Costa Rica Welcomes JW Marriott First Ever All Inclusive Resort in Guanacaste

JW Marriott has launched in the global all-inclusive resort space with the unveiling of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa on the country’s north Pacific coast. Set high above Playa El Jobo in Guanacaste, the new resort boasts 415 guestrooms, a sprawling wellness complex, 15 restaurants and bars, and what the brand describes as Costa Rica’s largest poolscape. The property is the first all-inclusive offering for the JW Marriott brand. Text

The resort is designed for the leisure traveller looking for a luxurious Costa Rica beach vacation where lodging, dining, wellness, and destination activities are all available at the same property. The property’s proximity to the Guanacaste area’s celebrated outdoor attractions and scenic landscapes make it particularly appealing.

What Travellers Can Expect from JW Marriott Costa Elena

The resort features 415 guest rooms and suites, including accommodation designed with a residential and villa-inspired character. Selected ground-floor suites provide direct access to semi-private swim-out pools, while Presidential Suites include separate living areas. Pasted text

Travellers seeking greater privacy can choose the next-generation Griffin Club, which operates as an exclusive experience within the wider resort. Guests receive access to a private lounge, dedicated swimming pool and private beach area. The programme also includes personalised assistance and priority access to selected dining reservations and pool cabanas. Pasted text

Why Food Could Become a Major Attraction

Dining forms a significant part of the resort experience. JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa has 15 dining and bar venues, with menus drawing on Costa Rican ingredients alongside international culinary influences. Pasted text

Leal focuses on Guanacaste traditions and includes coffee-roasting experiences and a seven-course tasting journey. Casado centres on wood-fired coastal cooking, while Puerto Limón takes inspiration from Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean culinary heritage.

Guests can also find Italian, Mexican and Japanese-inspired options. The property operates an on-site JW Garden, where herbs, fruits, vegetables and edible flowers can support restaurant dishes, cocktails and private dining experiences. Pasted text

Wellness Takes Centre Stage in Guanacaste

Wellness travellers gain access to a 16,000-square-foot wellness destination containing Spa by JW, a fitness centre and the brand’s first Mindfulness House. The resort draws part of its wellness concept from Costa Rica’s natural environment and the nearby Nicoya Peninsula. Pasted text

Spa treatments incorporate elements such as native cacao and volcanic clay. Other experiences include hydrotherapy, sound-focused activities and cacao ceremonies.

The Mindfulness House provides another space for relaxation, with programmes including guided practices and activities connected to the surrounding natural environment.

Families and Adventure Travellers Get More Choices

Families can use the Family by JW Club, where programmes include nature walks, children’s yoga, creative activities, meditation, storytelling and family movie nights. Pasted text

Adults can combine relaxation with more active experiences. Available options around the resort and wider destination include kayaking, hiking, fishing, yacht trips, nature excursions and diving.

One of the property’s biggest features is its pool offering. The resort has 17 pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool, forming what Marriott describes as Costa Rica’s largest poolscape. Pasted text

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking

Travellers considering JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa should factor the resort’s premium positioning into their budget. Marriott lists starting rates at US$900 per person, per night based on double occupancy. Actual prices can vary according to travel dates, room category and booking conditions. Pasted text

Before booking, travellers should:

• Check exactly what their selected all-inclusive rate covers.
• Compare standard accommodation with Griffin Club benefits.
• Reserve popular restaurants and activities early where reservations apply.
• Consider swim-out accommodation when choosing a room category.
• Plan additional time for Guanacaste excursions if they want to explore beyond the resort.
• Review seasonal weather conditions before fixing travel dates.

Why the Opening Matters for Costa Rica Tourism

The opening introduces a new international luxury all-inclusive resort to the Costa Rican Pacific tourism market and presents JW Marriott with an additional presence in the all-inclusive segment.

The property further reaches outside of the travel arena. There are more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a ballroom and an open-air setting for meetings, retreats and celebrations.

To tourists, the main draw continues to be the Pacific Coast location, top-end accommodation and food and beverage options, spas, pools and activities. It provides another upscale experience for visitors to enjoy right alongside other Laguna Hotel Club properties without having to implement all the parts of a holiday individually.