Welcome to Koi retreats - adventurous trips in a breathtaking, spiritual and self-empowering oasis in the heart of Costa Rica and in the beautiful mountains of Spain, and in charming Copenhagen - where the key words are quality living and celebrating life through adventurous travels, mindfulness, connections to like minded women and queers and it's about exploring life, healing and self-empowerment.The adventurous spiritual retreats are for women & also for queers who want to explore and live in the moment, connect to nature and self, experience healing and well planned adventurous trips, and meet like minded women - in a beautiful and safe environment with Annette Sahara Horning and Vanessa Puleo.

Our women's and queer travels welcome every beautiful expression of queerness - because this journey isn't about labels, pronouns, or fitting into boxes. It's about connection, celebration, and coming together as the vibrant, diverse community we are.Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, queer, non-binary, trans, or anywhere along the spectrum of gender and sexuality - you belong here. This is your space. Your adventure. Your chosen family.

Adventures, spirituality, self-empowerment & healing.Why now? Why together?

Because these times call for unity. For the lesbian and gay communities to stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, heart to heart. To build bridges instead of divisions. To remember that our strength has always come from our solidarity, our shared resilience, and our refusal to hide who we are.What awaits you:
- A full week of exhilarating adventures that awaken your spirit
Exceptional food that nourishes body and soul
- Deep, authentic connections with people who understand your journey
A completely safe, affirming space where you can finally relax and just be
- Quality time with like-minded souls who celebrate you exactly as you areThis is more than a trip - it's a homecoming. Welcome.

Are you ready to answer the call of your soul? To step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey of self-empowerment, healing, and pure indulgence?Whether you're traveling solo to reconnect with yourself or bringing a kindred spirit to share the magic, Koi Retreats offers you the ultimate gift: quality living through travelling wrapped in natural beauty and spiritual awakening.

  • Adventurous and spiritual retreats in beautiful glamping cabins - Costa Rica

  • Adventurous and spiritual luxury retreats in hotels & castles - Denmark

  • Adventurous spiritual & self-powering retreats in nature - Spain

In the Koi Retreats travels, you will reconnect with your inner wanderer, discover new perspectives, and find your inspiration and empowerment while immersing yourself in the raw and powerful energy of nature in one of our three extraordinary destinations.This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace and self-discovery. It’s your quality time to reignite your passions, inner strength and revisit the practices through body, mind and soul that empower YOU.Our retreats provide a unique opportunity to connect with women from all over the world who share your passion for exploration, quality, adventure, luxury travel, fun meet ups, transformative experiences and adventures.Forge lifelong friendships, expand your support network, and cultivate a sense of sisterhood that extends far beyond the retreat itself.

"Traveling is living"
a quote by Hans Christian Andersen (the famous Danish fairy tales writer)

You Are Welcome Here

Our women's and lgbt travels are designed with open hearts and open arms - this is a space where you belong, exactly as you are.
We don't gather around pronouns or rigid definitions of gender. We gather around something far more beautiful: our shared queer experience, our courage to live authentically, and our desire to connect with souls who understand the journey.This is about building bridges, not walls and about connecting. About bringing together the lesbian and gay communities in celebration of our beautiful, diverse LGBT family. Because when we stand together - when we truly see and embrace each other - we become stronger in our hearts, braver in our minds, and more free.Come experience a quality week filled with adventure, exquisite food, meaningful connections with like-minded spirits, and most importantly, the gift of being in a completely safe space where you can exhale, be yourself, and simply enjoy life surrounded by your chosen family.You are seen. You are celebrated. You are home. Let's celebrate life together.
With love
Vanessa & Annette

Adventurous trips

The retreats in Costa Rica, Spain and in Denmark offer you what every woman deserves but so rarely receives: permission to prioritize yourself completely. Here, you're held by nature's beauty, supported by guided spiritual practices, nourished by exquisite food, challenged by adventures, and embraced by sisterhood.This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace, laugher and indulgence.

Your Transformation Awaits

This isn't just a retreat, a trip or another travel experience. It's a homecoming to yourself. It's choosing YOU. It's saying yes to adventure, healing, luxury, nature, and the most important relationship you'll ever have — the one with yourself.Are you ready to answer the call? We have adventurous trips to Costa Rica, Spain and Denmark where adventures meet body, soul and mind.

