The JW Marriott Costa Elena resort opens in Costa Rica as the brand’s first all-inclusive

On 6 October 2026, Marriott announced the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, the JW Marriott brand’s first all-inclusive resort anywhere in the world. Perched above the bay of Playa El Jobo in Guanacaste province, it brings together 415 rooms, 15 restaurants and bars and 17 pools, and has been welcoming guests since 10 September 2026.

☰Contents

1. The world’s first JW Marriott all-inclusive
2. On the bay of Playa El Jobo, in Guanacaste
3. 415 rooms, including swim-out suites
4. Fifteen places to eat, from Leal to LaGloria
5. Spa by JW, Mindfulness House and 17 pools
6. How much is an all-inclusive night?

The world’s first JW Marriott all-inclusive

In its press release, Marriott presents Costa Elena as JW Marriott’s very first all-inclusive, from its wellness-focused luxury brand. The Costa Mujeres project in Mexico, signed in 2022 under the JW Marriott All-Inclusive banner, has yet to open. The brand is thus following a trend that is spreading through the upper end of the market, much like Park Hyatt Riviera Maya, Park Hyatt’s first all-inclusive.

Costa Elena is not a new build: the building dates from 2014 according to the official fact sheet, and the former all-inclusive resort it housed has been entirely transformed to join the JW brand. It is operated by Mullen Hospitality Management, chaired by Javier Coll.

On the bay of Playa El Jobo, in Guanacaste

The resort overlooks the secluded bay of Playa El Jobo on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, level with La Cruz. Two airports serve it: Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia and Juan Santamaría in San José.

The architecture is led by the firm Phiba by DCM, working with local architects, artists and craftspeople. The resort’s story draws on the legend of Sibú, from the Indigenous Bribri and Cabécar traditions; the lobby is crowned by a handmade walnut oculus, and the art collection was assembled by Indiewalls.

415 rooms, including swim-out suites

The 415 rooms and suites are designed in a residential, villa-inspired spirit, with terraces. They include a collection of Mindful Rooms and Suites, presidential suites with a separate living room and, on the ground floor, swim-out suites opening straight onto semi-private pools. The Junior Suite with tropical view and two queen beds measures 47 m², plus a 9 m² balcony, for up to four guests.

The resort also debuts the brand’s first new-generation Griffin Club, a resort within the resort: a wellness consultation before arrival, a private check-in lounge, a personal assistant, a 24-hour lounge, and a reserved pool and beach. A Yámi Companion unpacks luggage, handles laundry and turndown, and members get priority for restaurant tables and cabanas.

Fifteen places to eat, from Leal to LaGloria

The flagship restaurant, Leal, roasts its own coffee and serves a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the country’s provinces. Casado cooks over a wood fire, Puerto Limón explores Afro-Caribbean cuisine, Luciano Italy and Santos Mexico, nixtamalised corn included. Namuyaki does teppanyaki, Boga serves raw dishes using Japanese techniques, and Borbón focuses on botanical mixology.

In a nod to the group’s history, LaGloria is a nine-seat root beer stand paying tribute to J. Willard Marriott’s first business, opened in Washington in 1927. A kitchen garden, the JW Garden, supplies the kitchens. The package covers meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, non-motorised water sports, the kids’ club, taxes, service and gratuities.

Spa by JW, Mindfulness House and 17 pools

The wellness area of around 1,490 m² brings together Spa by JW, the brand’s first Mindfulness House and the gym. On the programme: volcanic clay and local cacao treatments, a four-elements Sibú ritual, a hydrotherapy circuit, sunset sound baths and cacao ceremonies, with nods to the Nicoya Blue Zone.

Outside, 17 pools, including an infinity pool facing the ocean, form what Marriott calls the largest collection of pools in Costa Rica. Families have the Family by JW Club (kids’ yoga, guided meditation, nature walks), a weekly night market brings together local artisans, and excursions range from kayaking to diving, private yachts and deep-sea fishing. Around 840 m² of event space, including an ocean-facing ballroom, completes the offer.

How much is an all-inclusive night?

The press release quotes a rate from 900 USD per person per night, based on double occupancy. Our check on marriott.com on 7 October 2026, for the night of 4 to 5 November 2026, two adults in a Junior Suite with tropical view, all-inclusive with taxes and fees, came in below that headline rate:

Costa Elena joins the JW Marriott openings we follow, such as JW Marriott Ranthambore, Marriott’s 10,000th hotel, in India. In Costa Rica, the luxury sector is also awaiting the Maravé Manuel Antonio resort, under the LXR banner.