JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa brings a new luxury all-inclusive concept to the country’s Pacific coast, combining wellness, destination-inspired dining and immersive cultural experiences.
JW Marriott has opened JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, marking the luxury hospitality brand’s entry into the global all-inclusive resort market.
Located above the secluded bay of Playa El Jobo in Guanacaste, the property introduces what Marriott International describes as an “all-immersive” approach to all-inclusive hospitality. The concept combines personalised service, wellness experiences, culinary discovery and connections with local culture and the natural environment.
The resort features 415 rooms and suites, designed with a residential, villa-inspired aesthetic. Selected ground-floor suites offer direct access to semi-private swim-out pools, while the property’s next-generation Griffin Club provides an elevated resort-within-a-resort experience, with private facilities, personalised assistance and tailored guest services.
Dining is a central feature of the offering, with 15 restaurants and bars showcasing Costa Rican traditions alongside international cuisines. Venues include Leal, which celebrates the culinary heritage of Guanacaste; Casado, a wood-fired coastal grill; Puerto Limón, inspired by Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean heritage; and restaurants serving Italian, Mexican and Japanese-inspired dishes. An on-site garden supplies seasonal produce, herbs and edible flowers for menus, chef-led dinners and cocktails.
Wellness facilities span 16,000 square feet and include the brand’s first Mindfulness House, a Spa by JW and a fitness centre. Treatments and activities draw on local ingredients and traditions, including volcanic clay, cacao ceremonies, hydrotherapy and sound baths. The programme reflects the resort’s emphasis on mindful living and the natural surroundings of Guanacaste.
Families and adventure-seeking guests are also catered for through children’s activities, guided nature walks, water sports, kayaking, yacht charters, fishing and diving excursions. The resort’s poolscape comprises 17 pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool, while a weekly night market showcases regional artisans, food, music and dance.
For meetings and events, the property offers more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, including an oceanfront ballroom and open-air venues suited to retreats, celebrations and corporate gatherings.
The opening represents a strategic expansion for JW Marriott as luxury travellers increasingly seek experiences that extend beyond accommodation to include wellness, gastronomy and a stronger sense of place. Costa Rica’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage provide the setting for the brand’s first all-inclusive property worldwide.
Starting rates announced by the company begin at US$900 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
