Wondering if the JW Marriott Costa Rica is your ideal luxury getaway? Our review gives you an insider’s look at this pristine resort’s private beach, exceptional spa, championship golf, and elegant dining. Get ready to discover how this enclave complements Costa Rica’s ‘Pura Vida’ with refined comfort.
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa Overview
- JW Marriott Costa Rica is a luxury hacienda-style resort located in the Hacienda Pinilla resort community, offering amenities like a private beach, a world-class spa, and a championship golf course designed by Mike Young, recognized by Audubon for its ecological efforts.
- Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations with exceptional amenities including ocean-view balconies, pillow-top beds, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and pet-friendly options, with the pinnacle offering being the 2,442 sq ft Presidential Suite.
- The resort provides a range of dining experiences featuring international and Costa Rican cuisine across various settings, from beachfront casual dining to exclusive private meals, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and offering special dining events.
Discovering JW Marriott Costa Rica: A Luxury Hacienda-Style Resort
The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is a one-of-a-kind destination in Costa Rica. This luxury hacienda-style resort is nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, offering guests an authentic Costa Rican experience with a touch of luxury. We will delve into its distinctive features, including a private beach, a world-class spa, and a championship golf course.
Nestled on the edge of Costa Rica’s northern Pacific Coast, the resort is part of the Hacienda Pinilla, a 4,500-acre resort community that features luxury homes, golf courses, and even its own beach club. The resort, a short 15-minute drive from Tamarindo, a renowned beach town, is famed for its surf culture and lively nightlife. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to experience the authentic Costa Rican lifestyle in a luxurious setting.
Mansita Beach: Private Paradise
Envision being roused by the resonating sound of waves crashing and a sweeping view of a pristine white sand beach. This dream comes to life at Mansita Beach, an exclusive haven at JW Marriott Costa Rica. Tucked away in a natural bay, the beach offers guests unparalleled privacy and tranquility, making it an idyllic natural setting for those seeking serenity.
But Mansita Beach is more than just a place to relax and soak in the sun. It’s a hub of activity, offering a variety of watersports for the adventurous spirits. Whether you prefer to paddleboard in the calm waters or engage in a friendly beach volleyball match, there’s something for everyone.
And as the sun sets, the beach transforms into a vibrant social setting with chill-out sessions featuring cocktails and live music, creating an atmospheric setting to enjoy the evening ambiance.
World-Class Spa & Wellness
Your stay at the JW Marriott Costa Rica would not be complete without a visit to the world-class Spa Hacienda Pinilla. This haven of relaxation and rejuvenation offers a plethora of treatments infused with the essence of local plants and minerals, ensuring an immersive Costa Rican wellness experience. The spa is a sanctuary, equipped with a sauna and steam room for detoxification and relaxation, and a dedicated relaxation area for pre and post-treatment tranquility.
Take your wellness journey a notch higher with the resort’s mind and body balancing yoga sessions. Guided by a certified instructor, guests can choose between a private beach or an ocean-view terrace setting for their yoga class. And for a distinctive spa encounter, the spa sits oceanfront, offering massages in a beach cabana, accompanied by the natural sounds of the sea.
Couples can also delight in tailored experiences in special couples’ massage rooms. The spa incorporates wellness programs that may include personalized health and fitness consultations, enhancing the tailored wellness journey for guests.
Championship Golf Course
The championship golf course at JW Marriott Costa Rica offers:
- A challenging experience with a picturesque coastal backdrop
- Designed by renowned architect Mike Young
- A par 72 course that stretches up to 7,200 yards
- Diverse challenges that blend harmoniously with the area’s natural topography
This course will undoubtedly excite golf enthusiasts.
The course offers:
- High standards in design and maintenance, including tennis courts
- Practices that preserve the environmental integrity of the location
- Rental clubs
- Professional instruction
- Practice balls
These amenities cater to both experienced players and those enjoying a casual round.
The Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course at JW Marriott Costa Rica has been recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, reflecting the course’s commitment to ecological balance and preservation of natural habitats.
