JW Marriott's first all-inclusive resort is now open

The very first JW Marriott-branded, all-inclusive resort is now officially open.

Now accepting guests, the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa sits in the popular resort area of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, on the country's northwest coast.

Rather than build something new, developers Mullen Real Estate Capital opted to totally reimagine the former Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica property. The resort incorporates elements of traditional Costa Rican design as well as architecture from the Bribri and Cabécar Indigenous peoples.

There are 415 rooms at the resort, as well as a hotel-within-a-hotel property called Griffin Club, which offers more privacy, butler services, and dedicated pool, beach access and a 24/7 lounge.

Speaking of pools, this resort has "the largest resort poolscape in Costa Rica," measuring a whopping 44,000 square feet, according to a statement from Marriott. It also features pool cabanas, a large on-property garden, a modern fitness center, a kids club and dedicated family experiences as part of the Family by JW program.

And of course, no resort feels complete without a spa for some pampering and relaxation. Thankfully, the Spa by JW spans over 9,000 square feet and offers everything from full-body treatments and massages to special kid-friendly treatments. The resort offers JW's first-ever Mindfulness House, "a dedicated sanctuary for reflection and well-being, set beside untouched forest and shaded by a native Guanacaste tree."

Food is often the main aspect people wonder about when it comes to an all-inclusive resort. The first JW all-inclusive resort will feature 15 bars, restaurants and culinary experiences, including a classic international buffet, as well as Japanese, seafood, Italian and Costa Rican dining venues, among others. Guests can even learn to cook at the resort's culinary school, which provides interactive cooking sessions that teach visitors how to prepare local dishes and develop new kitchen skills.

And, for a bit of fun, the property will pay homage to J.W. Marriott Sr.'s original business by opening the brand's first stand-alone root beer stand.

Guests of all ages can expect a full calendar of activities and experiences (think: a weekly local shopping market or guided kayaking), and kids can take advantage of the hands-on Family by JW Club for enrichment activities and wellness activities.

How to book the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa

According to the hotel website, rates through the end of the year are as low as $656 per night for two guests. (Don't forget, while booking an all-inclusive resort, the exact number of guests has to be accurate.)

Marriott Bonvoy members can book from 110,000 points per night.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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