JW Marriott has officially entered the all-inclusive market with the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Costa Rica. Set above the secluded Playa de El Jobo in Guanacaste, the 415-room resort gives travel advisors a new luxury option for clients seeking wellness, family experiences and elevated dining experiences.
The resort marks the brand’s first-ever all-inclusive property and introduces several JW Marriott concepts to the market, including a next-generation Griffin Club, a dedicated Mindfulness House and what the brand describes as Costa Rica’s largest poolscape.
“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, VP and Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott, in a press statement. “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 Resort Within the Resort
The residential, villa-inspired accommodations include guest rooms, suites and terraces, with select ground-floor suites offering swim-out access. The resort also features Mindful Rooms and Suites designed around rest and well-being.
For clients looking for more privacy and personalization, the Griffin Club offers a resort-within-a-resort experience. Guests receive access to a private arrival lounge, well-being concierge, personal assistant and dedicated guides, along with a 24/7 lounge, private pool and beach area. Select accommodations also offer swim-out access.
For families, Griffin Club adds dedicated programming and personalized touches, including a Yámi Companion who can assist with unpacking, laundry and turndown service.
15 Ways to Dine
Food is another major draw, with 15 culinary venues showcasing Costa Rican and international flavors.
Leal highlights Guanacaste traditions through coffee roasting and a seven-course tasting experience, while Casado focuses on wood-fired coastal cuisine and Puerto Limon celebrates Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. Other venues include Italian-inspired Luciano, Mexican restaurant Santos, Japanese concepts Namuyaki and Boga, and botanical-driven cocktail bar Borbon.
The resort’s JW Garden also supplies seasonal herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables for dishes, chef-led dinners, private dining and cocktails.
Wellness Takes Center Stage
A 16,000-square-foot wellness destination anchors the resort, with the Mindfulness House, Spa by JW and fitness center drawing inspiration from Guanacaste’s natural environment and Costa Rica’s wellness traditions.
Spa experiences incorporate ingredients such as volcanic clay and native cacao, while programming includes sound healing, Reiki, cacao ceremonies, hydrotherapy and meditation.
Experiences for Every Generation
Advisors booking families can tap into the Family by JW Club, which combines nature walks, creative activities, children’s yoga, meditation, storytelling and cultural experiences.
Adults can choose from water sports, movement classes, sound healing and guided meditation, while off-property adventures include kayaking, yacht charters, deep-sea fishing, hiking, diving and nature excursions.
The resort also features 17 pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool, adding another major selling point for clients looking for a resort-focused Costa Rica escape.
For more information, visit marriott.com.
