Xandari Resorts, the hospitality brand owned by the Muthoot Group, is celebrating 25 years of pioneering eco-luxe tourism in Kerala. As global awareness of sustainability and climate consciousness continues to rise, the company’s unique blend of high-end hospitality and environmental responsibility is redefining what luxury means in the 21st century.
Their 25-year journey has seen them evolve into a global model for conservation-centric tourism that is deeply rooted in community partnerships with the creation of immersive and meaningful traveller experiences. This commitment is evident across Xandari's three distinct experiential resorts in Kerala, each of which showcase a shared vision of environmental protection and local engagement: Cardamom County near the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady; Xandari Riverscapes in Alappuzha, situated on the vast Vembanad Lake; and the Xandari Pearl Beach Resort in Marari, along the extensive shoreline of Mararikulam.
Notably, Xandari established Kerala’s first ISO-certified four-star resort, and is TOFTigers Pug-Eco Rated certified. The PUG (Practices Under Guidelines) certification of TOFTigers is a green labelling system that recognises resorts for sustainable operating practices. This dedication to sustainability reflects global best practices, as illustrated by the fact that the Xandari Resort and Spa in Costa Rica, a 40-acre plantation, holds the elite level CST certification, the highest level of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program in the country. This underscores the company's proactive approach to integrating international standards into its operations in Kerala.
George M George, the Managing Director of Xandari Resorts, said, “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we see Xandari not just as a hospitality brand but as a platform where ideas, cultures and traditions converge. Our philosophy is rooted in creating meaningful exchanges between the local community, our dedicated team of Xandarians and global travellers. True travel experiences go beyond sightseeing—they encompass culture, heritage, food, history and ethics.”
“The Xandari portfolio of resorts, strategically located across the distinct ecosystems of forest, backwaters and beach, captures the essence of Kerala. For a comprehensive and authentic experience of the diverse natural landscapes of Kerala, ‘God's Own Country,’ Xandari stands as the premier choice. At Xandari, we strive to foster these enriching interactions, ensuring that every journey leaves a lasting impact on both our travellers and the communities we serve.”
Over the years, Xandari has consistently set benchmarks in sustainable tourism, with initiatives ranging from a complete ban on single-use plastic items across all its experiential resorts to the installation of EV charging stations for eco-conscious travellers and the adoption of solar energy.
Beyond environmental sustainability, Xandari remains a strong champion of local farming and artisan communities, ensuring that every traveller experience is both enriching and responsible, contributes to the local economy as the majority of the employees are from the local community, and preserves the cultural heritage of Kerala.
(With inputs from a press release)
