October 7, 2026 — Marriott has formally announced the opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. It is the first all-inclusive resort to carry the JW Marriott name anywhere in the world.
The 415-room resort sits above Playa El Jobo in La Cruz, Guanacaste, inside the Costa Elena community. Marriott’s announcement came on October 6. The resort’s own booking page lists an opening date of September 30, 2026, and it is taking reservations now.
The property replaces the former Dreams Las Mareas. Costa Rican business paper El Financiero puts the investment at $50 million and names Mullen Real Estate Capital and Mullen Hospitality alongside Marriott.
What is on site
- Rooms: 415 rooms and suites, including swim-out ground-floor suites and presidential suites.
- Griffin Club: a resort-within-a-resort with its own rooms, swim-out access and a presidential suite.
- Dining: 15 restaurants and bars, with Costa Rican, Italian, Mexican and Japanese menus. Named venues include Leal, Casado, Puerto Limón, Luciano, Santos, Borbón, Namuyaki, Boga and LaGloria.
- Pools: 17 pools, which Marriott calls the largest pool complex in Costa Rica, plus an oceanfront infinity pool and beach access.
- Wellness: a 16,000-square-foot Mindfulness House, Spa by JW and a fitness center.
- Families: a Family by JW club with nature walks, yoga and story time.
- Events: more than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including an oceanfront ballroom.
JW Marriott vice president Bruce Rohr told TravelPulse the goal was “an all-immersive experience,” built around well-being.
What the rate covers
Marriott’s booking page says the nightly rate covers the room, meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, kids’ activities, taxes, service fees and gratuities. Spa treatments and motorized water sports cost extra. Parking, including valet, is free.
El Financiero priced a November 6–8 stay and found suites from $768 a night for two, taxes included. The presidential suite ran up to $4,266 a night.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property | JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive |
| Brand / parent | JW Marriott / Marriott International |
| Location | Playa El Jobo, La Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica |
| Status | Open; announced October 6, 2026 (booking page lists September 30 opening) |
| Rooms | 415 |
| Format | All-inclusive, families welcome |
| Nearest airport | Daniel Oduber Quirós International, Liberia (LIR) |
What it means for travelers
- Fly into Liberia (LIR). It is the closest airport by a wide margin. San José (SJO) is listed at 278 miles away on Marriott’s page.
- Plan the transfer before you fly. The hotel does not run an airport shuttle. Sources disagree on distance: El Financiero says about 90 kilometers, while Marriott’s page says 90 miles. Either way it is a long drive, so book a transfer or rental car.
- Bonvoy applies. This is a Marriott Bonvoy resort, so points and elite status count here.
- It is brand new. Expect a resort still settling in during its first weeks. Check which restaurants are running before you go.
- Tips and taxes are in the rate. That makes the total easier to compare against other Guanacaste resorts.
Sources
- Hospitality Net — JW Marriott Debuts Its First All-Inclusive Resort with the Opening of JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa
- TravelPulse — JW Marriott Marks All-Inclusive Debut With New Resort in Costa Rica
- El Financiero — Costa Rica suma un nuevo hotel todo incluido de lujo
- Marriott — JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive (booking page)
- My Costa Rica Stay — The First All-Inclusive JW Marriott in the World Opens in Guanacaste This Fall
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