Wellness and Self-Connection

Arenal, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tilarán, Costa Rica

TV
Tula Vida
  • Email address verified
7 reviews
Duration: 5 days
Group size: 2 - 12
Wellness and Self-Connection
Arenal, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tilarán, Costa Rica

Tula Vida
  • Email address verified
7 reviews

Duration: 5 days
Group size: 2 - 12

About this trip


It is time to CONNECT back in with yourself, which is the root of connection with EVERYTHING ELSE - other people, animals, nature, peace, power, positive energy and even the universe. This is the beginning of finding BALANCE, a sense of wellness, the feelings you are looking for.


You have all the wisdom you need inside you – even when it doesn’t always feel like that.  You just need the right setting and the right tools…and we know just the place…


Join us at Tula Vida on a fun, impactful, rejuvenating retreat in gorgeous Costa Rica, where we will be sharing and exploring the secrets of a fully connected life, living in harmony with nature and ourselves.  This retreat includes transformational experiences with horses, plenty of time in glorious nature, great food, yoga, mindfulness and relaxation, plenty of fresh air and natural water, balanced with activities and adventures to nudge us out of our comfort zones - where the magic happens!


Many people are feeling isolated or disconnected, or feeling out of balance, needing to numb the uncomfortable stuff (with phones, food etc) and wondering – especially after Covid – how can I find real connection? Or how can I find what I am missing?


And a huge part of that answer is connection.  Actually SELF Connection.  Learning to listen at a deep level to what’s really on going for you, exploring what stresses you out and what lights you up, who are you really with other people, and who do you want to be?


THE GIFT OF HORSES – as sensitive herd and prey animals - is an amazing capacity to sense, read and respond to what we are feeling on the inside.  They know when we are connected, when we are not, when we are authentic and when we are not (even when we don’t know ourselves) and they act accordingly. Their survival depends on it. They don’t have the capacity to be inauthentic and, being wired to do whatever they can to create positive connections, they actively WANT US TO BE PART OF THE HERD.


A horse can – with their reaction to us and interaction with us – gently guide us to be in our best place, authentic, connected with ourselves and valued herd members.  Add in the base level support of beautiful, vibrant nature and the volcano energy and you will feel the benefit of a full nervous system reset, a top up of good feelings and the secrets to feeling connected in life.  Nature knows, horses know, we can practice.


When we are tuned in and aware, we find the answers.  And once we know how to CREATE CONNECTION with ourselves, everything falls into place.


This is week where you can experience, explore, unwind and be fully yourself.  Expand past your comfort zone and actually enjoy the ride – and do it with a group of people who came for the same reason.


Are you READY?  

The horses are waiting for you!


See you soon,

Sally, Eric and the Tula Vida herd


The Place - Tula Vida Ranch

Away from the sights and sounds of busy human life, we have created an oasis for both humans and horses. Every time we step onto the land we feel the power of the natural world to soothe, nourish and restore us. 


Tula Vida Ranch

Tula Vida Ranch is surrounded by 3 volcanos, an expansive sunset view and pristine rainforest, with rivers, springs and ponds - the horses roam freely in this stunning environment where you will find you can breathe more deeply and re-discover your flow.


Accommodation

Our rooms are beautiful and comfortable with a terrace and individual bathrooms.  


The Villas are double rooms with private bathrooms and a stunning terrace. The Horse Manor has private rooms with a shared kitchen/living area and a stunning terrace where the horses may come and join you for your morning coffee. 


Our communal lodge is where we share meals, practice yoga and is a safe, comfortable space to rest. 


Nourishment

Meals are home-cooked with love, using fresh local ingredients.  Our water comes from our abundant natural springs and we have air fresh from the trees to breathe - everything is designed to be in harmony with the surroundings and support your mind, body and spirit to rest, re-energise and renew.


Environment and Herd

We are 100% off-the-grid with our own solar power and fresh spring water living in harmony with nature while remaining a safe, comfortable human retreat. We even have good internet!


We have planted 1000s of trees and plants already, including a food forest and a nursery for endangered trees, to encourage the forest to regenerate and give wildlife corridors to pass through the neighbouring national parks.  It is a true sanctuary for all visitors, which includes shy tapirs, rare bell-birds and plenty of toucans, sloths and monkeys.


