BETHESDA, MD — JW Marriott has entered the all-inclusive market with the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast.

Located above the secluded bay of Playa El Jobo, the 415-room resort marks the brand’s first-ever all-inclusive property worldwide, combining luxury hospitality with a focus on wellness, culinary experiences and connection to the destination.

“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. “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.”

A NEW TAKE ON LUXURY ALL-INCLUSIVE

The resort features a residential, villa-inspired design with generously sized guest rooms, suites and terraces, including Presidential Suites with separate living areas. Select ground-floor suites have direct access to semi-private swim-out pools, while the resort’s Mindful Rooms and Suites are designed around rest, reflection and well-being.

The property also introduces JW Marriott’s next-generation Griffin Club, a private resort-within-a-resort offering an elevated level of personalization and privacy. Guests receive a pre-arrival well-being concierge consultation, access to a private arrival lounge and personal assistant, as well as a dedicated Griffin Club pool, private beach area and 24/7 lounge.

Select Griffin Club accommodations offer swim-out access, while the Griffin Club Presidential Suite features expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces. Guests also receive priority access to dining reservations and pool cabanas, along with personalized services including assistance with unpacking, laundry and turndown.

DINING AND WELLNESS

Food and beverage is a major focus, with 15 dining and bar venues showcasing Costa Rican flavours alongside Italian, Mexican and Japanese-inspired cuisine. Signature venues include Leal, which offers a seven-course tasting journey inspired by Costa Rica’s provinces, Casado, a wood-fired coastal grill, and Puerto Limón, which celebrates the country’s Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Other options include Luciano for Italian cuisine, Santos for Mexican-inspired dishes, Namuyaki for chef-led teppanyaki and Boga for raw, coastal-inspired fare. The resort also introduces a JW Marriott first with LaGloria, a nine-seat root beer stand inspired by J. Willard Marriott’s first business venture in Washington, D.C.

Wellness is another key pillar, with a 16,000-square-foot facility featuring the brand’s first-ever Mindfulness House, a dedicated sanctuary where guests can enjoy sound healing, Reiki, cacao ceremonies and self-guided practices. The facility also features a fitness centre and Spa by JW featuring treatments that incorporate local ingredients including volcanic clay and native cacao.

FOR FAMILIES AND ACTIVE TRAVELLERS

Families can take advantage of the Family by JW Club, with programming that includes nature walks, creative activities, children’s yoga, guided meditation, storytelling and family movie nights.

Adults can choose from water sports, movement-based activities, guided meditation and sound healing, while a weekly night market brings together local artisans, traditional cuisine, live music, dance and storytelling.

Outside the resort, guests can book sunset hikes, guided kayaking excursions, private yacht charters, deep-sea fishing, nature treks and diving. The property also features 17 pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool, in what JW Marriott describes as Costa Rica’s largest poolscape.

The resort also offers more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including an oceanfront ballroom, making it suitable for meetings, retreats, celebrations and special occasions.

Starting rates are $900 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. For more information, click here. 

Lead image caption: JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa