'Our Goal Is To Foster Harmony Between Travellers And The Local Communities They Visit'

Xandari Resorts reimagines sustainable travel, seamlessly blending luxury with eco-conscious practices. In this conversation, the Managing Director George Muthoot George shares how the brand's commitment to conservation and community enriches guest experiences—from the serene beaches of Mararikulam to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Discover how farm-to-table dining, handcrafted Kettuvallams, and Ayurvedic wellness offerings create immersive, authentic escapes. Rooted in sustainability and inspired by India's natural beauty, Xandari invites guests to explore diverse landscapes while embracing mindful and responsible travel.Xandari Resorts places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious practices. Could you share how this commitment influences the guest experience across your resorts?Xandari is deeply committed to sustainability and eco-conscious practices, and this commitment is woven into every aspect of the guest experience. At Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, for example, sustainability initiatives like the amenities provided in the villas are crafted from materials such as rice bran and wheat straw, which help reduce plastic waste by over 50,000+ units each year. Our design philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature, using locally sourced materials and energy-efficient techniques to create tranquil spaces that reflect their surroundings. Dining experiences are rooted in sustainability, featuring fresh, organic ingredients sourced from on-site farms or local communities, which also supports regional economies. Conservation is at the heart of our approach, with initiatives like reforestation, rainwater harvesting, and waste management ensuring minimal ecological impact. Guests enjoy a curated, eco-conscious experience that connects them with nature through mindful activities, wellness treatments using natural ingredients, and opportunities to learn about sustainable living. By balancing comfort and care for the environment, Xandari offers a boutique experience that's both indulgent and responsible.Xandari's dining offerings focus heavily on farm-to-table and local cuisine. What goes into crafting these culinary experiences, and how do they reflect Kerala's rich food culture?Xandari's culinary experiences are a celebration of the local community's rich food culture, focusing on farm-to-table and local ingredients. Fresh, local ingredients are sourced from on-site organic farms and local suppliers. By embracing farm-to-table principles and celebrating Kerala's culinary heritage, Xandari offers guests a truly authentic and unforgettable dining experience.Xandari Riverscapes offers a truly unique way to experience Kerala's backwaters. What inspired you to incorporate traditional Kettuvallams, and how do you maintain the authenticity of this experience while adding modern comforts?Xandari Riverscapes was inspired by the allure of Kerala's backwaters and the unique experience offered by traditional Kettuvallams. With their intricate wooden structures and serene ambience, these handcrafted rice boats provide an authentic way to explore the tranquil waterways. The houseboats are built and maintained by local craftsmen using traditional boat-building techniques, ensuring the boats retain their authentic charm and character. The interiors are designed to be minimalist and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Our dedicated crew provides the best service, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.Xandari Resorts is known for collaborating with local communities. Could you elaborate on how this philosophy is integrated at each of your properties and how it enhances the cultural exchange between guests and the community?Xandari stands on the three pillars of community, collaboration and conservation. I feel that whenever you enter a new destination, the first thing you have to do is add value to the community directly. The more entrepreneurs and financial empowerment you create, the more the community changes their entire perspective of you. Xandari fosters a connection between guests and the local community. As a personal philosophy, I look at the entire exercise as similar to a TED platform created to share ideas. I believe that our destinations are composed of three components—the Local community, us as Xandarians and the global community (the travellers). Our larger purpose is to act as the platform on which ideas can be exchanged between the local community and the travellers. I feel that travel is all about the experience of culture, traditions, food, history, and even ethics. It is this exchange of ideas between communities that is the larger philosophy of Xandari.The Ayurvedic wellness offerings at Xandari Pearl and Cardamom County reflect a holistic approach to well-being. Could you tell us about the philosophy behind your wellness offerings and how it complements the resort's serene natural surroundings?By integrating Ayurveda with the serene natural surroundings, Xandari offers a truly holistic wellness experience at our Ayura Wellness Spa. Experienced Ayurvedic practitioners tailor treatments to each individual's unique needs, considering factors such as dosha (body type), lifestyle, and health concerns. The tranquil ambience, combined with the soothing sounds of nature, creates a conducive environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.How do you design activities or excursions that allow guests to genuinely connect with Kerala's heritage?We organize visits to nearby villages to experience the local lifestyle, interact with the community, and learn about traditional crafts and practices. We also offer opportunities to watch performances of traditional arts, such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam dance forms and Kalaripayattu martial arts.With your resorts situated in diverse locations—from beachside to hilltops to the backwaters—what unique experiences can guests look forward to at each property?We aim to venture beyond popular tourist spots, seeking to offer enriching experiences that promote learning about diverse cultures and environments. For instance, at our beach resort in Mararikulam, we cultivate organic fruits and vegetables, providing guests with a farm-to-table experience. This not only promotes healthy eating but also educates urban dwellers about agriculture. Our expansion strategy revolves around selecting destinations where travellers can immerse themselves in nature and gain insights into sustainable living. Our goal is to foster harmony between travellers and the local communities they visit. We believe hospitality is more than just filling rooms; it's about creating memorable experiences that resonate with our guests. Our primary focus is on domestic travellers, as we aim to showcase the richness and diversity of India's culture and landscapes. While we do consider international expansion, particularly in regions like Costa Rica and Africa, our emphasis remains on nearby destinations such as Sri Lanka and Lakshadweep. In each location, we aim to contribute positively to the local community while ensuring sustainability for the future.Xandari Resorts promotes a vision of laid-back luxury with an emphasis on conservation. Could you describe how you balance luxury with environmental responsibility to ensure a unique yet sustainable boutique experience for guests?Xandari Resorts balances luxury with environmental responsibility by seamlessly integrating sustainable practices into the guest experience. At Xandari Resorts, we seamlessly blend luxury with environmental responsibility by incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations. Our design philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature, using locally sourced materials and energy-efficient techniques to create tranquil spaces that reflect their surroundings.Dining experiences are rooted in sustainability, featuring fresh, organic ingredients sourced from on-site farms or local communities, which also supports regional economies. Conservation is at the heart of our approach, with initiatives like no-single-use plastic, eco-friendly amenities, solar power generation, rainwater harvesting and waste management ensuring minimal ecological impact.Guests enjoy a curated, eco-conscious experience that connects them with nature through mindful activities, wellness treatments using natural ingredients, and opportunities to learn about sustainable living. By balancing comfort and care for the environment, Xandari offers a boutique experience that's both indulgent and responsible.For more details, visit their website