Welcome home to Koi Retreats where the personal touch shines through all the women's trips.

In the Koi Retreats travels, you will reconnect with your inner wanderer, discover new perspectives, and find your inspiration and empowerment while immersing yourself in the raw and powerful energy of nature in one of our three extraordinary destinations.This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace and self-discovery. It’s your quality time to reignite your passions, inner strength and revisit the practices through body, mind and soul that empower YOU.Our retreats provide a unique opportunity to connect with women from all over the world who share your passion for exploration, quality, adventure, luxury travel, fun meet ups, transformative experiences and adventures.Forge lifelong friendships, expand your support network, and cultivate a sense of sisterhood that extends far beyond the retreat itself.

Adventurous Costa Rica trips

The retreats in Costa Rica, Spain and in Denmark offer you what every woman deserves but so rarely receives: permission to prioritize yourself completely. Here, you're held by nature's beauty, supported by guided spiritual practices, nourished by exquisite food, challenged by adventures, and embraced by sisterhood. This is where transformation happens—not through force, but through grace.

They call Costa Rica "Pura Vida" - pure life - and you'll feel it in every moment. This is a land where active volcanoes remind you of your own inner fire, where waterfalls teach you about surrender and flow, where the jungle shows you what it means to be a wild and free woman, and where luxury glamping reminds you that you deserve to be treated like the queen you are. Together with like minded women.This isn't only about travel and relaxation - this is about coming alive. Your days can be filled with exhilarating adventures that reconnect you with the wild, powerful woman you are:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica - what can I expect to experience at the retreat?

This isn't only about travel and relaxation — this is about coming alive. Your days can be filled with exhilarating adventures that reconnect you with the wild, powerful woman you are:• Suspended Sky Walks Through the Canopy - Glide across dramatic hanging bridges suspended high above the rainforest floor with birds and butterflies as your companions, feeling the thrill of being held between earth and sky.• Mystical Waterfall Journeys - Trek through pristine jungle trails to discover hidden cascading waterfalls, where you can bathe in crystal-clear natural pools - a baptism of sorts, washing away what no longer serves you and emerging refreshed and renewed. Being so close to nature awakens you and fills you with gratitude.• Time to Relax, Reflect and Recharge - meet your needs in a warm-hearted 'feel like being met at a private house' welcoming company (Vanessa & Annette behind Koi Retreats)• Volcanic Hot Springs & Healing - Surrender to the therapeutic embrace of natural hot springs fed by volcanic activity beneath the earth. Let the mineral-rich waters soothe your body, calm your mind, and open your heart as you soak under the stars or amid lush tropical gardens.• Deep Jungle Immersion - Venture into the verdant embrace of Costa Rica's legendary rainforests with guided explorations. Encounter howler monkeys, colourful toucans, sloths moving in their meditative slowness, and countless species of vibrant flora. Feel the pulse of Mother Earth beneath your feet.• Beach Bliss & Coastal Magic - Experience the raw beauty of Costa Rica's stunning coastlines - pristine beaches where the jungle meets the sea, perfect for sunrise yoga, sunset meditations, or simply letting the rhythm of the waves restore your inner peace as you sail on a boat and dolphins show up to say 'hi'.• Zip-lining Through Paradise - For the truly adventurous soul, soar through the canopy on exhilarating zip-line courses, feeling the rush of freedom as you fly through the trees with nothing but air beneath you and pure joy in your heart.• The Sacred Bean: Coffee Plantation Journey - Awaken your senses with an immersive journey through one of Costa Rica's authentic coffee plantations, where the art of coffee cultivation has been perfected over generations and learn the intricate process from bean to cup where patience and passion create some of the world's finest coffee.
On the same trip you will step into the magical world of cacao on an artisanal chocolate tour that engages all your senses with "food of the gods"—and you'll understand why. You'll craft your own personalized chocolate bars, adding local ingredients like wild honey, sea salt, spices, or even a hint of chili - pure, handmade Costa Rican chocolate.
Horseback Riding Through Paradise• After indulging your senses with coffee and chocolate, it's time to connect with Costa Rica's breathtaking natural beauty on horseback, - only if you wish to. Set off through landscapes that will take your breath away offering panoramic views of misty valleys below. The beauty of horseback riding in Costa Rica is the intimate connection it creates - with your horse, with the landscape, with the present moment. Nothing less.

