Marriott International’s JW Marriott brand has opened its first-ever all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica. The JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa is on the Playa de El Jobo and has the brand's debut next-generation Griffin Club, a “resort within the resort” as well as a dedicated Mindfulness House wellness sanctuary and 15 food-and-beverage venues.
"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," Bruce Rohr, vice president and global brand leader, JW Marriott, said in a statement. "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. At JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, we saw an opportunity to reimagine what an all-inclusive experience can be through the lens of JW Marriott, where thoughtful design, enriching experiences, and intuitive service come together to create a more intentional way to travel. The result is a resort that invites guests to slow down, embrace the beauty of the present moment, and leave feeling renewed by both the destination and the experiences they shared while there."
The design was overseen by architecture firm Phiba by DCM, and developed in collaboration with local architects, artists and artisans alongside international design partners. The property’s art collection was curated by Indiewalls and includes locally inspired materials and handcrafted works.
Public and Private Spaces
The resort has 415 rooms designed in a villa-inspired style. The Presidential Suites have separate living areas and select ground-floor suites have direct access to semi-private swim-out pool areas.
The 15 restaurants include a brand-first root beer stand (paying homage to how the Marriott business got its start) as well as Costa Rican-, Italian-, Mexican- and Japanese-inspired cuisine. The property also has more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including an oceanfront ballroom and open-air venues.
The property’s 16,000 square feet of wellness facilities include the first-ever Mindfulness House, the brand's signature Spa by JW and a fitness center. The Mindfulness House is a “dedicated sanctuary for reflection and well-being” next to an undeveloped forest, with a focus on open-air gathering areas, natural textures and calming surroundings. The spa, meanwhile, has locally inspired treatments that incorporate natural ingredients. Signature experiences include a four-element Sibú ritual, hydrotherapy journeys, a sunset sound bath and immersive cacao ceremonies.
At the Family by JW Club, younger guests can go on nature walks and explore the local area. They also can participate in children's yoga, story time, guided meditation and mandala-inspired art, while families can participate in evening storytelling and movie nights together.
"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."
"JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa represents a defining moment for both Mullen Hospitality Management and the continued evolution of luxury all-inclusive travel," said Javier Coll, President of Mullen Hospitality Management. "The category has evolved tremendously, and today's luxury traveler expects far more than the convenience traditionally associated with all-inclusive. They want exceptional culinary, wellness, and hospitality experiences with a genuine connection to Costa Rica's culture and natural beauty. We are proud to bring Mullen Hospitality's decades of all-inclusive expertise to this milestone opening and help shape what the next generation of the category can look like."