director |
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You might also like
- Pico Bonito, an upmarket lodge close to the Caribbean coast in Honduras, which blends in with the tropical forest via wooden walkways and a canopy-level observation platform.
- Lapa Rios, Costa Rica, an exclusive rainforest lodge featuring trail walks and wildlife spotting.
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| |  Xandari Resort and Spa
 Xandari Resort and Spa dining
 Xandari Resort and Spa pool
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