Elevate Retreats was founded with a clear purpose: to unite people from all over the world through nature, sports, music, art, and wellness. Relax and embrace Pura Vida lifestyle.
We are located in
Playa Prieta,
Costa Rica
Just a five minute walk from beautiful beaches, where you can enjoy soft sand and calm waves.
Private tennis & pickleball court in the jungle
Surrounded by towering trees and vibrant flora, the court provides an immersive outdoor experience that invigorates the senses.
Whether you’re perfecting your serve in the early morning light or enjoying a friendly game during sunset, find your escape from the ordinary. It’s an opportunity to connect with both nature and fellow players, making each match, lesson, and experience on the court memorable.
Ocean view studio for yoga, dance, and fitness.
Experience the harmonious blend of movement and nature in our treetop studio overlooking the ocean. Our studio offers a serene environment that enhances your practice and rejuvenates your spirit.
Fully equipped with everything to enhance your fitness and mobility experience, 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 recording studio
Equipped with high-end recording technology, soundproof rooms, and a skilled team of engineers, our studio ensures that every project, whether music, podcasts, or voiceovers, achieves the highest quality. The serene surroundings provide a tranquil atmosphere, allowing artists to focus entirely on their craft while being energized by the natural beauty.
Whether you're here for a short session or an extended retreat, our studio's thoughtful design and dedicated staff will support your artistic vision. Experience the unique blend of professional excellence and breathtaking views that only Costa Rica can offer. Elevate your sound in a place where creativity meets inspiration.
Welcome to Casa Vista Prieta
Elevate Retreats
Elevate Retreats in Costa Rica offers an unparalleled escape in a beautifully appointed private villa, perfectly situated near some of the most stunning beaches in the country. Designed to enhance your overall experience, our retreat house features top-tier amenities and breathtaking panoramic views. Enjoy the luxury of two expansive pools, a gourmet kitchen that is expertly staffed with a dedicated private chef, and spacious lounge decks ideal for relaxation and socializing. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings while benefiting from invigorating cold plunges and the captivating beauty of nature all around you. Experience the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and serenity at Elevate Retreats.
Meet your retreat hosts and creators
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.
Stephanie Taulère
Co-Founder, Retreat Host & Tennis Coach
Steph is passionate about tennis, yoga, mountain biking, surfing, nutrition, her French Bulldog Zuma, and inspiring others to connect with their true potential.
Stephanie is the founder of Pura Vida Tennis Academy in Costa Rica, with her husband Alex Taulère, where she coaches tennis, leads retreats and organizes tournaments. She has achieved impressive feats in her career, earning a national ranking of 2nd in Canada and playing with Team Canada for the Canada Games. She is a certified Level 2 Tennis Coach from Nova Scotia, and pours her energy into training and promoting tennis in Costa Rica.
As a fitness enthusiast, she believes in the power of Yoga for a balance between training and recovery. Steph specializes in Yin Yoga, and will take you on a practice to lengthen and release tension. With a focus on mindful movement and stress reduction, she hopes to inspire others to lead happier and healthier lives.
Based in Costa Rica, Steph has studied the powerful harmony that nutrition, nature, and mobility play on our health and wellbeing. She loves to share her knowledge and looks forward to hosting you on the next retreat.
Alex Taulère
Co-Founder, Retreat Host, Tennis & E-foil Coach
Alex is a true ambassador of fun! When he's not showcasing his skills on the tennis court, you can catch him riding the waves or gliding above them on electric crafts, conquering mountain biking trails in Las Catalinas, or simply enjoying quality time with his loved ones.
Originally from Sarasota, Florida, Alex went to high school in Costa Rica and has a deep understanding of the local culture and area. Fluent in Spanish, he's a resource for discovering the best beaches, places to surf, prime snorkelling spots and ocean knowledge. His mission is to help you connect with the local culture and experience all the amazing things that Costa Rica has to offer.
As the proud owner of Pura Vida Tennis Academy and Free Glide Costa Rica, Alex is the go-to person for tennis enthusiasts and those eager to master the art of gliding above the ocean.
Alex and his wife Stephanie Taulère, share a dedication to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. As an advocate for mobility exercises, Alex understands the importance of movement and how it benefits the body in so many ways and he looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you!
Tracy Straus
Founder, Dance & Yoga Guru & Retreat Host
Tracy is a true lover of 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
Founder, Professional Guitarist & Music Producer
Joel Kipnis is a talented music producer, accomplished 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 tennis, mountain biking, electric foiling and spending 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.