A local opening guide from BestToursCR
JW Marriott Costa Elena: Private Tours & Things to Do in La Cruz, Costa Rica
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive is scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, in Playa El Jobo. This guide helps future guests understand what they can explore beyond the resort through expertly designed BestToursCR itineraries, private transportation, clear service options and customized planning when needed.
- Playa El Jobo · La Cruz
- Northern Guanacaste
- Opening September 30, 2026
- Gold · Silver · Bronze · Corporate
Historical image: former Dreams Las Mareas resort in Playa El Jobo. This photograph predates the property’s transformation into JW Marriott Costa Elena and is not presented as a current photograph of the JW Marriott property.
Answer first
JW Marriott Costa Elena at a glance
Marriott describes the new property as a luxury beachfront all-inclusive resort with ocean-view accommodations, elevated dining, wellness, family programming and curated activities. Marriott’s official property page now explicitly lists September 30, 2026, as the resort’s opening date. Mullen Hospitality Management continues to use the broader “Opening Fall 2026” description.
Opening status update · September 5, 2026
Marriott confirms September 30, 2026 opening
Marriott now explicitly states “Opening September 30, 2026” on the official JW Marriott Costa Elena property page. Mullen Hospitality Management continues to describe the opening more broadly as “Opening Fall 2026.”
BestToursCR is therefore using September 30, 2026 as the resort’s currently scheduled opening date and will continue monitoring official sources for any material change.
Why the opening matters
A new luxury gateway to northern Guanacaste
The arrival of JW Marriott Costa Elena brings more international attention to Playa El Jobo and La Cruz—an area known for Pacific coastline, tropical dry forest, protected areas, rural communities and access to some of Guanacaste’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Marriott’s own destination information highlights regional attractions such as Guanacaste National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Rincón de la Vieja, Llanos del Cortés Waterfall, ATV experiences and horseback riding. That makes the resort a strong base for travelers who want to combine an all-inclusive stay with carefully planned exploration beyond the property.
During a recent BestToursCR visit to Playa El Jobo as the opening approaches, final preparations at the property were still visible from the beach. We are documenting the destination from first-hand local perspective so future guests can better understand what awaits them both at the resort and throughout northern Guanacaste.
Arrival planning
What happens after you land at Guanacaste Airport?
Marriott identifies Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport—commonly known as Guanacaste Airport (LIR)—as the nearest listed international airport and states that the hotel does not provide shuttle service. A pre-arranged private transfer gives your party a clear meeting plan before the ground journey to Playa El Jobo begins.
- Complete immigration and baggage claim. Follow the airport arrival process and collect your luggage before proceeding to the designated meeting area.
- Meet your private driver. For airport pickup, a BestToursCR driver can wait in the arrivals area with a personalized sign after immigration and baggage claim.
- Travel in the vehicle reserved for your party. BestToursCR coordinates private modern vans, premium SUVs, Ford Transit-style vehicles, Toyota Coaster-style vehicles and buses according to the confirmed service.
- Continue directly to Costa Elena. Door-to-door planning can cover arrivals, departures, round-trip transfers, tour transportation and group movements.
High-intent travel service
Private transportation to JW Marriott Costa Elena
BestToursCR can coordinate private arrivals, departures, round-trip airport transfers, tour transportation, premium SUV service and group transportation. Travel time varies with traffic, weather, road conditions, construction and the final pickup or drop-off point, so BestToursCR does not publish a fixed transfer time here.
- Flight tracking
- Personalized airport sign
- Door-to-door planning
- Private arrival and departure service
- Round-trip transportation
- Tour and group logistics
Private Modern Vans
A practical private option for couples, families and small groups traveling with standard luggage.
Explore Private TransfersPremium SUVs
Premium transportation for travelers who prioritize privacy, comfort and a higher-end arrival experience.
Explore Premium TransportationFord Transit-Style Vehicles
Expanded passenger capacity for larger families and private groups, subject to confirmed vehicle availability.
Compare Transfer OptionsToyota Coaster-Style Vehicles
Group transportation for parties that need more seating and coordinated luggage capacity.
Plan Group TransportationSmall & Large Group Buses
Group-scale transportation for incentive programs, celebrations, weddings and larger private movements.
Request Group PlanningArrival, Departure & Tour Logistics
Coordinate airport service and off-property transportation around the same Costa Elena stay.
Explore LIR TransportationCore activities & ready-made combinations
Private JW Marriott Guanacaste Excursions
Start with the experiences you want to have. These BestToursCR core activities are the building blocks of many ready-made itineraries, including single experiences, double combinations and fuller three-activity days. Choose an activity below to explore the available options, then compare Gold, Silver, Bronze and Corporate service levels on the itinerary page.
