Sustainable Tourism Program. We're taking the
following actions to help preserve the environment...

1. “Plant-a-Tree Program” for guests, employees, children and neighbors to contribute to reforestation. Xandari provides a tree, the know-how and location – and an individual, couple, family or group plants it, with a staff member’s guidance. A marker by the tree is a lasting reminder of who planted that tree and when.

2. Guided Nature Tours assist guests in seeing and appreciating the diversity in nature and sustainability efforts at Xandari: . Bird Watching . Waterfalls & Nature . Gardens & Farm. Click here for more info.

3. “Xandari Reforestation Project,” centered at Xandari’s Lake Arenal ranch, has planted over 1600 trees and hundreds more at Xandari Resort, along with a wide variety of indigenous plants.

4. Organic Soil is created by raising earthworms which then help turn cow dung into rich soil for Xandari’s gardens
and other farms in the Arenal area.

5. Organic Compost is created at both hotels from food and garden waste and used on site.

6. A Private Nature Reserve was established to protect the natural forest areas at Xandari.

7. Organic Vegetables and Fruit are grown in our greenhouse and orchards on site for use in the restaurant. We use other organic local food sources when available. Coffee at Xandari is grown organically and goes to the local coffee cooperative where it combines with other organic beans from our area, then is processed locally, served in our restaurant and sold in Xandari’s stores.

8. Healthy Food Choices are featured on our restaurant menu that don’t contribute to the disappearance of the rainforest.

9. 100% Certified Potable Water at Xandari ensures the tap water is free of harmful bacteria and chemicals, and is checked and
re-certified regularly.

10. Botanic Gardens abound at Xandari, with indigenous plants of Costa Rica labeled with both the popular and botanical name.

11. Educational Green Programs for both staff and guests help both to understand and participate in our sustainability efforts.

12. Costa Rican crafts and products are used and featured in all aspects of our hotel, from the carved wood bowls in our stores, to the locally made furniture in villas… from the lotions and oils used at the spa, to the granola we serve at breakfast. This emphasis on authenticity to the culture supports artists, craftsmen and companies around us.

13. Energy conservation is practiced by using CFL bulbs that consume 75 percent less energy and produce 75 percent less heat than standard bulbs; using solar lighting on walkways; and transporting guests and luggage via electric cart. We have constructed a drying area with a transparent roof for drying hotel laundry when weather permits. Even our goats contribute by reducing the need to mow the lawns. We encourage guests to conserve energy during their stay.

14. Water conservation is practiced by collecting rainfall and diverting some of the river water into canals which are then used to irrigate our gardens.

15. Recycling of paper, glass, aluminum and cardboard is done by staff in all areas of the hotel. Recyclable and refillable bottles are used when possible and products with the least packaging are sought out.

16. Biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products are used throughout hotel, and an alternative to chlorine is used in the swimming pools.

17. Employment of local people. Out of 67 employees, 47 are from the village of Tacacorí where Xandari is located. Our manager grew up and still lives 50mts from our entrance. Many of our very-local employees have been with Xandari since its inception, and provide us with a consistent, dependable work force, while we provide them with a consistent, dependable employer. But much more than that, we have become a caring extended “family,” not only birthing Xandari together, but watching each other’s children grow, attending marriages, celebrating births, learning each other’s language, sharing cultures, and creating our future together. Most other employees are from surrounding villages or Alajuela.

18. Community involvement with neighbors, including the local school and church, is an integral part of our program. For instance, we helped repair and paint the Tacacorí school and provided the funds for new classroom desks. We donated funds needed to expand the local church. School children have planted trees as part of our “Plant-a-Tree Program” and they perform traditional dances for guests on Costa Rica’s Independence Day. We recently contributed funds to help spay and neuter 35 dogs from the local area. We provide a list of local activities and encourage guests to participate in community events around us.

19. Regular donations are made to Zoo Ave, a local refuge and zoo that rehabilitates then releases native birds and animals, and to SASY (Stop Animal Suffering – Yes!), dedicated to the ethical treatment of animals, with emphasis on spaying and neutering dogs and cats to reduce the homeless animal population around the country. Up to 8 abandoned dogs at any one time are cared for at Xandari Ranch in Arenal, and various abandoned dogs and cats are fed and cared for by staff at the hotel in an on-going effort to improve their lives. We attempt to control the situation and not to adversely affect guests. (Please help in this effort by advising us of any problems.
We appreciate your tolerance.)

20. We invite hotel guests to get involved in our environmental efforts by planting trees, conserving water and electricity, and offering feedback and suggestions. Thank you!

21. Traveling light & offsetting travel are suggested to guests as ways to balance our carbon impact.

22. Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST) program has been awarded to Xandari for our efforts to be environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. Through CST, we join forces with others to further sustainable development in Costa Rica.