Tropical Family Bliss at the JW Marriott Costa Rica

Our three-night stay at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa was everything we needed for a fun, easy, and relaxing family getaway. Traveling with two young kids, we were so impressed by how welcoming and kid-friendly the resort felt from the start.

We were upgraded to a one-bedroom ocean-view suite, and it was absolutely beautiful—spacious enough for our family, with a huge bathroom, comfortable living area, and incredible views of both the pool and the Pacific Ocean. Each evening, we watched the sunset from our balcony, and it was truly spectacular.

Daytime view from our room

Sunset from our room

The Kids’ Club quickly became a highlight of our trip. The staff were kind and engaging, organizing crafts and games that kept our kids entertained while we had a little downtime to relax. It felt safe, clean, and thoughtfully run—an absolute lifesaver for parents looking for a bit of balance during vacation.

Breakfast each morning was another highlight. The buffet spread was huge, with everything from tropical fruit and local pastries to made-to-order omelets and perfectly brewed Costa Rican coffee. It was such an easy, enjoyable way to start each day together.

In the afternoons, we spent most of our time at the massive tropical pool. It’s clean, well maintained, and surrounded by lush greenery with plenty of space for families. We loved ordering lunch from Azul, the poolside and beach restaurant, where the fresh ceviche was our favorite dish of the trip.

Poolside drinks

Huge tropical pool that was very clean

For dinner, we loved Sabanero Steak House. It was absolutely delicious—one of the best meals of our stay. It’s popular, so make a reservation early, and if you’re on the all-inclusive plan, double-check that it includes Sabanero, as they’ve made changes to inclusions this year.

Evenings were all about sunsets on the beach, where the sky glowed in layers of pink, orange, and gold. It was one of those rare trips where everything just worked—great food, friendly service, and enough fun for everyone in the family. The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa made it easy to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the pura vida lifestyle together.

The kids loved the beach at sunset.

• Sunsets are spectacular—head to the beach around 5:30 pm to catch the best light.

• The resort is secluded; arrange transfers or rent a car if you plan to explore.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.