All-inclusive luxury is entering a new chapter as JW Marriott makes its debut in the category with the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Set above the secluded bay of Playa de El Jobo in Guanacaste, the resort moves beyond the traditional promise of convenience, placing well-being, cultural discovery and meaningful connection at the centre of the stay.
The opening marks the first all-inclusive resort worldwide for JW Marriott, introducing a different interpretation of the format through 415 rooms and suites, 15 dining and bar venues, an extensive wellness offering and one of Costa Rica’s largest resort poolscapes. Its philosophy draws on the country’s natural landscapes and Indigenous heritage, creating an experience designed around slowing down and engaging more deeply with the destination.
That sense of place begins with the resort’s design. Developed by Phiba by DCM alongside local architects, artists and artisans, the architecture draws on Guanacaste’s landscapes and traditions, balancing open-air spaces with views of the Pacific coast. At the heart of the arrival experience is a handcrafted walnut Lobby Oculus inspired by Sibú, a figure associated with creation and harmony in Bribri and Cabécar Indigenous traditions. Locally inspired materials and an art collection curated by Indiewalls further connect the interiors with Costa Rica’s creative identity.
Accommodation follows a residential approach, with spacious rooms, suites and terraces designed to provide a sense of privacy and ease. Select ground-floor suites offer direct access to semi-private swim-out pools, while a collection of Mindful Rooms and Suites is intended to support rest and reflection through a more considered environment.
For guests seeking a more personalised stay, the resort introduces JW Marriott’s next-generation Griffin Club, a private retreat within the wider property. The experience begins before arrival with a dedicated well-being concierge consultation, allowing guests to tailor dining, activities and in-room preferences. A private arrival lounge, personal assistance, a dedicated pool, an exclusive beach area and a 24-hour lounge extend the offering, while select accommodations feature swim-out access and expanded indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Dining is another defining element, with 15 venues exploring Costa Rican ingredients and culinary traditions alongside international influences. At Leal, guests can explore the country’s regional flavours through a seven-course tasting journey and coffee-roasting experiences. Casado brings together wood-fired cooking and coastal produce, while Puerto Limón celebrates the Afro-Caribbean heritage of Costa Rica’s coast. Italian traditions meet local craftsmanship at Luciano, and Santos explores Mexican cooking through techniques including nixtamalisation and wood-fire roasting. Japanese-inspired dining ranges from chef-led teppanyaki at Namuyaki to coastal dishes at Boga.
The resort also introduces LaGloria, a root beer stand inspired by J. Willard Marriott’s first business venture, which opened in Washington, D.C., in 1927. Its menu of artisanal root beer, craft sodas and classic comfort food adds a nostalgic touch to a resort otherwise defined by contemporary luxury. The JW Garden program brings seasonal herbs, fruits, vegetables and edible flowers into the kitchens and cocktails, strengthening the connection between the dining experience and the surrounding environment.
Well-being takes centre stage in a 16,000-square-foot wellness destination encompassing the brand’s first Mindfulness House, Spa by JW and a modern fitness centre. Inspired by the elements of earth, water, fire and air, the offering combines spa treatments, hydrotherapy and guided rituals with practices such as sound healing, Reiki and cacao ceremonies. Volcanic clay and native cacao feature in selected treatments, while the nearby Nicoya Peninsula, recognised for its Blue Zone longevity traditions, provides further inspiration for a philosophy centred on balance and purposeful living.
Experiences extend well beyond the spa. Families can explore nature and local culture through the Family by JW Club, with activities ranging from nature walks and creative workshops to children’s yoga and storytelling. Adults can choose from water sports, guided meditation and sound healing, while a weekly night market brings together local artisans, food, music, dance and storytelling. For those keen to explore the coastline, options include kayaking, sunset hikes, private yacht charters, deep-sea fishing and diving. Seventeen pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool, provide additional space to unwind between activities.
The resort also accommodates meetings, retreats and celebrations through more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including an oceanfront ballroom. Wellness sessions, private chef-led dinners and cultural activities can be incorporated into gatherings, while the Sacred Fire Soiree offers a sunset ritual centred on intention and shared connection.
With JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, the brand’s first step into all-inclusive hospitality is less about simply bundling accommodation, dining and activities together than about creating a more immersive way to experience a destination. Along this quieter stretch of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the resort brings together thoughtful design, culinary exploration and well-being in a setting that encourages guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves, with one another and with the place they have come to discover.