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. Looking for JW Marriott Guanacaste excursions beyond the resort? BestToursCR helps future guests explore volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife, rainforest adventures, beaches and cultural attractions through expertly designed itineraries, private transportation, clear service options and customized planning when needed.
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.
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.
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.
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
Core activity
Sloth Tour
Core activity
Safari River Float
Core activity
Heliconias Hanging Bridges
Core activity
Llanos del Cortés Waterfall
Core activity
Río Celeste Hike
Core activity
Palo Verde Boat Safari
Featured experience
Rincón de la Vieja & Hot Springs
Featured experience
Snorkeling & Ocean Experiences
Want to compare more activities and ready-made combinations across Guanacaste?
View All Core Tours & ItinerariesGold, 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 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.
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.
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.