In Brief: JW Marriott has opened JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, a 415-room all-inclusive resort on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast.
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JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa – Image Credit Marriott International
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa has opened above Playa El Jobo Bay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, as JW Marriott’s first all-inclusive resort. The property includes 415 rooms, suites and terraces, along with select ground-floor suites with access to semi-private swim-out pools.
The resort includes Mindful Rooms and Suites, as well as Presidential Suites with separate living areas. It also includes the brand’s next-generation Griffin Club, a resort-within-a-resort offering with a private arrival lounge, a dedicated well-being concierge consultation before arrival, personal assistants and well-being guides.
Griffin Club accommodations include select units with swim-out access and a Presidential Suite with indoor and outdoor living spaces. The club also has a 24-hour lounge, a dedicated pool with concierge service and a private beach area. Guests receive priority access to dining reservations and pool cabanas. A Yámi Companion provides unpacking, laundry and turndown assistance.
Architecture firm Phiba by DCM led the resort’s design in collaboration with local architects, artists and artisans, as well as international design partners. The property includes a walnut Lobby Oculus and an art collection curated by Indiewalls. The resort incorporates open-air spaces and views of the surrounding coastline.
The property has 15 dining and bar venues, including Leal, Casado, Puerto Limón, Luciano, Santos, Borbón, Namuyaki, Boga and LaGloria. Leal offers coffee roasting and a seven-course tasting menu inspired by Costa Rica’s provinces. Casado is a wood-fired coastal grill, while Puerto Limón focuses on Afro-Caribbean culinary traditions. Namuyaki offers chef-led teppanyaki, and Boga serves raw dishes.
LaGloria is a nine-seat root beer stand with artisanal root beer, craft sodas and comfort food. The resort also has an on-property garden supplying seasonal herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables for menu items, chef’s table dinners, private dining and cocktails.
A 16,000-square-foot wellness area includes the Mindfulness House, Spa by JW and a fitness center. Spa offerings include a four-element Sibú ritual, hydrotherapy journeys, a sunset sound bath and cacao ceremonies. Treatments incorporate volcanic clay, native cacao and other local ingredients.
The Mindfulness House is located beside a forest and beneath a Guanacaste tree. Programming includes sound healing, Reiki, cacao ceremonies and self-guided practices.
The Family by JW Club offers nature walks, creative activities and hands-on programs for younger guests, along with children’s yoga, story time, guided meditation and mandala-inspired art. Adult activities include water sports, guided meditation and sound healing. A weekly night market includes local artisans, cuisine, music, dance and storytelling.
The property has more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including an oceanfront ballroom and open-air venues. Its pool area includes 17 pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool. Starting rates are $900 per person per night based on double occupancy.