Xandari Resort & Spa, Near San José, Costa Rica - Explore & Book

"Just a 20-minute drive from San José airport, you ascend into the jungled hills above the valley and up into another world: colourful modern architecture surrounded by exotic flowers in the lush gardens of Xandari. Here you find the labour of love of Californian architect Sherrill Broudy and his painter wife Charlene; this secluded hilltop resort provides a welcoming and unique experience. Rooms are spacious individual villas, with high curving wooden ceilings and white walls that act as a backdrop for Charlene’s vividly coloured paintings and eclectic wall hangings. Each villa has its own generous balcony with rattan recliners so that you can lie back and take in the sun, or just gaze out at the valley spotting birds swooping from tree to tree. Have a massage in the spa’s beautiful jalapas, wander along trails through the jungle to secret waterfalls, plunge into the Jacuzzi-with-a-view, and feast on locally produced food in the restaurant. Xandari is a wonderful introduction to Costa Rica for families, couples and friends alike. Highs Secluded feel: each room gives you acres of private space, and the resort is set in beautiful gardens with 4km of walking trails and bamboo grovesClose to the airport: spend the start or end of your trip here (we think 2 nights minimum) discovering hidden waterfalls and getting pamperedSpa with interesting treatments such as a 'chocolate delight' scrub and massage, as well as 3 heated outdoor pools and a spectacular array of activities on offerA warm welcome from charming, friendly staff, and good, locally produced foodThe views from the rooms' private terraces across the tropical gardens and down to San José are stunning Lows Villas are very basic and some fittings look a little cheap, but we spent the majority of our latest revisit on the terrace or exploring the groundsThe décor is lively rather than restrained: imagine Matisse meets Gaudí meets Picasso. We grew to enjoy it, howeverThe small dining area and bar space can get crowded in peak seasonAdmirable lack of heating and air con in the rooms from an environmental point of view. But bring pyjamas if you’re coming in the green season (May-September)Sliding patio doors have ventilation holes that may allow some little creepy crawlies in - don't forget you are amidst 40 acres of tropical gardens (reception can provide bug spray)" - Christabelle Dilks