We spend a lot of time out on the stunning 72 acre property - with trails, rivers, waterfalls, valleys, primary rainforest and abundant wildlife - truly accessible nature.  


Tula Vida Foundation is a 501c charity registered in the US with a mission to rescue horses in Costa Rica and sponsor people to come for transformational horse experiences and retreats.


A visit to us supports not just yourself but also the natural environment, the rescue horses, the local community who work with us and people without the means to have these kind of experiences.

What’s included

  • Transportation
    Roundtrip group transportation between Liberia International Airport (LIR) and Tula Vida at set times on Retreat Arrival/Departure Dates
  • Accomodation
    4 nights at Tula Vida Ranch with full access to miles of trails, surrounding horses, spring-fed pond and more
  • Meals
    3 meals per day, starting with arrival dinner on Day 1 and ending with departure breakfast on final day
  • Yoga
    Daily mindful movement with Eric Kolesar
  • Daily horse experiences
    Transformational equine experiential learning with the Tula Vida herd, facilitated by Eric & Sally - create a connection with a horse, become part of the herd, and see where connection can take you...
  • Sunset moments
    Gather for spectacular sunsets to savour the moment and practice gratitude together
  • Massage
    Enjoy a 1 hour intuitive, therapeutic massage

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    You arrange your own travel to/from Liberia airport (LIR) in Costa Rica on retreat arrival/departure dates.
  • Alcoholic beverages
    We recommend not drinking alcohol during the retreat so as to be full present and connected.
  • Trip insurance
    We require that travel insurance is purchased in case of any need to cancel, travel disruption or medical emergencies.
  • Tips
    This is optional but often people want to leave tips for staff and drivers,.

Available Packages

Double Room for 2 people
Deposit: $1,000
Available until 2 days before departure

A large room with 2 double beds and a private bath in our Villas, with stunning terrace

$1,999
Deposit: $1,000
King room with master bath
Deposit: $1,000
Available until 2 days before departure

A King bed with a bath and shower room in our Villas. ONLY ONE available.

$2,279
Deposit: $1,000
Private room with private bath
Deposit: $1,000
Available until 5 days before departure

Your own room with double bed and private bath in the Lodge, next to the dining area, library and rooftop yoga deck. Only 2 available.

$2,149
Deposit: $1,000
Single room with private bath
Deposit: $1,000
Available until 5 days before departure

Tucked in next to our dining area and rooftop yoga deck in the Lodge, this room has a single bed and private bath. 

$2,050
Deposit: $1,000

Available Add-Ons

Extra nights at Tula Vida
$250

Stay extra nights before or after your retreat for relaxation, reflection & integration. Includes room and breakfast.



Your Organizer


TV
Tula Vida
7 reviews
With stunning, vibrant and accessible nature all around, Tula Vida offers transformational horse experiences and other retreats in Costa Rica aimed at supporting your whole system to settle back into balance, allowing the stress to melt away so you can (re)find your positive energy, self-connection and sense of harmony.

