From customs to paradise in 20 minutes

Costa Rica is a small country filled to the brim with huge natural wonders. You can climb a rain forest canopy, bathe in hot lava waterfall overlooking a volcano, white water raft a wild river or sit back on a glistening beach by a mighty ocean or a calm blue sea. The people of Costa Rica (Tica's) are truly appreciative of their country and ecosystem. It is this balance between the man-made and the natural that makes this country so memorable and a constant return visit. There are so many wonderful excursions in Costa Rica for all types of experiences, but one special one is Xandari as it is the perfect entry into this tropical paradise.

So lets face it, it's a hassle to fly. From the constant herding, and the schlepping and the waiting in long custom lines -- it's refreshing to step through customs at San Jose,Costa Rica's airport and be whisked away to an exotic oasis in less then 20 minutes. Nice.

Xandari is made up of 21 private villas, secluded on a organic coffee plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica, only minutes from the Airport. Sherrill and Charlene Broudy, Xandari's innovative owners, hail from California. They have used their creativity and skills as an architect and fine artist team to create a unique resort that is a stunning balance of luxury and the natural.

There are wonderful views, a spa for fitness, yoga and massage, a delicious restaurant and lounge, botanical gardens, a lap pool and nature trails to hidden waterfalls.

Beyond the public spaces are the well detailed rooms that combine design with comfort. Xandari can be appreciated as a family destination or a quiet place for intimacy. We generally stay at Xandari for a day or so to adjust and then we return the night before we leave San Jose. It bookends the trip. For a truly wonderful memory the rates are worth it. So, if you want to jump into your vacation I recommend this delicious kickstart for your next visit to Costa Rica.

Enjoy.


Steven '

All the necessary details are on the website Xandari -- which if you were curious is a made up name from the imagination of the owners.