Dan Brown, world-renowned author of The Da Vinci Code—which has sold more than 80 million copies—has revealed that he now divides his time between the United States and Costa Rica, where he spends half the year. He chose to settle in the prestigious Gulf of Papagayo, a peninsula in Costa Rica’s northwestern Guanacaste province. Known for its idyllic coves, golden-sand beaches, and luxury resorts nestled in nature, this region has become one of the country’s most exclusive residential destinations.
In an interview with El País, given during the launch of his new novel, Brown explained the two main reasons that led him, along with his partner—a Dutch horse trainer—to make this small Central American country their second home: its exceptional climate and the warmth of its people.
“I came for the climate. But I stayed for the people. I’ve traveled all over the world—the south of Spain, the south of France—and too often I encountered people obsessed with comparison, flaunting their wealth with lines like: ‘Look, I’ve got more Maseratis than you.’ That kind of material competition doesn’t interest me. Here in Costa Rica, that mentality doesn’t exist,” he said.
The phrase “I’ve got more Maseratis than you” captures the kind of ostentatious rivalry where social value is measured by luxury possessions. For Brown, it represents a culture defined by competition and accumulation of wealth. By contrast, he emphasizes that in Costa Rica, life is guided by warmth, simplicity, and genuine human connection—values that have deeply won him over and, in his view, make the country unique in the world.
Asked about his daily habits, the author revealed that he swims regularly—but not in the United States, where “the ocean is cold and full of sharks.” Instead, he enjoys the warm waters of Costa Rica: “I swim here, where we live for half the year,” he said with a smile.
“What truly sets this country apart is not only its nature, but above all the openness and hospitality of Costa Ricans. Here, foreigners feel at home,” Brown added.
His new novel, The Secret of Secrets, has just been released simultaneously in 16 languages. With more than 800 pages, it marks Brown’s highly anticipated return after eight years of silence since Origin. He describes it as “the most ambitious and intricately plotted” novel of his career.
This sixth installment in the adventures of Harvard professor and symbology expert Robert Langdon takes readers to Prague, where an explosive essay on the nature of human consciousness threatens to overturn centuries of established beliefs. According to his French publisher JC Lattès, it could transform the way humanity understands itself.
At 61, Brown is embarking on a month-long promotional tour spanning 12 countries.
Little-known at the beginning of his career, he was still a high school teacher when he published The Da Vinci Code in 2003, a book that became one of the biggest literary successes in history. While its intricate plot drew criticism and controversy, it also earned him worldwide fame and millions of loyal readers.
Brown is far from the only celebrity to find a sanctuary in Costa Rica. The country has long attracted high-profile figures charmed by its natural beauty and serene lifestyle. Lady Gaga is said to own a lavish property near the Arenal volcano, while former NFL star Tom Brady has chosen a beachfront retreat to enjoy the Pacific waves. Actress Michelle Rodriguez reportedly purchased a sprawling 20-acre estate complete with a main house, swimming pool, and even a private waterfall.
These examples only reinforce the idea that Costa Rica exerts an irresistible fascination—offering comfort, privacy, and authenticity, all wrapped in an atmosphere of pura vida.
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