Marriott International Signs Agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital to Debut a JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

Marriott's New JW Costa Rica Resort

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital to introduce the JW Marriott brand at Costa Elena, an exclusive resort-residential community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This hotel is anticipated to be among the first JW Marriott all-inclusive resorts worldwide, emphasizing its dedication to redefining luxury all-inclusive experiences by incorporating its signature emphasis on mindfulness, service, and design.

"We are thrilled to expand our presence in Costa Rica with the introduction of one of the first JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts," said Uriel Burak, Marriott International Vice President, Development, Caribbean and Latin America (CALA).

"This project marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration with Mullen Real Estate Capital, a pioneer in the all-inclusive sector, within the CALA region.”

Located about 49 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, the resort promises a luxurious experience featuring 415 guest rooms, 11 varied dining and drinking options, and 44,000 square feet of water features, including 17 swimming pools. Additionally, guests will enjoy access to 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a 16,000-square-foot spa that embodies the brand’s wellness philosophy, and a cutting-edge fitness centre.

Located in the prestigious Costa Elena resort-residential community, this property features 885 feet of beachfront, establishing it as a prime destination for discerning travelers. Moreover, upcoming development plans may introduce JW Marriott branded residences nearby, further elevating the resort’s luxury offerings.

“MREC is thrilled to embark on this exciting collaboration with Marriott International and JW Marriott, a brand synonymous with excellence and world-class service. Together, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities, setting new benchmarks, and creating a future filled with limitless potential," commented Jeff Mullen, President at Mullen Real Estate Capital. 

In recent years, Costa Rica has garnered significant attention from luxury consumers and investors. In February 2025, Marriott announced the launch of its 50th luxury hotel in the area, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located in Costa Rica. The country continues to experience growth in development, with the company finalizing 10 deals in 2024, equating to 1,086 rooms. This elevates the development pipeline in Costa Rica to 15 properties, encompassing a total of 1,776 rooms. By the end of the year, Marriott operates 22 properties across 15 brands in Costa Rica, with additional openings anticipated in 2025.