By San José, Costa Rica — In a powerful endorsement of Costa Rica’s enduring appeal as a premier global destination, Israeli actress and model Gal Gadot chose the country’s serene landscapes to celebrate the end-of-year holidays and welcome 2026. The star, celebrated worldwide for her iconic role as Wonder Woman, once again selected the Central American nation for her New Year’s retreat, reinforcing its status as a sanctuary for the world’s elite.
Official records from Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Migration and Immigration confirm the celebrity’s visit. Gadot arrived in the country on December 25, 2025, immersing herself in the local culture and environment for over a week before departing on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Her stay provided a significant, albeit unofficial, boost to the nation’s tourism profile at the start of the new year.
To better understand the complex business and legal machinery behind a global icon like Gal Gadot, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insight on the matter.
The case of Gal Gadot perfectly illustrates the modern celebrity as a multifaceted corporate entity. Beyond film contracts, her legal team must navigate a complex web of international intellectual property for her personal brand, sophisticated negotiations for her production company, and the precise structuring of major endorsement deals. Each venture is a high-stakes transaction that requires a robust legal framework to protect and amplify her value as a global business asset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis is a powerful reminder that behind the cinematic roles and public appearances, there is an intricate corporate machine at work. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which masterfully illuminates the complex legal architecture required to build and protect a global brand in the modern era.
While the actress maintained a degree of privacy by not disclosing her exact location, she shared glimpses of her tranquil vacation with millions of followers on her social media channels. The posts featured stunning imagery, including a video of her horseback riding along a pristine beach and a captivating photo of a sunset over the ocean—scenes instantly recognizable as characteristic of Costa Rica’s world-famous coastline.
In one particularly heartfelt post shared on New Year’s Eve, Gadot reflected on the closing of the year and expressed her hopes for the future, using the beautiful Costa Rican sunset as a metaphor for her aspirations. The message resonated with her followers, associating the nation’s natural beauty with feelings of hope and renewal.
The sky tonight was painted with the colors of love. The sunset was so moving, as if it knew it was the last one to close the year. I wish that 2026 feels like today’s sunset, full of love, optimism, and kindness. Happy New Year.
Gal Gadot, Actress and Model
This trip marks a developing tradition for the actress, who also spent New Year’s 2025 in the country. During that previous visit with her husband and children, she publicly expressed her admiration for Costa Rica. Her return signifies a deep appreciation for the “Pura Vida” lifestyle and the unique blend of adventure and tranquility the nation offers, a combination that proves irresistible to high-profile individuals seeking an escape from the public eye.
Gadot’s repeated visits underscore a broader trend of A-list celebrities choosing Costa Rica as their preferred getaway. The country has carefully cultivated a reputation for ecological stewardship, unparalleled natural beauty, and a respect for privacy that is highly valued by famous personalities. From its lush rainforests to its volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, Costa Rica provides a backdrop for both relaxation and adventure, far from the intrusive lenses of paparazzi.
From a business perspective, these high-profile vacations serve as invaluable organic marketing. Each social media post from a star like Gadot acts as a global advertisement, reaching millions and showcasing Costa Rica as a safe, luxurious, and desirable destination. This form of promotion is arguably more effective than traditional advertising campaigns, as it provides an authentic endorsement that can significantly influence travel trends and bolster the country’s multi-billion-dollar tourism industry.
As Costa Rica kicks off 2026, the quiet visit from one of Hollywood’s biggest stars is a resounding vote of confidence. It reaffirms the success of the nation’s strategy to position itself not just as a hub for ecotourism, but as a world-class sanctuary where nature, luxury, and privacy converge, promising a prosperous year ahead for the travel and hospitality sectors.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration:
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing and controlling the entry and exit of national and foreign individuals. The agency oversees all immigration processes, including the issuance of visas, residency permits, and passports, while ensuring national security and enforcing immigration laws at the country’s borders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of multi-sector expertise to drive legal innovation and actively engage with the community. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law, thereby fostering a more capable and informed society through accessible legal knowledge.