Luxurious Accommodations: Rooms & Suites
Relax in the luxurious accommodations offered by JW Marriott Costa Rica after a day filled with exploration. Each room and suite is a haven of comfort with plush pillow-top beds, cotton-rich linens, and custom duvets. What’s more? Each accommodation boasts private balconies with views that overlook the garden, pool, or the majestic Pacific Ocean.
If you’re looking for the epitome of luxury, the Presidential Suite is the perfect choice. Spanning 2,442 square feet, this suite features a private whirlpool, a plunge pool, and a private balcony. Offering maximum privacy and comfort, it’s the ultimate space to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.
Room Amenities
Each room and suite at JW Marriott Costa Rica is designed to ensure your utmost comfort and convenience. With high-speed Wi-Fi provided in all accommodations, you can stay connected with the outside world. If you’re feeling peckish in the middle of the night or prefer to dine in the comfort of your room, the 24-hour room service is ready to serve you an array of gourmet meals anytime.
For added convenience, the rooms are equipped with essential in-room property amenities such as a coffee/tea maker and hairdryer.
Pet Policy
If you’re traveling with your beloved pet, JW Marriott Costa Rica accommodates both dogs and cats in certain rooms. The resort allows one dog under 20 kg for an additional fee of $100 per stay. To make your pet’s stay as comfortable as yours, the resort provides pet-friendly amenities such as food and water bowls and an off-leash area for dogs.
Rest assured, guests with pets are assigned to pet-friendly rooms to avoid any surprises at check-in.
Culinary Delights: Dining Options
Discovering new flavors and culinary experiences is one of the many joys of traveling. At JW Marriott Costa Rica, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a variety of dining options. From authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Sabanero Steak House to Asian fusion at Tamarine, every meal is a gastronomic journey. We will delve into the resort’s dining options in greater depth.
Mansita Restaurant offers a diverse menu catering to varied palates with both international and Costa Rican dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast buffet, a leisurely lunch, or a sumptuous dinner, Mansita Restaurant has you covered. For a more relaxed dining experience, head to Azul Grill, a beachfront casual dining venue where you can savor salads, sandwiches, and grilled seafood. And when the sun sets, head over to the Nau Lounge, a convivial spot where you can pair creative cocktails with freshly prepared sushi rolls.
Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine
At JW Marriott Costa Rica, food plays a crucial role in the travel experience, giving you the opportunity to taste authentic Costa Rican cuisine. The resort’s restaurants strive to provide guests with a taste of the regional culinary traditions. This includes using locally sourced, fresh ingredients like Ceviche Tico made with local tilapia.
Indulge in traditional Costa Rican dishes, from Gallo Pinto for breakfast, Casado for lunch, to Arroz con Leche for dessert. Each dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Costa Rica, and previous guests have praised the authenticity and flavor of the Costa Rican dishes served at the resort’s restaurants.
Special Dining Experiences
Dining at JW Marriott Costa Rica encompasses more than just the food; it’s about the overall experience. The resort offers several special dining experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Private dining experiences at Mansita Beach include a four-course meal, enhancing the luxurious setting with an exclusive dining experience.
For a unique and intimate dining experience, why not:
- Dine under the stars right on the beachfront? It’s the perfect way to end a day in paradise.
- Enjoy chill-out sessions at Mansita Beach with a range of cocktails, framing your evening with the beautiful daily sunset.
- Indulge in romantic dinners and themed buffet nights.
These options are available at the resort and offer a variety of dining experiences, all included in the daily resort fee.
Adventure & Activities
Life at JW Marriott Costa Rica strikes a balance between relaxation and exhilarating adventures and activities. The resort offers a plethora of activities for guests to engage in, from exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica to family-friendly activities. We will dive into what you can anticipate during your stay.
Guests can embark on the following tours and activities from Tamarindo:
- UTV Buggy 4×4 Secluded Beach Tour: Explore tropical forest trails and pristine beaches like Playa Minas and Playa Conchal.
