JW Marriott Opens Its First-Ever All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

JW Marriott has entered the all-inclusive market with the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Costa Rica.

Located above the secluded bay of Playa El Jobo on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, the 415-room property marks JW Marriott’s first all-inclusive resort worldwide.

The resort combines the brand’s focus on luxury and well-being with an all-inclusive format that includes 15 dining and bar venues, extensive wellness facilities and what the company describes as the largest poolscape in Costa Rica.

“The opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa represents more than our entry into the all-inclusive category, it introduces a new expression of the JW Marriott brand,” said Bruce Rohr, vice president and global brand leader, JW Marriott, in a press release.

“From the beginning, our vision was not simply to create an all-inclusive resort, but an all-immersive experience rooted in well-being, presence, and meaningful connection. At JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, we saw an opportunity to reimagine what an all-inclusive experience can be through the lens of JW Marriott, where thoughtful design, enriching experiences, and intuitive service come together to create a more intentional way to travel.”

“The result is a resort that invites guests to slow down, embrace the beauty of the present moment, and leave feeling renewed by both the destination and the experiences they shared while there.”

A resort within a resort

JW Marriott Costa Elena features 415 rooms, suites and terraces with a residential, villa-inspired design.

Select ground-floor suites provide direct access to semi-private swim-out pools, while Presidential Suites feature separate living areas. The property will also offer JW Marriott’s Mindful Rooms and Suites, designed around rest and well-being.

The resort also introduces JW Marriott’s next-generation Griffin Club, a private resort-within-a-resort concept offering additional personalization and privacy.

Griffin Club guests receive a pre-arrival consultation with a dedicated well-being concierge, along with access to a private arrival lounge, personal assistant and well-being guides.

The club includes its own 24-hour lounge, dedicated pool with concierge service and private beach area. Guests also receive priority access to dining reservations and pool cabanas.

15 places to eat and drink

Food and beverage are a major component of the new resort, with 15 dining and bar venues combining Costa Rican culinary traditions with international influences.

Among them is Leal, where guests can roast their own coffee and experience a seven-course tasting journey inspired by Costa Rica’s provinces.

Casado is a wood-fired coastal grill, while Puerto Limón highlights the Afro-Caribbean heritage of Costa Rica’s coast.

Other concepts include Italian-inspired Luciano, Mexican restaurant Santos, botanical-focused bar Borbón, and Japanese-influenced Namuyaki and Boga.

The resort is also home to LaGloria, a nine-seat root beer stand paying tribute to J. Willard Marriott’s first business venture, which opened in Washington, D.C. in 1927.

An on-property JW Garden supplies seasonal herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables for menu items, private dining experiences and cocktails.

Big focus on wellness

Wellness facilities span 16,000 square feet and include the brand’s first Mindfulness House, a Spa by JW and a fitness centre.

The spa draws on Costa Rican traditions and ingredients, including volcanic clay and native cacao, with experiences ranging from hydrotherapy and a four-element Sibú ritual to sunset sound baths and cacao ceremonies.

The Mindfulness House, meanwhile, offers programming including sound healing, Reiki, cacao ceremonies and self-guided practices.

The resort’s wellness programming draws inspiration from the nearby Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone and Costa Rican traditions.

17 pools & activities

JW Marriott Costa Elena also features 17 pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool.

Families have access to the Family by JW Club, where programming includes nature walks, yoga, guided meditation, art, storytelling and family movie nights.

Adult programming ranges from water sports and movement-based activities to meditation and sound healing.

A weekly night market showcases local artisans, traditional cuisine, music, dance and storytelling.

Beyond the property, guests can take part in sunset hikes, guided kayaking, private yacht charters, deep-sea fishing, nature treks and diving excursions.

For groups, weddings and other events, the resort offers more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including an oceanfront ballroom.

Starting rates at JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa are $900 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.