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 10, 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.
Destination image: Gulf of Santa Elena / Playa El Jobo area. This image represents the surrounding coastline and is not presented as a current photograph of the JW Marriott property.
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. The hotel’s official site currently lists September 10, 2026, as the opening date.
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.
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.
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.
Expertly designed itineraries from JW Marriott Costa Elena
BestToursCR begins with designed itineraries—not a blank planning form. Each experience is intended to make the day easier to understand by bringing together geography, timing, transportation, activity flow, meals, practical requirements and the right service level for the group.
Volcano · Nature · Hot Springs
Rincón de la Vieja Adventures & Hot Springs
A strong choice for travelers who want volcanic landscapes, tropical forest, adventure and relaxation in the same region.
Best for: Active couples · Families with older children · Premium groups
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Waterfall · Wildlife
Llanos del Cortés & Wildlife Experiences
Pair an accessible waterfall stop with a wildlife or river experience for a varied day that works especially well for families and mixed-age groups.
Best for: Families · Couples · Mixed-age groups
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Rainforest · Hiking
Río Celeste & Rainforest Experiences
Explore rainforest landscapes around Tenorio Volcano, with itinerary options that can combine Río Celeste with sloth observation or other nature experiences.
Best for: Nature lovers · Hikers · Photographers
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Wildlife · Easy Pace
Wildlife Riverboat Experiences
A relaxed nature option for travelers who prefer wildlife observation without a demanding hike. Wildlife sightings remain natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Best for: Families · Older travelers · Multigenerational groups
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Ocean · Secluded Beaches
Private Ocean, Fishing, Snorkeling & Beaches
Explore the Gulf of Santa Elena through coastal navigation, snorkeling and secluded-beach experiences, subject to weather and sea conditions.
Best for: Couples · Families · Private groups
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Adventure · Shorter Option
ATV & UTV Experiences
A shorter adventure option for travelers who want to discover rural roads, coastal areas and scenic viewpoints around northern Guanacaste.
Best for: Couples · Families meeting requirements · Small groups
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History · Nature
Santa Rosa & Northern Guanacaste
Combine tropical dry forest, conservation and Costa Rican history in one of the most significant protected areas of northern Guanacaste.
Best for: Nature enthusiasts · History travelers · Educational groups
Explore this experienceGold, 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
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.
Private transportation to JW Marriott Costa Elena
Marriott currently 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.
BestToursCR can coordinate private arrivals, departures, round-trip airport transfers, tour transportation, premium SUV service and group transportation. For airport pickup, the driver can wait in the arrivals area with a personalized sign after immigration and baggage claim.
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.
Request group planning assistance →How to plan with BestToursCR
Explore
Start with an expertly designed itinerary built around real regional geography, timing and logistics.
Compare
Review Gold, Silver, Bronze or Corporate options when those service levels are available for that experience.
Customize when needed
If the existing itineraries do not match your interests, email BestToursCR with your dates, group size, preferred activities, pace and transportation needs.
JW Marriott Costa Elena & BestToursCR
These answers are intentionally concise so travelers can find the practical information quickly.
When is JW Marriott Costa Elena scheduled to open?
Marriott currently lists September 10, 2026, as the opening date for JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive. Opening dates can change, so verify accommodation details directly with Marriott before making nonrefundable travel arrangements.
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 tours from JW Marriott Costa Elena?
Strong options include Rincón de la Vieja, Llanos del Cortés, wildlife riverboat experiences, Río Celeste, rainforest itineraries, snorkeling and secluded beaches, ATV or UTV experiences and Santa Rosa National Park. The best choice depends on age, physical condition, interests, available time and preferred service 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.
Official information used in this guide
Hotel details are verified against Marriott’s official property pages. BestToursCR service details are linked to current BestToursCR pages. The page should be reviewed again after the resort officially opens.
- Marriott — JW Marriott Costa Elena overview (official name, location, scheduled opening, resort positioning, airport/shuttle information)
- 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: August 8, 2026.
Your Costa Elena experience can extend far beyond the beach
Compare designed itineraries, choose the service level that fits your travel style, arrange private transportation and use custom planning only when the existing options do not match what you need.
Welcome to Costa Elena. Welcome to La Cruz. Welcome to northern Guanacaste.