JW Marriott Opens Its First All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica
The 415-room Costa Elena property pairs 15 dining and bar venues with a private Griffin Club and extensive wellness facilities, with rates from $900 per person, per night.
Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott
JW Marriott has entered the all-inclusive market with the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, a 415-room property overlooking Playa de El Jobo on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. The resort offers 15 dining and bar venues, 17 pools, and a substantial wellness program, with starting rates of $900 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
The property adds a new option for clients seeking an all-inclusive stay with more personalized service: its Griffin Club operates as a private resort within the larger property, with a dedicated pool, private beach area, 24-hour lounge, and priority access to dining reservations and pool cabanas. Griffin Club guests also receive a pre-arrival consultation with a well-being concierge to arrange dining, activities, and in-room preferences. Additional services include a private arrival lounge, a personal assistant, and a Yámi Companion who helps with unpacking, laundry, and turndown.
Across the resort, accommodations have a residential, villa-inspired design, with terraces and separate living areas in Presidential Suites. Select ground-floor suites offer direct access to semi-private swim-out pools. The property also plans to introduce the brand’s signature Mindful Rooms and Suites.
“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,” said Bruce Rohr, vice president and global brand leader for JW Marriott.
That emphasis extends to a 16,000-square-foot wellness destination that includes Spa by JW, a fitness center, and the brand’s first Mindfulness House. Planned programming includes sound healing, Reiki, and cacao ceremonies, while spa treatments incorporate ingredients such as volcanic clay and native cacao.
Dining draws on Costa Rican traditions alongside Italian, Mexican, and Japanese influences. Leal offers coffee roasting and a seven-course tasting journey inspired by the country’s provinces; Puerto Limón focuses on Afro-Caribbean flavors. An on-property JW Garden supplies herbs, produce, and edible flowers for menus and cocktails.
Families can access the Family by JW Club, with nature walks, children’s yoga, and creative activities. A weekly night market features local artisans, food and live entertainment, while regional excursions range from guided kayaking and nature treks to private yacht charters and diving.
