The Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST) program has awarded Xandari the second-highest level of achievement for its efforts to be environmentally, culturally and socially responsible, with especially high marks for our efforts to get our guests involved with our community in the CST program.

Many of the predominantly local employees have been with Xandari since its inception, and provide a real sense of place. Costa Rican crafts and products are used and featured in all aspects of the hotel, from the carved wood bowls and locally made furniture in villas to the lotions and oils used at the spa. This emphasis on authenticity to the culture supports the artists, craftsmen and companies of the region.

There is a goal is to reduce the environmental impact of Xandari more and more each year, and to protect the nature reserve. Xandari is pretty good at the basics, with a comprehensive recycling program, waste byproducts being composted and used to fertilize the gardens, fruits and vegetables grown organically on-site, and laundry dried outdoors in the sun as often as possible.