JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort Opens as Brand's First All Inclusive

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort has opened on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The property in La Cruz is the JW Marriott first all inclusive resort worldwide. It sits above the secluded bay of Playa El Jobo.

The launch was announced by JW Marriott, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. The brand calls its approach all immersive luxury. Guests are meant to enjoy each moment without distraction. More details are available on the official Marriott website.

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort Rooms and Griffin Club

The resort has 415 rooms with a residential, villa inspired feel. Rooms, suites and terraces are generously sized. The Presidential Suites add separate living areas.

Select ground floor suites offer swim out access to semi private pools. The resort also features the brand's signature Mindful Rooms and Suites. These are designed for rest, reflection and wellbeing.

The JW Marriott Griffin Club makes its debut here in a next generation form. It works as a private resort within the resort. A wellbeing concierge plans each stay before guests arrive.

Griffin Club guests get a private arrival lounge and a personal assistant. The club has a lounge open around the clock, its own pool and a private beach area. A Yámi Companion helps with unpacking, laundry and turndown. Guests also get priority for dining and pool cabanas.

Design at JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort Reflects Guanacaste

The design draws on the landscapes and traditions of Guanacaste. Architecture firm Phiba by DCM led the work. Local architects, artists and artisans joined international design partners.

The story begins with a handcrafted walnut Lobby Oculus. It is conceived as the aura of Sibú. The legend of Sibú is a symbol of creation in Bribri and Cabécar Indigenous traditions.

Open air spaces and framed views connect the resort to its setting. Indiewalls curated an art collection of locally inspired, handcrafted works.

Dining at JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort Features 15 Venues

The resort is home to 15 dining and bar venues. They are rooted in the spirit of Pura Vida. The menus mix local traditions with global influences.

Leal is a culinary hub where guests can roast their own coffee. It also offers a seven course tasting journey inspired by Costa Rica's provinces. Casado is a wood fired coastal grill. Puerto Limón celebrates the Afro Caribbean heritage of the coast.

Luciano pairs Italian pasta making with Costa Rican craft. Santos honors Mexican cuisine through nixtamalization and wood fire roasting. Borbón runs a botanical mixology program. Namuyaki and Boga blend Japanese techniques with local ingredients.

LaGloria is a root beer stand and a tribute to J. Willard Marriott. His first business was a nine seat root beer stand that opened in Washington, D.C. in 1927. The JW Garden program brings herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetables from an on property garden to the menus.

Wellbeing at JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort Draws on a Blue Zone

A 16,000 square foot wellness destination sits at the heart of the resort. It includes the brand's first Mindfulness House, Spa by JW and a fitness center. The concept draws on the four guardians of earth, water, fire and air.

It also takes inspiration from the nearby Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone. That region is known for exceptional longevity. Treatments use volcanic clay and native cacao. Signature experiences include a four element Sibú ritual, a sunset sound bath and cacao ceremonies.

The Mindfulness House sits beside untouched forest. Guests can try sound healing, Reiki and self guided practices.

Activities and Events at JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort

Families can join the Family by JW Club. Activities include nature walks, children's yoga, story time and family movie nights. Adults can choose water sports, guided meditation or a weekly night market.

Beyond the resort, guests can book sunset hikes, kayaking and yacht charters. Deep sea fishing, nature treks and diving are also on offer. The resort has the largest poolscape in Costa Rica, with 17 pools and an oceanfront infinity pool.

More than 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space is available. This includes an oceanfront ballroom. The Sacred Fire Soiree is a sunset gathering rooted in the natural elements.

Rates at JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort

Starting rates begin at $900 per person, per night. That is based on double occupancy. Guests can find reservations and more information through the resort's official page.

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