Costa Rica

After your adventures, return to the refined comfort of Koi, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated for your wellbeing:• Beautifully appointed accommodations that blend seamlessly with nature while offering modern luxury glamping in teak wood cabins• Nourishing, locally sourced cuisine that delights your palate and supports your body's healing• Massage treatments and healing therapies that honor ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness• Sacred spaces for meditation, yoga, and spiritual practice• Intimate gathering areas where meaningful connections with other like-minded women naturally unfold• Healing sessions swimming with the kois• Stone circle ceremonies, women's circles and sharing circles, healing circles and private clairvoyant consultations (walk and talk)

COSTA RICA - A Paradise Where Luxury Glamping Meets Wild Nature

Nestled in the lush heart of Costa Rica, Koi Retreat is more than just a destination — it's a sacred oasis where the jungle whispers ancient wisdom and luxury glamping in beautiful cabins embraces you at every turn.Here, you're surrounded by breathtaking beauty: emerald rainforests, exotic wildlife, and the symphony of nature that awakens your senses and soothes your soul.

Sacred Sisterhood & Healing Circles

What makes this queer / lesbian unique?We are located (Costa Rica, Spain and Denmark) in queer friendly places, and a safe environment in non-intimidating atmosphere.Opportunities to connect to your self and your new friends of like-minded women with the feeling of not being alone:

• Women's Circles - Experience the ancient power of gathering in sacred circle with your sisters. In this safe, nurturing space, you'll share your truth, witness others' journeys, and feel the profound support that comes from being seen and held by women who understand. These circles create bonds that often last far beyond the retreat, reminding you that you're never truly alone on your journey.• Healing Circles - Participate in guided healing ceremonies where collective energy amplifies individual transformation. Whether through meditation, sound healing, breathwork, or energy work, these sacred gatherings tap into the potent medicine of feminine collective consciousness. When women heal together, the ripple effects touch every area of their lives.• Private Clairvoyant Sessions - Receive personalized spiritual guidance through one-on-one clairvoyant sessions. Connect with your higher self, receive messages from your spirit guides, gain clarity on your life path, and explore questions that live deep in your heart. These intimate sessions offer profound insights tailored specifically to your unique journey and soul's calling.

Traveling with Your Tribe

There's something profoundly powerful about exploring new places surrounded by like-minded women who see you, celebrate you, and understand the journey you're on. This adventure is for the woman who craves both luxury and authenticity, who seeks spiritual depth alongside playful joy, who wants to honor her queerness while connecting with timeless feminine wisdom.Come celebrate Pre-Pride in a land where fairy tales were born, where design is art, where nature and city coexist in harmony, and where your authentic self is not just accepted - it's celebrated.
Welcome to Scandinavia and the adventure of a lifetime.

The true magic of this nature retreat in Costa Rica isn't just in the breathtaking landscapes and the beautiful cabins - it's in the profound healing that happens when like-minded women gather with open hearts.

The retreats in Costa Rica, Spain and in Denmark offer you what every woman deserves but so rarely receives: permission to prioritize yourself completely. Here, you're held by nature's beauty, supported by guided spiritual practices, nourished by exquisite food, challenged by adventures, and embraced by sisterhood. This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace.

Adventurous Scandinavia trips

The retreats in Denmark, Costa Rica and in Spain offer you what every woman deserves but so rarely receives: permission to prioritize yourself completely. Here, you're held by nature's beauty, supported by guided spiritual practices, nourished by exquisite food, challenged by adventures, and embraced by sisterhood.This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace.

