JW Marriott Marks All-Inclusive Debut With New Resort in Costa Rica

Image: The JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa (Source: Marriott International)
Image: The JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa (Source: Marriott International)
Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Tue October 6, 2026

Marriott International’s JW Marriott brand made its all-inclusive debut with the opening of the 415-room JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa on Costa Rica’s northern coast, on the bay of Playa de El Jobo.

“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, JW Marriott vice president and global brand leader. “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.”

Villa-Inspired Accommodations

JW Marriott Marks All-Inclusive Debut With New Resort in Costa Rica

The resort features 415 guestrooms and suites. (Photo Credit: Marriott International)

The property’s accommodations were created with “a residential, villa-inspired feel, with generously scaled guest rooms, suites, and terraces, including separate living areas in the Presidential Suites,” JW Marriott said.

The resort’s opening also marks the debut of the first next-generation JW Marriott Griffin Club, offering guests hotel-within-a-hotel experiences. “Select Griffin Club accommodations feature swim-out access, while the Griffin Club Presidential Suite offers expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating an environment for relaxation, connection and reflection against sweeping coastal views,” the company said.

Diverse Dining Concepts

JW Marriott Marks All-Inclusive Debut With New Resort in Costa Rica

The property is equipped with 15 restaurants and bars. (Source: Marriott International)

Overall, the Costa Elena resort features 15 restaurants and bars, ranging from JW Marriott’s first root beer stand, an homage to J. Willard Marriott’s first business, to eateries serving Costa Rican, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese cuisine.

The resort also features JW Marriott’s first Mindfulness House, a 16,000-square-foot wellness facility. “Encompassing the brand’s first-ever Mindfulness House, the brand’s signature Spa by JW, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, the experience is all inspired by the legend of Sibú and the four guardians of earth, water, fire, and air, creating a holistic approach to well-being that is deeply connected to the destination,” JW Marriott said.

Activities for All Ages

Entertainment and activity options run the gamut, with the property offering a Family JW Club where kids can engage in a variety of mindful experiences, including yoga, story time, art projects, and more.

“For adults, a curated calendar of daily experiences encourages both adventure and renewal,” the company said. “Guests can choose from movement-based activities and water sports or restorative offerings such as guided meditation and sound healing.”

Expanding Footprint in Latin America

“Costa Rica has become one of the most compelling luxury destinations in Latin America, making it the ideal setting for such a significant milestone for JW Marriott,” said Federico Greppi, president of Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America.

“The opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, the brand’s first all-inclusive resort worldwide, strengthens our presence in the region and reflects the evolving preferences of today’s luxury travelers, who are seeking more immersive and meaningful experiences,” he added.


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