Reviews

DH
It’s Almost Impossible to Write a Review for a Place Like Tula Vida… Why? Because it’s hard to capture the magic of a place you feel you’ve never been to— and yet, somehow, like your soul remembers it. Tula Vida isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling. A breath. A surrender. Nestled in the hills of Tierras Morenas, this serene sanctuary is the very definition of unplugged peace—ironically, with all the Wi-Fi you could need if you do wish to stay connected. But the truth is, you won’t want to. Because what’s calling you here is the real connection. The landscape stretches in every direction—fields, pastures, trails—offering a full immersion into the rhythms of nature. Horses roam freely, and there’s nothing quite like waking up to the gentle sound of hooves just outside your door. Morning, noon, and night, these beautiful creatures become your neighbors, your meditation, your joy. The rooms are cozy, airy, and absolutely perfect. The showers? A dream. Everything is designed for comfort, rest, and deep exhale. And then—there’s the food. Authentic Costa Rican cuisine, made with love and served with such warmth it almost feels like a spiritual experience. Each meal becomes a gathering, an offering. Sally, Eric, and the entire staff welcome you not as guests—but as family. Their hospitality is beyond generous; it’s sincere. You feel seen. Held. Nourished. Tula Vida is not just a retreat from the world. It’s a return to yourself. If you’re longing to rest, to breathe, to remember what life feels like— This is the place. I look forward to coming back ! Deborah Hanlon
By Deborah H for Deborah Hanlon on Mar 24, 2025
Tula Vida is a beautiful ranch in Costa Rica where I experienced a life changing experience with Danielle MacKinnon and Tula Vida’s Sally, Eric and Nora, and of course, the horses and dogs at the ranch. This was my second time being at Tula Vida and practicing animal communication and connecting with the horses. Afterward, when I reflected on my week there, I was honestly surprised by how many soul lessons I had received in such a short time. I am truly grateful for the life management skills and energy management techniques I practiced during my time at Tula Vida, and I am amazed by how much I have been able to integrate these into my everyday life after arriving home. When I got home, I reread my journal and was stunned by how much I had grown during that short time. I am unable to articulate the profound, life-changing activities that my group participated in-these should be experienced in person. Thanks to my time at Tula Vida, I am a different person than I was when I arrived at Costa Rica!
By Kendra W for Horse and Soul with Danielle Mackinnon on Mar 15, 2025
My experience was an adventure of the soul. To ride on horseback along isolated, spectacular beaches, as far North as the Nicaraguan border was something very special. Costa Rica has such captivating beauty. Sally, Eric, Enrique and his family handled all the details with mastery. We were well fed on home made and delicious local cuisine, and everyone was so kind. This is a trip I will remember fondly.
By Thomas C for Swimming with Horses - Beach Ride on Jan 18, 2025
Thanks Tommy! It was such a fun experience for us also, thanks for coming!
By Tula Vida on Jan 18, 2025
TV
I am so pleased to have the opportunity to submit a review for the Wonderful Tula Vida, which I have visited several times. While it is hard to describe without being there, Sally, Eric, Nora, and all of their helpers, human, equine, and canine, provide the type of healing experience we all hope to find. The land and space are vastly beautiful and centering. Sally and Eric are amazingly tuned in and great healers, and the horses are wise beyond measure and help bring us to the place of calm and truth within ourselves that we seek. And, on top of this spiritually grounding experience, the accommodations and food are fantastic! Super sustainable, so well thought-out, and comfortable. I would highly recommend attending a retreat at Tula Vida!
By Nancy P for Tula Vida - Ranch Stay - Nancy on Jan 15, 2025
I had an amazingly profound experience with Sally, Eric, and the herd at Tula Vida Ranch. In fact, the impact of my stay at the ranch is still unfolding, and it’s taking me a couple of months even to begin to describe it. I had never been around horses, or even met a horse until I went to the ranch. A couple of years prior, I saw a YouTube video about horses, and it occurred to me that I would like to become a “horse friend” and that soulful calling is what guided me to Tula Vida. After a COVID-19 infection at the beginning of 2022 was followed by about 3 years of long-COVID symptoms, during which my stepfather, father, and mother all passed away within a year, my nervous system was deeply affected. I saw Sally in a video on the Instagram account of another creator that I follow who was visiting the ranch, and Sally was discussing the ways that horses regulate one another’s nervous systems and can also teach us how to regulate our own. Upon hearing that, I knew it was exactly what I needed. I reached out to Sally a few months prior to my trip to Costa Rica to ask about a private retreat, and with her thorough planning (and patiently answering my million questions), we mapped out my stay at Tula Vida, which included several “off-campus” excursions to go horseback riding in La Fortuna, tour the Hanging Bridges, visit the Las Pumas animal sanctuary, a Caño Negro riverboat tour, a visit to Lago Cote, and of course numerous coaching sessions with Sally, private experiences with the horses, Qi Gong led by Eric with the horses, delicious traditional Costa Rican meals, brilliant conversations, and so much more. While at the ranch, on hundreds of acres surrounded by volcanoes, I also had many spiritual experiences and my spiritual gifts opened up throughout my stay and even after leaving. I am incredibly grateful to have had this experience at Tula Vida, and I definitely plan to return to the ranch at some point. If you’re wondering if Tula Vida is for you, then it’s probably for you. I absolutely recommend a retreat at Tula Vida Ranch.
By Shawn L for Personal Retreat Shawn Luther on Jan 10, 2025
Thanks for these powerful words Shawn, it's great to hear how the deep experiences and tools are still with you and still giving to you - it was a pleasure to share part of your journey and we look forward to seeing you back here soon. I will let Minne know when you're coming so he can wait by your door!
By Tula Vida on Jan 10, 2025
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