At Elevate Retreats, we believe that growth begins with connection - to yourself, to others, to the world around you. Our tennis and wellness retreats are designed to help you elevate your game, revitalize your body, & ignite your passion for living fully.
Meet your retreat leaders
They balance high-performance tennis, mental clarity, movement efficiency, and recovery to maximize your potential.Whether you're dialing in your consistency, mastering controlled aggression from the baseline, or refining your net game, each session is crafted to build confidence and develop a champion's mindset. You’ll learn how to train smarter, move better, and play with more power, precision, and endurance. Are you ready to elevate your game?
Alex and Steff Taulere are a powerhouse duo dedicated to transforming the way players move, think, and perform - on and off the court. With a proven coaching background and a passion for Costa Rica’s beauty, they design immersive luxury retreats that redefine training.
Welcome to
Playa Prieta, Costa Rica
Elevate Retreats offers luxury tennis and wellness experiences tailored for passionate players who are ready to take their game, and their life, to the next level. Located in the breathtaking paradise of Costa Rica, our retreats are nestled in the tranquil setting of Playa Prieta, Costa Rica. Just a five-minute stroll away from the retreat villa, you’ll find pristine beaches adorned with soft, white sand and gentle waves—the perfect setting to unwind, connect with nature, and embrace the serene beauty of the tropics.
Private tennis court in the jungle
The court is surrounded by towering trees that create natural shade throughout the day. This jungle setting with vibrant flora, provides a unique outdoor experience that invigorates the senses.
Our retreats combine world-class on-court coaching with refined techniques, strategies, and mindset training that will revolutionize the way you approach tennis. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the court, sharpen your skills, and master the mental focus needed to excel in any situation.
Ocean view studio for yoga, fitness, and dance
Experience the harmonious blend of movement and nature in our tree-top studio overlooking the ocean. Our studio offers a serene environment that enhances your practice and rejuvenates your spirit off the court.
Fully equipped with everything to enhance your fitness and mobility, you will find: yoga mats, bolsters, straps, blocks, weights, sliders, free weights, a pilates reformer and an all-in-one “Tonal” machine designed for individual workouts.
Professional music recording studio
If music is your thing, our studio's thoughtful design and on-site music professional, Joel Kipnis, will support your artistic vision. Experience the unique blend of musical excellence and breathtaking views that only Costa Rica can offer. Elevate your sound in a place where creativity meets inspiration. This world-class music recording studio is unique to Elevate Retreats.
Guests enjoy premium accommodations, gourmet wellness cuisine, and curated cultural adventures, creating a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience. Whether you’re preparing for your next tournament or looking to dominate at your local tennis club, Elevate Retreats will send you home with more confidence, a renewed love for the game, and the tools to play at your absolute best.
More info on your retreat hosts and founders
Elevate Retreats was formed by a group dedicated to personal growth, wellness, and enjoying life. We have built a space where people can escape daily stress and reconnect with nature and themselves. The founders' expertise is evident in the well-planned programs and the peaceful locations chosen in Costa Rica.
Steff Taulère
Co-Founder, Retreat Host & Tennis Coach
Steff is passionate about tennis and empowering players to unlock their full potential on the court. Dedicated to the game, she combines her expertise in tennis, yoga, fitness, and holistic wellness to help players elevate every aspect of their performance. Whether it’s refining technique, building mental toughness, or enhancing physical conditioning, Steff’s vigorous on & off-court training pushes players to achieve their absolute best.
As the founder of Pura Vida Tennis Academy and co-founder of Elevate Retreats in Costa Rica, alongside her husband Alex Taulère, Steff has created a hub for players seeking world-class training and wellness experiences. At Pura Vida Tennis, she coaches tennis clinics and private lessons, and organizes tournaments, fostering a dynamic and inclusive tennis community in Guanacaste. A former national standout, Steff earned a ranking of 2nd in Canada and trained with Team Canada for the Canada Games. As a certified Level 2 Tennis Coach from Nova Scotia, she brings a wealth of experience and a highly personalized approach to every coaching session.
Steff’s coaching philosophy extends far beyond technical mastery—she focuses on developing complete athletes by integrating strength training, mobility work, and mental resilience into her programs. Her expertise in yoga, particularly Yin Yoga, complements her intense on-court sessions by emphasizing recovery, flexibility, and mindfulness. Through her guidance, players release tension, build balance, and cultivate the mental clarity needed to thrive in competitive environments.
Based in the serene paradise of Costa Rica, Steff embraces the powerful synergy between nutrition, movement, and nature as the foundation for peak performance. She delights in sharing her knowledge and passion, ensuring that every player and guest leaves a retreat not only as a stronger tennis player but a more energized, confident, and focused individual.
Alex Taulère
Co-Founder, Retreat Host, Mobility & Tennis Coach
Alex brings his passion for tennis and movement to every court, combining skill, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the game. As co-owner of Pura Vida Tennis Academy and co-founder of Elevate Retreats, Alex is dedicated to helping players of all levels unlock their potential on and off the court.
Originally from Sarasota, Florida, Alex went to high school in Costa Rica, where he developed a deep connection to the local culture and area. Fluent in Spanish, he’s your go-to guide for exploring Costa Rica’s stunning beaches, prime snorkeling spots, and vibrant culture.
Alex’s expertise extends beyond tennis. As an advocate for joint mobility and functional movement, he understands how crucial proper warmups and movement are for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. Alex will lead dynamic warmup sessions designed to prepare your body for an active day of tennis, ensuring you feel agile, strong, & ready to play your best.
With his wife, Stephanie Taulère, Alex shares a commitment to wellness and an active lifestyle. Together, they’ve created a retreat experience that blends world-class tennis instruction with holistic movement practices, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Costa Rica. Alex looks forward to helping you elevate your game while embracing the pura vida lifestyle.
Tracy Straus
Co-Founder, Dance & Yoga Guru & Retreat Host
Tracy is a true lover of dance, community, nature, nutritious food, yoga, art, movement, dance, tennis and fitness. Her passion for live music and soulful connection to movement has led her on a journey of artistic exploration and innovation. As a trained dancer and teacher, Tracy has shared her expertise through creating programs and leading teaching artist training workshops worldwide.
Tracy founded Celebrate the Beat (CTB), a non-profit organization that brings music and dance to thousands of children in Colorado and Costa Rica. Celebrate the Beat is the Colorado associate of National Dance Institute where she is an Artistic Associate.
Tracy is a certified pilates and yoga instructor and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of her students, regardless of their level of experience or fitness background. She believes that everyone deserves to feel strong and empowered in their own body, and she works hard to help her students achieve that feeling through her classes.
When she's not teaching, Tracy can often be found exploring new trails and hiking paths, or trying out new healthy recipes in the kitchen. She truly lives and breathes the wellness lifestyle, and her enthusiasm is contagious for all those around her.
Joel Kipnis
Co-Founder, Professional Guitarist & Music Producer
Joel Kipnis is a talented music producer, accomplished song writer, and soulful R&B guitarist. He has teamed up with music legends like Herbie Hancock, John Forte, Soul II Soul, The Temptations, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and many more, creating a legacy of awesome music that has been globally heard. He's excited to bring that same inspiration to you.
When he is not in the studio or playing the guitar, he enjoys playing tennis, mountain biking, e-foiling and spending quality time with his family.
Joel is here to enhance your musical experience by providing access to a professional recording studio. The studio at Elevate Retreats is fully equipped with everything you need to record a professional music track. Joel teaches the process of recording, mixing, and production, offering valuable tips and insights to all music lovers. Prepare to elevate your appreciation for music with Joel as your mentor.