Core activity
White-Water Rafting
Add an active day with a guided white-water rafting experience through tropical scenery and exciting river sections.
Explore the Options
Core activity
Sloth Tour
Walk through tropical forest with a local guide while looking for sloths, colorful birds and other native wildlife.
Explore the Options
Core activity
Safari River Float
Enjoy a gentler wildlife experience while floating along the river in search of monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and tropical birds.
Explore the Options
Core activity
Heliconias Hanging Bridges
Discover the rainforest from a different perspective while crossing hanging bridges surrounded by lush vegetation and possible wildlife sightings.
Explore the Options
Core activity
Llanos del Cortés Waterfall
Visit one of Guanacaste’s most inviting waterfalls, with a broad cascade, tropical surroundings and time to appreciate the natural setting.
Explore the Options
Core activity
Río Celeste Hike
Hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to experience rainforest scenery and the remarkable blue waters of Río Celeste.
Explore the Options
Core activity
Palo Verde Boat Safari
Navigate the Bebedero River with a local guide while observing birds, reptiles and monkeys associated with the Palo Verde wetlands.
Explore the Options
Featured experience
Rincón de la Vieja & Hot Springs
Experience volcanic landscapes, nature and relaxing thermal waters, with adventure activities available according to the selected itinerary.
Explore the Options
Featured experience
Snorkeling & Ocean Experiences
Explore Guanacaste’s Pacific coast with snorkeling and boating experiences selected around your group and preferred pace.
Explore the OptionsWant to compare more activities and ready-made combinations across Guanacaste?
View All Core Tours & ItinerariesCompare the service level
Gold, Silver, Bronze & Corporate
The destination or core experience may be similar, while transportation, privacy, comfort and operational support vary. Exact package availability and inclusions are always defined on the individual itinerary page.
Gold
Designed for travelers who prioritize the highest available level of comfort, privacy and premium transportation.
- Luxury SUV when applicable
- Private tour format
- Premium service elements
- Best fit for couples, VIP travelers and premium families
Silver
Private service with comfortable modern van transportation and a strong balance between privacy, comfort and price.
- Private transportation
- Private tour or privately operated activity when offered
- Flexible family and small-group planning
Bronze
The more affordable service level. Depending on the itinerary, private transportation may be paired with a shared activity at the attraction.
- Core destination preserved
- Clear private/shared disclosure
- Essential included services
Corporate
Dedicated logistics for incentive travel, meetings, retreats, weddings, celebrations and larger private groups.
- Group-scale vehicles
- Coordinated schedules
- Dedicated operational support when applicable
Historical BestToursCR archive · Dreams Las Mareas era · Playa El Jobo, La Cruz. These images predate the JW Marriott Costa Elena transformation and are not presented as current photographs of the JW Marriott property.
First-hand historical context
From Dreams Las Mareas to JW Marriott Costa Elena
Before the property’s transformation into JW Marriott Costa Elena, it operated as Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica. BestToursCR was not part of the hotel operation; we are an independent Costa Rican tour operator. However, our team had the opportunity to assist hundreds of travelers who stayed at the former resort.
That experience gave us practical familiarity with Playa El Jobo, pickup and return logistics, local roads, nearby communities, regional attractions and the way international travelers use this northern Guanacaste location as a vacation base.
Reduce booking friction
Know what to expect before you book
A BestToursCR money page should help travelers make an informed decision without a long chain of clarification emails. The goal is to make the practical information visible before the purchase decision.
What each itinerary should explain
- Complete itinerary
- Approximate duration
- Pickup area
- Transportation type
- Private/shared format
- What is included
- What to bring
- Physical requirements
- Minimum ages
- Accessibility notes
- Weather considerations
- Wildlife disclaimer
Reservation terms vary by experience
There is no single universal booking deadline for every BestToursCR product. National parks, boats, attractions, guides, transportation providers and activity partners can have different confirmation and refund rules.
Always review the booking deadline, payment schedule, cancellation conditions and refund terms displayed on the specific itinerary before completing payment. Last-minute requests may be possible, but availability is never guaranteed. When the product page requires confirmation, wait for written BestToursCR approval before paying.
Simple planning flow
How to plan with BestToursCR
Explore
Start with the core activity or ready-made itinerary that best matches the experience you want.
Compare
Review the transportation, privacy, inclusions and service-level differences before making your decision.
