Costa Rica’s A-List Residents

Costa Rica is a magnet for celebrities—actors, musicians, athletes, and business moguls all own lavish vacation homes here. But let’s be honest: these aren’t cozy beach cottages. We’re talking massive mansions with infinity pools, tropical gardens, private courtyards, and guest villas fit for royalty.

From the Papagayo Peninsula to Santa Teresa, the country is dotted with A-list hideaways. And while these stars prefer privacy, today we’re flipping the script. Let’s turn our lifestyle blog into a tropical tabloid and sneak a peek at the ultra-exclusive lives of Costa Rica’s most elusive residents.

WHY NICOYA & SURROUNDS?

Location, Location, Location

Guanacaste’s Nicoya Peninsula and nearby Puntarenas Province are celebrity favorites for second homes in Costa Rica. The reasons are clear. The region is easily accessed via Liberia International Airport, making travel fast and hassle-free. It’s also Costa Rica’s driest zone, offering sunny skies and warm weather year-round.

From luxury estates to beachfront compounds, stars love the privacy, climate, and convenience. For the rich and famous, Nicoya delivers paradise with perks.

…and so Much More

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula and surrounding regions offer more than just celebrity mansions—they deliver the full package. Think pristine beaches, lush nature, world-class surfing, and modern infrastructure that makes luxury living seamless. Visitors dive into SCUBA and snorkeling adventures, reel in big catches on sport fishing trips, and unwind at exclusive resorts and gourmet restaurants. Add in the tropical vibes and the quiet thrill of knowing you’re vacationing where countless stars have built their second homes, and it’s easy to see why this corner of Costa Rica is the ultimate blend of paradise and prestige.

The Blue Zone

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula ranks among the world’s five official Blue Zones. People here often live past 100 years. Locals follow healthy diets, stay active, build strong social ties, and manage stress well. The other Blue Zones include Okinawa, Sardinia, Icaria, and Loma Linda. Nicoya’s natural beauty and lifestyle attract wellness seekers and longevity experts from around the globe.

Rumors Abound…

Let’s take a look at some confirmed, rumored or suspected A-List property owners in Costa Rica.

• Celebrity Names in green mark celebrities confirmed to have purchased a property in Costa Rica.
• Celebrity Names in orange mark celebrities that are highly suspected to have purchased a property in Costa Rica, including repeatetly being seen in the same area. However there is no hard evidence of them doing so – although rumors abound. This can involve celebrities using trusts or corporations to make a more anonymous and tougher-to-trace purchase.
• Celebrity Names in red are rumored to have purchased a property however there is a lack of concrete evidence of them doing so, and regular sightings are more sparse.

LOCAL CELEBRITIES

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson discovered Costa Rica’s wild beauty while scouting for his 2006 film Apocalypto. Although he filmed in Mexico, the country left a lasting impression. He praised Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and pushed for growth in its underdeveloped film industry. Later, he bought a 400-acre jungle estate on the Nicoya Peninsula. The property includes several homes, courtyards, and sweeping ocean views. Locals say he often patrols the grounds with a machete, fully immersed in his tropical hideaway.

Mel Gibson’s Costa Rican estate includes three custom villas built with native wood and accented by Spanish and Italian tiles. Each home features vaulted ceilings, private pools, outdoor barbecues, and balconies that overlook jungle and ocean views. The largest villa, Casa Guanacaste, has seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The two smaller villas each offer two bedrooms, ideal for guests or staff. The property blends rustic charm with tropical luxury and stands out as one of the region’s most distinctive celebrity retreats.

See Mel’s Costa Rican hacienda here. The estate has been put up for sale a few times in recent years, most recently in 2021.

“I have a place in Costa Rica, and I love it. I bought it many years ago, and it is in a good location, not in a very touristy area.” – Mel Gibson

Brittney Spears

2008 was a tough year for Brittney, with several hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, a very public child custody fight and her placement under a conservatorship. To get away and collect herself, Brittney and several of her friends joined her mate & Malibu neighbor Mel Gibson at his Costa Rican hacienda, following his invitation. And she ended up falling in love with the country as well, purchasing a villa next to Mel’s estate (or so it has been widely rumored).

