Awaken Your Senses: A Transformational Retreat in Costa Rica

Join us for a deeply rejuvenating week of yoga, mindfulness, and self-discovery, where nature and horses will guide you toward new possibilities and profound insights.

Here, life is slower, simpler, and sweeter—a place where ancient wisdom meets modern science, and where you can breathe more deeply, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover your natural rhythm.

No prior experience with horses or yoga is necessary. 

All you need is curiosity, an open mind, and a willing heart.

Yoga, Qi Gong, & Mindfulness in a Breathtaking Setting

Tula Vida is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, lush rainforest, and natural springs, creating an awe-inspiring sanctuary where time slows down and you can fully exhale.

Each day, we’ll move, breathe, and center ourselves through:
🧘‍♀️ Yoga on our rooftop deck with 360-degree views of Tenorio, Miravalles, and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes
🐴 Qi Gong with the herd – The Friesian horses love to join us as we cultivate balance and flow
🌅 Guided meditation as the sun sets over the valley, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the rainforest

Nature & Horse Experiences

Horses invite us to step into a different way of being—one that is deeply present, intuitive, and connected. Using cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology-based principles, we’ll explore the world through their eyes, discovering powerful tools to regulate our nervous systems and find inner peace—tools you can take home and integrate into your daily life.

As you stand among the herd, perhaps a monkey chatters in the distance, a toucan swoops by, or a horse gently nudges you, sensing exactly what you need in that moment. Surrounded by the vibrant, flourishing jungle, you’ll feel yourself settling into balance, safe, supported, and inspired to explore whatever arises.

Here, horses are not just animals—they are your guides and teachers.

Building a Flexible & Resilient Nervous System

Imagine an untethered horse choosing to walk beside you, grazing peacefully in your presence, or looking deeply into your eyes—seeing the real you and inviting you to do the same.

Horses don’t get caught in stress, overthinking, or stories. They allow their (incredibly efficient) nervous systems to respond, reset, and return to calm. They are wired for connection and harmony, and they hold the wisdom we, too, can embody.

What if you could live this way? At Tula Vida, you can.

Daily Highlights

🌄 Wake up in a beautiful room, with the morning sun illuminating the volcanoes
☕ Enjoy coffee or hammock time on your expansive terrace before starting the day
🧘‍♀️ Immerse yourself in guided yoga and mindfulness practices
💦 Soak in natural mineral hot springs, letting the healing waters work their magic
🏄‍♂️ Paddleboard on our spring-fed lake, surrounded by stunning scenery
🌿 Explore miles of trails or simply relax and soak in the beauty of nature
🍽️ Savor delicious, nourishing meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients
🐴 Connect deeply with your horse partner, building trust, confidence, and insight

Through expertly designed activities and coaching, you’ll leave feeling grounded, rejuvenated, and empowered—ready to live life at a higher vibration, as your authentic self.

Your Teachers

Eric Kolesar

Co-founder of Tula Vida, Eric is dedicated to guiding people toward self-empowerment through horses, yoga, coaching, and adventure. His approach integrates understanding, compassion, and neuroscience-backed techniquesto help balance both mind and body.

• 500-hour Certified Yoga Instructor
• Equine-Facilitated Learning Facilitator
• Life Coach
• Paddleboarding & SUP Yoga Instructor
• Expert in multiple modalities of energy and mindfulness work

Sally Nilsson

Co-founder of Tula Vida, Sally is passionate about helping others unlock the life they truly desire. She believes in the transformational power of feeling truly safe, slowing down, and reconnecting with our inner wisdom and strength.

• Certified Life Coach
• Equine-Facilitated Learning Facilitator
• Instructor in Polyvagal Principles
• Experienced Leadership & Personal Development Facilitator
• Former Lawyer

This retreat is more than just a getaway—it’s an invitation to step into a new way of being.

Are you ready to answer the call?

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.