Customize when needed
If the published options do not fit your dates, group or interests, send the details required for personalized planning.
Incentive · Meetings · Weddings
Corporate and group experiences from Costa Elena
JW Marriott Costa Elena is also positioned for meetings, celebrations and weddings. Marriott currently lists three event rooms, 9,008 square feet of total event space and a largest-space capacity of 820.
BestToursCR can complement on-property programs with private airport transportation, off-site activities, waterfall and wildlife experiences, adventure days, ocean excursions, wedding-party outings and coordinated transportation for incentive or corporate groups.
Large-group programs require advance planning because vehicle capacity, guide staffing, attraction availability, meal arrangements and supplier policies vary by experience.
Frequently asked questions
JW Marriott Costa Elena & BestToursCR
These answers are intentionally concise so travelers can find the practical information quickly.
When is JW Marriott Costa Elena expected to open?
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive is currently scheduled to open on September 30, 2026, according to Marriott’s official property page. Mullen Hospitality Management continues to describe the opening more broadly as “Opening Fall 2026.” BestToursCR will continue monitoring official sources in case the schedule changes.
Where is JW Marriott Costa Elena located?
The resort is located in Playa El Jobo, La Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, on the northern Pacific side of the country.
Was the property formerly Dreams Las Mareas?
Yes. The Playa El Jobo property previously operated as Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica. Historical photographs on this BestToursCR guide are labeled accordingly and should not be confused with current JW Marriott imagery.
What is the closest airport?
Guanacaste Airport (LIR), officially Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is the nearest international airport listed on Marriott’s current property page.
Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle?
Marriott’s current property page states that the hotel does not provide shuttle service. BestToursCR offers private airport transportation subject to vehicle availability and confirmation.
What are the best JW Marriott Guanacaste excursions?
Popular excursions from JW Marriott Costa Elena include Rincón de la Vieja adventures, Río Celeste and rainforest experiences, wildlife tours, Llanos del Cortés Waterfall, snorkeling, fishing, secluded beaches, ATV or UTV experiences and Santa Rosa National Park. The best option depends on your interests, group, available time, physical condition and preferred activity level.
Are all BestToursCR experiences completely private?
No. Many options include private transportation, but a specific attraction or activity can operate in a shared format. Bronze, for example, may combine private transportation with a shared activity. The individual itinerary must state the exact format.
What is the difference between Gold, Silver, Bronze and Corporate?
Gold generally emphasizes premium transportation, privacy and comfort. Silver maintains private service with modern van transportation. Bronze is the more accessible option and may include a shared attraction component. Corporate is designed around group logistics for incentive travel, companies, weddings, celebrations and larger parties. Exact inclusions vary by itinerary.
Where can I find the booking and cancellation terms?
Review the terms published on the individual tour page. Booking windows, payment deadlines, cancellation conditions and refund rules vary because BestToursCR works with attractions and service providers that have different operational policies.
Can I request a last-minute tour?
Possibly, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Guides, vehicles, admission space and suppliers may all require confirmation. Follow the instructions on the selected itinerary and wait for written approval before payment when required.
Can BestToursCR customize my vacation?
Yes. If the designed itineraries do not fit your needs, send your travel dates, hotel, group size, interests, preferred pace and transportation requirements to reservations@besttourscr.com.
Does BestToursCR work with corporate and incentive groups?
Yes. BestToursCR can coordinate transportation and off-site experiences for incentive groups, retreats, celebrations, weddings and corporate programs, subject to advance planning and availability.
Is BestToursCR affiliated with JW Marriott?
No. BestToursCR is an independent Costa Rican tour operator and transportation provider. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, employed by or operated by Marriott International or JW Marriott.
Sources & verification
Official information used in this guide
Hotel details are checked primarily against Marriott and other authoritative hospitality sources. Marriott’s official JW Marriott Costa Elena property page currently confirms September 30, 2026 as the scheduled opening date, while Mullen Hospitality Management continues to use the broader “Opening Fall 2026” description. BestToursCR service details are linked to current BestToursCR pages.
- Marriott — JW Marriott Costa Elena overview (official name, location, resort positioning, airport/shuttle information and September 30, 2026 scheduled opening date)
- Mullen Hospitality Management — JW Marriott Costa Elena (currently lists “Opening Fall 2026”)
- Marriott — Experiences (on-site experiences and listed regional attractions)
- Marriott — Meetings & Events (event rooms, total event space and largest-space capacity)
- BestToursCR — Private & luxury LIR airport transfers
- BestToursCR — Private tours in Guanacaste
Last factual verification: September 5, 2026.