Published on Wednesday, October 28, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

American singer Usher celebrated his 48th birthday with a family getaway in Costa Rica, embracing the country’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle just days after his birthday on Oct. 14.

According to public records from the General Directorate of Immigration, Usher Raymond IV, known professionally as Usher, arrived in Guanacaste Province on Tuesday, Oct. 20, accompanied by his wife and other family members.

The pop star shared highlights of his vacation with his more than 73 million followers across social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X. He captioned his posts, “A different kind of rhythm out here,” as he documented his experiences on the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste.

During his stay, Usher enjoyed a range of activities, including relaxing on scenic beaches, hiking through the jungle in tropical rain, playing golf overlooking the ocean and spending time with his family at a luxury resort.

 

The R&B star and his family departed Costa Rica on Saturday, Oct. 24.


Usher rose to international fame with his 2004 hit “Yeah!” and has become one of the leading figures in R&B and pop music. He has released nine studio albums since launching his professional music career as a teenager in the early 1990s.


Throughout his career, Usher has won eight Grammy Awards, along with 18 Billboard Music Awards, 12 Soul Train Music Awards and eight American Music Awards.


His career honors also include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame and the Apollo Theater’s Icon Award. He ranks among the 10 most-awarded recording artists in history.

Costa Rica continues to attract high-profile visitors from around the world, including celebrities and prominent U.S. political figures.

Recently, American actor and television host Mario Lopez, best known for playing A.C. Slater on the 1990s television series “Saved by the Bell,” traveled to Costa Rica on a work trip to film an advertising campaign.

Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, returned to Costa Rica in August 2026 for another family vacation. Her August visit was at least her sixth documented visit to the country since 2022, according to recent reports based on immigration records.

Ivanka Trump is the second member of the Trump family to vacation in Costa Rica this year. In July, Kai Trump, President Trump's eldest granddaughter, celebrated the end of high school with a trip to Costa Rica before beginning classes this fall at the University of Miami in Florida, U.S.A.

Earlier in July, Australian actor and producer Chris Hemsworth, best known for portraying Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, vacationed in Costa Rica with his family.

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica’s most important economic sectors. More than 1.6 million travelers arrived in the country by air during the first half of 2026, underscoring the industry’s continued role as a major contributor to the national economy.

In 2025, Costa Rica welcomed more than 2.6 million air travelers.

Costa Rica generated more than $3 billion in tourism income during the first half of 2026, according to the Center for Tourism Studies.

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