NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — Mullen Hospitality Management has been selected as the franchise operator of the JW Marriott Costa Elena All-Inclusive in Costa Rica, marking the luxury brand’s first move into the all-inclusive segment and a milestone expansion for the Pennsylvania-based hospitality firm.
The appointment places Mullen Hospitality Management at the center of a $60.0 million transformation of an existing resort in Costa Elena, a high-end coastal region in northwestern Costa Rica known for biodiversity, national parks, and protected shorelines. The investment, led by Mullen Real Estate Capital and managed by Mullen Hospitality Management, is designed to reposition the property as a luxury all-inclusive destination aligned with the area’s sustainability and development goals.
Scheduled to open in fall 2026, the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort All-Inclusive will feature 415 accommodations, including 45 Griffin Club rooms and suites offering private check-in, butler service, and exclusive pool and beach access. Plans also call for 11 restaurants and bars, a 44,000-square-foot pool complex, a 10,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, and 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space aimed at corporate retreats, destination weddings, and group travel.
The resort is expected to blend JW Marriott’s focus on design, service, and well-being with curated experiences tied to Costa Rica’s natural landscape, including outdoor exploration and locally inspired programming. Developers say the goal is to elevate the all-inclusive model beyond volume-driven tourism toward a more immersive, premium experience.
Jeff Mullen, chief executive officer of Mullen Hospitality Management, said the project represents an opportunity to redefine luxury all-inclusive hospitality while maintaining a strong connection to Costa Rica’s culture and environment. He said the company plans to work closely with local communities and regional partners to support sustainability, environmental protection, and economic opportunity.
Mullen Hospitality Management will oversee operations with a leadership team that includes Matthias Hohner, vice president of commercial sales; Jessica Gonzalez, vice president of marketing and public relations; Brian Berger, vice president of finance; Sandra Blum, general manager of the Costa Elena property; and Kimberly Cover, director of sales and marketing for the resort.
For JW Marriott, the Costa Elena project signals a strategic expansion into the fast-growing all-inclusive segment, while for Mullen Hospitality Management it represents a high-profile step onto the global luxury stage. Both companies are betting that affluent travelers are increasingly seeking resort experiences that combine convenience, authenticity, and a deeper sense of place.
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