In the past couple of years, some of America’s biggest stars have been flocking to Costa Rica for various reasons, ranging from coffee to filming. Reese Witherspoon took a hiking-filled girls trip in the Costa Rican mountains; Adam Scott discovered the country’s amazing coffee; Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly embarked on an ayahuasca journey; Zac Efron filmed a special episode in an Alajuela Province sustainable commune; Emma Roberts experienced the “most beautiful reset,” posting about it on social media; and Molly Sims, Netflix’s Scott Stuber and their kids enjoyed a thrilling zip-lining adventure over the Tempisque River. Other famous celebrities who visited Costa Rica include Diane Kruger and Norman Reedus, Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, Matt Damon, and Shakira.
It’s clear that Costa Rica has become a popular destination for Hollywood’s elite, but it’s more than just a hotspot for celebrities. As the hospitality group Casa Chameleon Hotels’ spokesperson Alicia Repetto points out, Costa Rica offers a wealth of wonderful sceneries that change within a short drive, a vibrant culture, delicious gastronomy, and friendly people.
North American paradise, Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity, with over 500,000 species of wildlife. Actor Harry Shum Jr., who is originally from Costa Rica, emphasizes the country’s strong connection to nature. The very motto of the country, ‘Pura Vida,’ reflects its commitment to a pure and fulfilling life. A quarter of Costa Rica’s land mass is protected, showcasing its dedication to nature and ecology.
Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforest adventures, volcanic hot springs, stunning beaches, yoga, and incredible wildlife such as humpback whales, sloths, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and superpods of spinner dolphins. Approximately 6% of the world’s biodiversity is found in Costa Rica, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The Nicoya Peninsula, part of Costa Rica, is one of the five Blue Zones of the world where people are known to live long, healthy lives. On average, the residents here live until they are 85 years old.
Costa Rica consists of two peninsulas in the northwest of the country, which have become popular luxury tourist destinations in the country. Peninsula Papagayo is a 1,400-acre low-density, high-security sanctuary featuring multiple resorts and real estate developments, along with a private club, marina, and naturalist-guided activity outfitter. Several Hollywood celebrities have been guests and owners at Peninsula Papagayo. A luxurious new Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nekajui, is expected to open in 2024.
Further developments are found in the Peninsula Papagayo area. The Four Seasons Resort recently introduced the Eastern Mediterranean-inspired Virador Beach Club, and the Andaz Costa Rica Resort, which features new locally sourced restaurant Ostra and a fresh collection of condo residences. Perching atop a hill, the secluded Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, offers private villas with personal infinity pools that boast breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Las Catalinas will also open its first commercial center, La Rambla, late next year, featuring residences, dining, offices, and retail.
Beyond the Peninsula Papagayo area, luxury tourism developments continue to expand. A new eco-luxury community and ocean club, Costa Elena, is situated along the coastline, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Area de Conservación Guanacaste. The region also features the all-inclusive Dreams Las Mareas Resort and the car-free coastal town Las Catalinas, which will open its first commercial center, La Rambla, late next year.
As Costa Rica continues to emerge as a prominent luxury tourist destination, the region undergoes development to cater to the growing number of high-end tourists looking for exclusive and upscale experiences. From luxurious private villas to all-inclusive resorts and pristine beaches, Costa Rica is embracing high-end tourism while maintaining its commitment to nature and biodiversity. These developments will cement Costa Rica as a premier luxury destination, complementing the country’s rich cultural heritage and history. As a result, Costa Rica is poised to attract even more A-list celebrities and global travelers looking for luxury, adventure, and sustainable tourism.