- Pinilla Canopy Tour: Zipline through the breathtaking forest canopy, just 2.8 miles from the resort.
- Avellanas Surf School: Learn to surf at this nearby school, suitable for all skill levels.
- Iguana Surf: Another nearby surf school that offers lessons for all skill levels.
Exploring Nature
Costa Rica is renowned for its costa rican rich biodiversity, and staying at JW Marriott Costa Rica affords you the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the country. The Arenal Volcano Rainforest Walk and Hot Springs tour offers a rainforest exploration near the active Arenal Volcano, complete with a soak in natural hot springs.
For a unique nature experience, embark on the Sensoria tour, which includes a journey through lush rainforest to discover waterfalls and natural pools. You’ll also have the luxury of a private thermal mineral pool and a chef-prepared lunch.
And if you’re a fan of wildlife, the Rio Celeste Waterfall & Sloth Sanctuary Private Tour is an opportunity to marvel at the iconic waterfalls of Costa Rica and to see sloths in their natural habitat.
Family Fun & Kids Club
Vacations are all about creating unforgettable memories, and JW Marriott Costa Rica offers a host of family-friendly activities. The Pinilla Canopy Tour is an adrenaline-pumping experience that all family members can enjoy. It’s a fun way to explore the breathtaking forest canopy and get an unparalleled view of the surrounding nature.
For those who enjoy water sports, the surf lessons at nearby schools like Avellanas Surf School and Iguana Surf are a fun way to learn a new skill. With lessons catered to all skill levels, it’s an activity that the entire family can participate in and enjoy together.
Planning Your Visit: Getting There & Transportation
As you’re eager to visit JW Marriott Costa Rica, we’ll assist in planning your visit. From transportation options to check-in and check-out times, we’ve got you covered.
Shuttle services, ensuring a secure and timely journey, are available from Liberia Airport to the resort. For those who prefer a private transfer, a deluxe transportation service is available in a BMW SUV, complete with an air-conditioned ride and certified drivers. And for guests driving to the resort, complimentary on-site parking is available, including electric car charging stations for environmentally conscious travelers.
Arrival & Check-In
Once you’ve arrived at the resort, check-in begins from 3:00 PM. The friendly staff at the JW Marriott Costa Rica will be ready to welcome you and ensure a smooth check-in process.
Departure & Check-Out
Your departure from the resort will be as seamless as your arrival. Check-out is until 12:00 PM, giving you ample time to pack, say your goodbyes, and plan your next visit back.
The JW Marriott in Guanacaste ranks up there with the top Marriott properties in Costa Rica. See for yourself at Marriott.com and consider it when booking your next Costa Rican vacation.
Other Marriott’s in Guanacaste:
Summary
From the moment you step into the JW Marriott Costa Rica Resort & Spa, you’ll be transported to a world of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Whether it’s soaking up the sun at the private beach, indulging in world-class spa treatments, teeing off at the championship golf course, savoring authentic Costa Rican cuisine, or exploring the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, there’s something for everyone at this luxury hacienda-style resort. So why wait? Book your stay at JW Marriott Costa Rica and start creating unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is JW Marriott Costa Rica from airport?
The JW Marriott Costa Rica is approximately a 1 hour and 25 minute drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR).
Is JW Marriott better than Marriott?
Yes, JW Marriott is considered better than regular Marriott hotels due to its positioning as a luxury brand with upscale amenities and services.
When was JW Marriott Costa Rica built?
The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa was built in 2008, making it the fourth Marriott International-branded property in Costa Rica.
Does JW Marriott Costa Rica have a private beach?
Yes, JW Marriott Costa Rica offers access to the private Mansita Beach for its guests to enjoy activities and privacy.
What wellness facilities are available at the resort?
The resort offers a world-class Spa Hacienda Pinilla with treatments using local plants and minerals, as well as a sauna, steam room, and yoga sessions to ensure a complete wellness experience.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