Britney Spears dropped her sixth studio album Circus on December 2, 2008—her 27th birthday. The release marked a major comeback and led to a global tour in 2009 that hit 97 cities over nine months. During her struggles, Mel Gibson reportedly offered support, just as he had done for Robert Downey Jr. during his battle with addiction. Later, both Britney and Robert returned the favor, standing by Mel during his own public challenges. Their stories reveal a rare bond built on redemption, loyalty, and second chances in the spotlight of Hollywood.

Brangelina

Bet you haven’t heard that term in a looo…ong time! Brad Pitt & Angeline Jolie were widely reported to be on a Costa Rican house hunting mission back in 2011. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie showed strong interest in Costa Rica as a family retreat. Brad reportedly looked at private farmland in an undisclosed location. Rumors also linked the couple to a unit at the Los Sueños Marriott near Jacó, a resort tied to Tom Cruise. Some sources claimed they bought a private island, though no details were confirmed. With six children, Brad wanted a peaceful escape. Angelina stepped back from Hollywood to focus on family life. Costa Rica’s natural beauty and relaxed pace made it an ideal fit. After their split in 2016, little surfaced about their property or plans in the region.

Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen

Star quarterback Tom Brady and wife, model & actress Gisele Bündchen, purchased a house on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula near Santa Teresa. The couple frequently vacationed there, even holding their second wedding ceremony in town. It’s been suggested that Gisele has kept the Costa Rican property after the divorce – in fact she was seen in Costa Rica this year, enjoying the tropical beaches with Ivanka Trump and Karlie Kloss.

“Costa Rica is magic. It feels as if time has stopped for me when I am here.” – Gisele Bündchen

Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg reportedly owns a beachfront estate near Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa, a quiet and exclusive part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. He first visited the country during his 2008 honeymoon and has returned often since. Locals sometimes see him jogging along the beach with bodyguards nearby, though he rarely draws attention. His property stretches from the ocean to the main road and hides behind a tall, charred fence, making it nearly impossible to view from outside.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga often visits Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, where she enjoys beaches, jungle ziplining, and private helicopter arrivals. Locals in southern Nicoya sometimes report sightings, though she usually keeps a low profile. Rumors suggest she owns a mansion in an exclusive enclave, but no verified records confirm this. For now, her ties to Costa Rica appear based on frequent visits and tropical getaways, not permanent residence.

“Costa Rica, you are the future.” – Lady Gaga

Steven Segal

Steven Seagal once pitched Costa Rica as “Hollywood South,” hoping to boost its film industry and global profile. He met with President Óscar Arias to share his vision, and the meeting went well. Legislator Fernando Sánchez later arranged a follow-up with President Laura Chinchilla. That meeting never happened. Chinchilla reportedly declined due to misconduct allegations against Seagal that had surfaced in local media.

Around the same time, Seagal scouted property in Guanacaste, drawn by its cinematic appeal and investment potential. He said he felt “deeply hurt” by the rejection but remained open to reconciliation. No confirmed property purchases followed—only rumors and missed chances. His story reflects Costa Rica’s complex ties to celebrity ambition and international attention.

“Costa Rica has everything, both a rainforest and a dry climate. What it lacks is an infrastructure to make movies.” – Steven Segal

Andre Agassi & Steffi Graf

Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf explored Costa Rica as a luxury retreat and investment opportunity. In 2007, they joined AOL founder Steven Case to plan a $800 million sports and vacation club on Cacique Point. The site sits between Playas del Coco and Hermosa. The proposed 263-hectare project included three five-star hotels, private villas, a Tom Doak golf course, and a tennis center branded with their names.

The plan faded quietly, likely due to the 2008 financial crisis. Since then, rumors suggest they own property near Playa del Coco, though no proof has surfaced. Their link to Costa Rica blends tropical charm with athletic legacy.

