Plant-a-Tree Programme
This programme is a way for guests, employees, children and neighbours to contribute to reforestation. An individual, couple, family or group carefully plants a tree, with the help and guidance from staff members, after Xandari has provided the tree, the know-how and the location. A marker is placed by the tree as a lasting reminder of who it was planted by and when.
Compost
This resort has an organic compost that is created from food and garden waste and it is used on site. The compost is mixed with local soil, dry grass, leaves and branches to create a rich organic soil that enriches Xandari’s gardens.
Energy Conservation
CFL bulbs are used to practice energy conservation as these consume 75% less energy and produce 75% less heat than standard bulbs: efficient LED lights and solar lighting on walkways are also used. Solar panels have been put in place on the Sunset Pool and Pool #1 to heat up these pools, guests and luggage are transported by an electric cart and both staff and guests are encouraged to turn off lights and unplug equipment that is not being used. Xandari has also constructed a drying area with a transparent roof for drying hotel laundry when the weather permits, and many of the guests elect the option of having their towels and sheets laundered less often.
Water Conservation
This is practiced by collecting rainfall and diverting some of the river water into canals: this is then used to irrigate the gardens on the property. Regular testing is done by the staff to review WC’s leaking as well as pipes and during the rainy season, the Sunset Pool is filled with rainfall water.
Recycling
Staff in all areas of the hotel recycle paper, glass, aluminium and cardboard, including the sorting of villa waste. Recyclable and refillable bottles are used when possible and products with the least amount of packaging are preferred.
Biodegradable
Biodegradable and non-toxic products are used throughout the resort and an alternative to chlorine is used in the pools; the pool water is purified with a system of natural chlorination using salt and organic bacteria (efficient microorganism) is used in the cleaning room to reduce the use of chemicals.
Local Employment
44 out of the total of 57 employees at Xandari Resort are employed from the small village of Tacaori where Xandari is located. Many of the local employees have been with Xandari since its inception and provide the resort with a consistent, dependable work force. Most of the other employees are also relatively local from surrounding villages or Alajuela.
Donations
Xandari make regular donations to the Association for Child and Adolescent Health which helps to provide medical attention to children and adolescents from lower income families. They also support the Terranostra Association which is a nongovernment organisation that pioneers in educating the public on the proper management of solid waste in Costa Rica and raises awareness for the conservation of water resources, by leading a yearly community street clean-up in the local town. The resort is also involved with Tacacori Association of Development which ensures that the needs of the local community are being addressed, such as the maintenance of roads, improved lighting, and affordable public transportation services.