JW Marriott has officially opened JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa in Costa Rica, it’s first all-inclusive hotel. If you thought it would be the typical all-inclusive experience, think again.
The brand is taking things a step further with what it calls an "all-immersive" approach, combining luxury accommodation, destination-led dining, wellness, and cultural experiences in the 415-room resort situated along Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast.
Perched above the secluded bay of Playa El Jobo, the Costa Elena Resort & Spa boasts a whopping 17 pools (which Marriott says make up Costa Rica's largest poolscape), 15 restaurants and bars and a 16,000-square-foot wellness destination. So if the idea of heaven is to spend the entire holiday lounging by the pool or packing every waking moment with activities, guests will have plenty to keep them occupied.
The choice of accommodation is also impressive. Think spacious guest rooms, suites with private terraces, and Presidential Suites with separate living areas. Select ground-floor suites also have direct access to semi-private swim-out pools.
Then there’s the Griffin Club, a sumptuous resort within the resort with a dedicated pool, private beach area, a 24-hour lounge, and personalized service. Guests can get even more of a VIP treatment here and are able to arrange their dining, wellness, and activity preferences with a dedicated wellbeing concierge before arriving or take advantage of personal assistants and priority access to restaurant reservations and pool cabanas
Let’s not forget the food, where once again, guests will be spoiled for choice. At Leal, they can enjoy a seven-course tasting experience inspired by Costa Rica's provinces, at Casado there’s wood-fired coastal cuisine, and Puerto Limón celebrates the country's Afro-Caribbean flavours. The line up also features Italian, Mexican and Japanese-inspired restaurants that serve up a range of mouth-watering dishes.
The experience is not complete without a real way to relax, and the resort does not disappoint here. Guests can make their way to the Spa by JW, where treatments incorporate local ingredients including volcanic clay and cacao. The resort is also home to the brand's first Mindfulness House where guests can take part in sound healing, Reiki, guided meditation, and cacao ceremonies in a natural setting inspired by Costa Rica's indigenous traditions.
For those who prefer something a little livelier, there are many activities including kayaking, diving, sunset hikes, yacht charters, and guided nature treks. Younger guests also have their own program of activities at the Family by JW Club including children's yoga, nature walks, and creative workshops.
“The category has evolved tremendously, and today's luxury traveler expects far more than the convenience traditionally associated with all-inclusive,"” said Javier Coll, president of Mullen Hospitality Management. “They want exceptional culinary, wellness, and hospitality experiences with a genuine connection to Costa Rica's culture and natural beauty."
This is the latest in a slew of luxury brands making their way into the all-inclusive space, with recent additions including the new Kimpton Tres Ríos – All Inclusive in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Mondrian Cancún, All-Inclusive in Cancun.
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