Michael Jordan

Bobbie Philips & Anthony Filipetto

Bobbie Phillips, an actress and environmentalist, has built strong ties to Costa Rica over the years. She owns a home in Malpais near Santa Teresa, a region known for its natural beauty and spiritual energy. She first arrived to rescue animals and embraced the country’s ecological values. Her husband, Anthony Filipetto, began surfing on Nicoya’s beaches and later designed and built a luxury hotel in the area. He’s also known as a top hairdresser and makeup artist for celebrities. Together, they blend Hollywood style with jungle calm, joining a wave of creative expats shaping Costa Rica’s wellness and cultural scene.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen has long been tied to a luxury property inside a gated vacation complex along Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Many believe the estate sits near Playa Hermosa, where he proposed to Brooke Mueller in 2007 and honeymooned in 2008. His bold “Tiger Blood” persona fits the wild beauty and privacy of the region. No official records confirm the purchase, but rumors suggest he found his tropical escape in the hills or beachfront enclaves of Playa Hermosa.

Jack Dorsey 

Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter, has built a strong bond with Costa Rica over the years. He’s vacationed there at least a dozen times, often visiting the relaxed beaches of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. In 2020, he announced plans to live in Costa Rica for six months to work remotely and embrace the local culture. Locals often see him jogging, surfing, and enjoying the laid-back vibe. Rumors suggest he owns a private home nearby, though no records confirm it. His presence in Santa Teresa continues to draw attention and speculation.

On being asked why Costa Rica, Jack replied: “…the people. That’s the simplest answer. The warmth and the Pura Vida. Everything about it was so inviting”. 

Shane Smith

Shane Smith, co-founder of VICE Media, blends bold journalism with a love for remote luxury. He ranks among Canada’s wealthiest and has confirmed owning a house in Costa Rica. The exact location stays secret. Smith says the estate includes an “entire mountain” and sits in a remote area. The property reflects his off-grid lifestyle and deep need for privacy and nature. Costa Rica’s wild terrain and quiet charm make it a perfect match.

“I have a place in Costa Rica that is in the middle of the jungle. There’s no internet. There’s no TV. Do I work there? Hell no.” – Shane Smith

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is a regular visitor to Costa Rica, often drawn by the country’s world-class sport fishing. He’s been spotted in Herradura, near the Los Sueños Resort and Marina, enjoying fishing trips aboard luxury yachts with his son, Connor. The younger Cruise shares his father’s passion for the ocean and frequently posts his catches on social media.

Rumors have long circulated about Tom owning property in Costa Rica—some point to a luxury residence in the Nicoya Peninsula, others to a gated unit north of Jacó. However, no verified records or public confirmations support these claims.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

These A-Listers have visited or vacationed in Costa Rica, leaving the country with a very positive impression.

Zac Efron:

“I’m not saying I’m gonna move into the middle of the Costa Rican jungle… but I might.” –  after visiting Punta Mona, a Costa Rican eco-village.

Leonardo DiCaprio:

Costa Rica recovered its lost forest. Can the world learn from that?” – Leo has been a frequent visitor to Costa Rica – he often supports local Costa Rican environmental causes.

Danny Devito:

Danny has had a share of Costa Rican adventures – including being taken by a rip tide and flashing an entire beach!

“And Rhea’s running at me with a towel. And I say, ‘Rhea, I’m choking, I don’t need a towel.’ She says, “Yes, you do. You don’t have a bathing suit on.”

The rich and famous (and infamous) – LOVE vacationing in Cota Rica, and many fall so in love with our country that they can’t keep themselves from purchasing a second home here. Movie stars, tech billionaires, famous singers, sport celebrities, and many other A-Listers can be found on our local beaches and in our tropical-vibing cafes. And many everyday tourists seem to fall rightly in love with our beautiful Costa Ballena! We invite you to browse the local properties available in our area, knowing that RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE is your trusted partner in the South Pacific corner of Costa Rica.