Marriott International, Inc. has announced that it has signed an agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital in order to bring the JW Marriott Brand to the shores at Costa Elena, a resort-residential area located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
The hotel is expected be the first JW Marriott resort to open in the world. It will highlight the company’s commitment towards redefining luxury experiences through all-inclusive offerings that integrate the brand’s signature focus of mindfulness, exceptional customer service, and sophisticated designs.
Uriel Burak, Marriott International Vice-President, Development, Caribbean & Latin America (CALA), said: “We are delighted to expand our presence with the introduction one of the first JW Marriott all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.”
This project marks a new strategic partnership between Mullen Real Estate Capital and the CALA region’s pioneer in the all inclusive sector, Mullen Real Estate Capital. Situated approximately 49 miles from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, the resort will offer an elevated luxury experience with 415 elegantly designed guest rooms, 11 diverse food and beverage outlets, and an impressive 44,000 square feet of water amenities, including 17 swimming pools. The resort also offers 10,000 square feet of indoor space for meetings, a 16,000 sq ft spa reflecting the brand’s philosophy on wellness, and an ultra-modern fitness center.
The property is located in the exclusive Costa Elena resort and residential community. It boasts an 885-foot beachfrontage, making it the perfect destination for discerning tourists. Future plans include the introduction of JW-Marriott-branded residences at an adjacent site. This will further enhance the resort’s luxurious offering.
“MREC has been delighted to embark on an exciting collaboration with Marriott and JW Marriott. A brand synonymous with excellence, world-class service and a commitment to quality,” said Jeff Mullen, President at Mullen Real Estate Capital.
Jeff Mullen said, “We look forward together to unlocking opportunities, setting new standards, and creating an future filled with limitless opportunity.”
Costa Rica has seen a significant increase in interest from investors and luxury customers over the past few years. Marriott announced that its 50th hotel in the area, Nekajui (a Ritz-Carlton reserve in Costa Rica), would open in February 2025. The country’s development continues to grow, as the company signs 10 deals, totaling 1,086 hotel rooms, in 2024. The pipeline of development in Costa Rica now totals 15 properties with 1,776 rooms. Marriott had 22 properties open in Costa Rica as of the end of last year, spread across 15 brands. More are expected to be opened in 2025.
