Mel Gibson’s Bespoke Costa Rican Property

Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica.

Supremely situated amid 500 acres of privately owned jungle in a remote area of Costa Rica’s lush Nicoya Peninsula, the villas on Playa Barrigona are tropical retreats unlike any other. Owned by celebrated actor Mel Gibson, each of the three homes is nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A secluded white-sand beach is just a short walk away, and the sights and sounds of the jungle envelop the grounds.

Custom-fitted with native Costa Rican woods and Spanish and Italian tiles, each villa claims a generous layout, including a living room with vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen, and multiple verandahs looking out over stunning jungle and ocean vistas. A private pool, full air conditioning, and barbecue areas complete the amenities at each residence. The largest of the villas, Casa Guanacaste, encompasses seven bedrooms and eight baths. Each of the two smaller villas feature two bedrooms and are enhanced with additional living spaces (a poolside cottage in Casa Barrigona and a loft in Casa Dorada).
Sun-drenched and pristine, the Nicoya Peninsula lies along Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. The region is known for its dazzling white-sand beaches and untouched tropical splendor. Rarely marked on maps, Playa Barrigona is such a haven of solitude and serenity that olive ridley sea turtles travel thousands of miles across the Pacific each year to lay their eggs on this beach. The nearby villages of Samara and Nosara offer quaint restaurants and shops, but peace and quiet are the hallmarks of this stunning estate. Playa Barrigona is easily reached by plane or car. International visitors can arrive into either San José or Liberia airports. From the airport, a drive or a short commuter flight will provide direct access to Carrillo or Nosara.