Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, feeling the warm breeze on your skin, staring out into the awe-inspiring vastness of the volcano valley where the horses graze peacefully, and knowing that for the next week, your only job is to slow down, let your senses be nourished, and breathe.

This is your invitation to reconnect.

For many it feels like things are unsettled, unsafe, unclear at this time - and so the default is to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass.  It can feel like "not the right time" to take a break.  But this is exactly the time we do need to TAKE ACTION, to shift our nervous systems into a state where they can handle this uncertainty, to do something that will enable us to support ourselves to keep going.  

This retreat is your opportunity to support yourself.

We are here to support you.

• Do you ever feel like life is moving too fast, leaving you drained and disconnected?
• Does it seem like the world has gone mad, and you’re not sure what to do about it?
• Do you long for a place where you can truly slow down, breathe deeply, and figure things out?
• Are animals a profound source of connection and love for you?
• Do you crave time and space for yourself—but don’t want to feel completely alone?

If you’re seeking peace, positive energy, a sense of belonging, a reset, or simply something different that supports you to feel better, this retreat is your perfect escape.

Nature is at its most awe-inspiring here—with vast hilltop views, surrounding volcanoes, butterfly-filled forests, water bubbling straight from the earth, and endless shades of green and color stretching as far as the eye can see.

The psychological benefits of experiencing awe are well-documented—it has been shown to lower heart rate, increase oxytocin (the feel-good hormone), and reduce inflammation. A recently published article explains:

"Experiencing awe regularly is deeply beneficial for our mental well-being because it helps us to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves."

This retreat is your chance to step away from the noise, immerse yourself in the healing presence of horses and nature, and return home feeling refreshed, rebalanced, and reconnected.

We are here to support you.

This is more than just a vacation—it’s a chance to reset, rediscover joy, and experience the healing presence of horses in a way that goes beyond words. 

Here’s what’s waiting for you…

🌿 Your own private sanctuary – A beautiful private room with breathtaking views
🍽️ Farm-to-table meals – Nourishing, homemade food made with fresh, local ingredients
🐴 Four unforgettable horse experiences – Connect deeply with our intuitive herd
💦 A day at the local hot springs – Let the warm waters melt away stress
🏇 Horseback riding adventure – Ride to a hidden waterfall deep in the jungle
🧘‍♀️ Qi Gong with Friesian horses – Move, breathe, and feel their powerful yet gentle presence
🌱 A tour of our garden and hydroponics system – See sustainability in action
🚶‍♀️ Time for you – Walk the trails, journal, or simply soak in the beauty around you
🚐 All local transportation included – Just arrive, and we’ll take care of the rest

We are here to support you.

Tula Vida isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling.  A space where time slows down, where horses help you tune into yourself, and where nature reminds you what truly matters.

There is a real sense of belonging and care that is deeply felt by guests:

"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."

We are here to support you.

Experience and Nature are the Best Teachers

The good news is that the horses and the natural world have the secrets of “going back to grazing” or “growing through” whatever comes up, living fully present, relaxed, alert and connected. And Costa Rica - with its vibrant, abundant delights for the senses all around - is the ideal place to learn.

Tula Vida Magic

Tula Vida is a 80-acre natural oasis, designed to bring everything back into balance just by being here. Expansive views, solid retreat spaces, vibrant nature, pure air and water, rainforest soundtracks, natural light and the presence of the horse herd all speak at a deep level to your whole system – supporting you to feel truly present, supported and alive. 

Horse and Nature Experiences

We include guided nature and horse experiences, breathing tools, mindful movement, coaching, play and fun, as well as space and support for your own reflection or practice time in beautiful spaces. 

With the Tula Vida horses as guides, you will get to know your own unique nervous system better and explore how to work with it (rather than against it) to create the state, feeling or energy that you want more of. The goal is not to control everything (control is an illusion). The practice is to build a flexible and resilient nervous system that can handle whatever happens - like the horses.

Other things the horses model and teach us:

-  Stress management

-  Being rather than just Doing

-  Becoming truly present and mindful amidst distractions

-  Leading ourselves through times of distress

-  Emotional and social intelligence - building connection in challenging circumstances

-  Cultivating presence and positive, inspiring energy

-  Belonging in the herd, connected and supported

**No prior horse experience is necessary – all levels are welcome.  Tula Vida horse activities will be mainly on the ground.**

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. 

**ask us if you would like to extend your stay or go to the beach before or afterwards**

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-energize 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 neighboring 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 80 acre property - with trails, rivers, waterfalls, valleys, primary rainforest and abundant wildlife - truly accessible nature.  

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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.

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📅 April 21-26, 2025 (Choose your 6-night stay departure within this window)

Is this calling you?

If this retreat speaks to your heart, we’d love to welcome you.

📍 BOOK NOW to reserve your spot.