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JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort, Costa Rica – Image Credit Marriott International
Marriott International has announced a new agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital to bring the JW Marriott brand to Costa Elena, a premium resort-residential community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The hotel is expected to be one of the first JW Marriott all-inclusive resorts to open globally. The conversion is scheduled to begin in July 2025, and the property is anticipated to join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in the Spring of 2026 as a JW Marriott All-Inclusive resort.
The introduction of the JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort is a significant step for Marriott International in expanding its presence in Costa Rica, according to Uriel Burak, Marriott International Vice President, Development, Caribbean, and Latin America (CALA). This project begins a strategic collaboration with Mullen Real Estate Capital, a pioneer in the all-inclusive sector within the CALA region.
The resort, located approximately 49 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, has 415 guest rooms, 11 diverse food and beverage outlets, and 44,000 square feet of water amenities, including 17 swimming pools. Guests will also have access to 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a 16,000-square-foot spa reflecting the brand’s wellness philosophy, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Positioned within the exclusive Costa Elena resort-residential community, the property boasts 885 feet of beach frontage. Future development plans include the potential introduction of JW Marriott-branded residences on an adjacent site, further enhancing the resort’s luxurious offerings.
Jeff Mullen, President at Mullen Real Estate Capital, expressed optimism about collaborating with Marriott International and JW Marriott. He anticipates new opportunities and benchmarks, creating a future filled with limitless potential.
Recently, Costa Rica has attracted significant interest from luxury customers and investors. In February 2025, Marriott announced the opening of its 50th luxury hotel in the region, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica. The country’s development growth continues to rise, with the company signing 10 deals in 2024, representing 1,086 rooms. By year-end, Marriott had 22 open properties across 15 brands in Costa Rica, with more expected to open in 2025.
