About JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa sits on Playa El Jobo, on the coast near La Cruz de Guanacaste. The resort is beachfront, with a beach and a private beach area, and it carries a five-star rating. Guests score it 8.4 across 232 reviews. The all-inclusive format means you can spend a week moving between sand, pool and table without much planning.

Days here can be lazy or active. The outdoor pool and the hot tub are the obvious places to start, and many suite categories carry the Swim Out name. Water sports are available on site, including windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. Fishing, cycling and horse riding are also on offer, and the tour desk can help you organise time away from the resort. The gardens add a green backdrop to it all.

The wellness side is generous. There is a spa and wellness center with massage services, plus a sauna, a steam room, a hammam and a hot spring bath for slower afternoons. For something more energetic, the fitness center runs fitness classes and aerobics, and a solarium is there for soaking up the light. Some room categories carry the Mindfulness name, in keeping with the resort's unhurried mood.

Evenings have plenty of options. A bar and a snack bar keep drinks and bites close, themed dinner nights add some variety, and live music and performances are part of the programme. The entertainment staff run the evening schedule. Karaoke, billiards, darts and table tennis fill the gaps, and a nightclub with a DJ closes out the night. Families can use the kids' club and the children's playground, and babysitting and child services are available. Free WiFi, free parking, concierge service and a 24-hour front desk cover the practical side.

Who it’s best for

Rooms & suites

The resort offers a wide range of suites, from compact to very large. Junior Suites start at 484 sq ft with a balcony, and most others are 527 sq ft. They come with views described as ocean, partial ocean, resort, pool or tropical. Most Junior Suites sleep two or four guests, so families and small groups have plenty of choice. Family Area Junior Suites are also available.

Swim Out categories, including Swim Out Junior Suites and Mindfulness Swim Out Junior Suites, are among the room names on offer. The Mindfulness collection runs alongside the standard suites for guests who like a calmer theme.

If you want more space, the Griffin suites are 1,055 sq ft, with Griffin, Griffin Swim Out and Griffin Master options. The Griffin Presidential suite reaches 1,582 sq ft and hosts two guests. The Preferred Club Master Suite Tropical View (Adults Only) is 1,055 sq ft with a terrace, a seating area, slippers and access to a private pool.

Suites generally include air conditioning, a minibar, a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, a TV, a desk and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. Many also have a tea and coffee maker.

Dining

As an all-inclusive resort, JW Marriott Costa Elena offers a restaurant, a bar and a snack bar, with room service for meals in your suite. Themed dinner nights add some variety to the week. Some rates are Breakfast Only, so check which board option you choose when booking.

Location

JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa sits at Playa El Jobo in El Jobo, within La Cruz de Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica. The setting is beachfront, with a beach and a private beach area right at the resort. That makes it a good base for a coastal holiday where the sea shapes your days. Water sport facilities are on site, so snorkelling, diving and windsurfing do not require a separate trip. The tour desk and car hire can help you plan outings further afield, and a shuttle service is available. Free private parking is provided if you arrive by car. The resort also has a minimarket and an ATM on site for small errands.

Amenities

• Beachfront
• Private Beach Area
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Hot Tub/Jacuzzi
• Spa/wellness Center
• Massage Services
• Sauna
• Steam Room
• Hammam
• Hot Spring Bath
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Kids' Club
• Children's Playground
• Babysitting/child Services
• Water Sport Facilities on Site

Frequently asked questions