Nestled in the centre of Copenhagen you find the mansion and more than a 100 year old dance school. Here we will - on our Women's adventurous lesbian pre pride trip in August - indulge ourselves, after the daily morning yoga classes with Annette, in bottumless brunch and danish pastries and healthy smoothies made with love by the chef of the mansion Hørning Huset.The Scandinavian trip in August is more than just a destination - it's a sacred oasis in a fairytale country and kingdom, where magic goes hand in hand with luxury and fine dining every day.This trip is a symphony of adventures both city and country side that awakens your senses and soothes your soul as we are celebrating life and pre-pride in Copenhagen.Ancient wisdom in the spiritual yoga & meditation classes as in the fun dance classes, go hand in hand with the fine dining, the women's gathering, cocktail meet ups, and you will find that magic embraces you at every turn: castles, a colorful city, a beautiful nature and beautiful canals.Even at the haunted castle where we shall stay for one night after the fantastic days already spent with likeminded women in a Scandinavian luxury cabin in nature - you will be indulged with fine dining and entertainment.

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Denmark

Denmark - what can I expect to experience at the retreat?

• Copenhagen's Vibrant Queer Scene - Explore the heart of Copenhagen's thriving LGBTQ+ community in the colorful streets around the city centre. Visit iconic queer cafes, bars, and gathering spaces that have been safe havens for decades. This is your community, celebrated and embraced and pride is just around the corner.• Canal Cruise & Harbor Swimming - Glide through Copenhagen's picturesque canals on a private boat tour, then dive into the clean harbor waters at one of the city's famous harbor baths. There's something deliciously liberating about swimming in the heart of a capital city and feel safe.• Tivoli Gardens at Twilight - Step into the enchanting world of one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. As evening falls, thousands of lights transform Tivoli into a magical wonderland. Ride vintage carousels, savor gourmet treats, and feel like a child again under the Danish summer sky.• Luxury Cabin Retreat in Nature - Escape to your private Scandinavian sanctuary for a few days with the travel group of like minded women - a luxurious cabin nestled in pristine nature, surrounded by forests, lakes, and endless sky. Here, mornings begin with yoga on the deck overlooking nature, days are spent hiking scenic trails or simply being present and attending the self-empowering women’s circles and fire ceremonies and evenings gather under the Nordic summer sky that never quite goes dark.

• Time to Relax, Reflect and Recharge - meet your needs in a warm-hearted 'feel like being met at a private house' welcoming company (Vanessa & Annette behind Koi Retreats)• The Enchanted Night at the Haunted Castle - After days of connection and adventure with your soul sisters in the beautiful cabin, prepare for an unforgettable evening and night at an authentic haunted castle. Share ghost stories by candlelight, explore shadowy corridors, and feel the presence of centuries past.• The private mansion and Copenhagen's oldest dance school - After the cabin and haunted castle we shall enjoy the vibes of Copenhagen and a hotel in the heart of Copenhagen as we shall visit the old mansion Hørning Huset where we will be met by gourmet chef & bottomless Champagne brunch - after our yoga- and dance sessions.• Scandinavian Sauna Ritual - Experience the authentic Nordic sauna tradition—alternating between hot sauna sessions and refreshing dips in cold water (or the sea!). This ancient practice detoxifies your body, clarifies your mind, and connects you to centuries of Scandinavian wellness wisdom.• Midsummer Magic & Self-empowerment Rituals - Participate in traditional women’s self-empowerment celebration circles with your spiritual mentor Annette. August in Scandinavia means long, luminous evenings perfect for outdoor ceremonies and soul-stirring connections.

Denmark

A Symphony of Experiences

This journey weaves together the best of urban sophistication and wild nature, ancient spiritual practices and contemporary queer celebration, solitary reflection and joyful sisterhood. Nothing less. From the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen to the serene silence of nature, from the elegance of fine dining to the earthiness of foraging, from the gentle flow of morning yoga to the exhilarating freedom of dancing until dawn - every experience is designed to awaken your senses and nourish your soul.

Sacred Sisterhood & Healing Circles

What makes this queer / lesbian unique?We are located (Costa Rica, Spain and Denmark) in queer friendly places, and a safe environment in non-intimidating atmosphere.Opportunities to connect to your self and your new friends of like-minded women with the feeling of not being alone:

• Women's Circles - Experience the ancient power of gathering in sacred circle with your sisters. In this safe, nurturing space, you'll share your truth, witness others' journeys, and feel the profound support that comes from being seen and held by women who understand. These circles create bonds that often last far beyond the retreat, reminding you that you're never truly alone on your journey.• Healing Circles - Participate in guided healing ceremonies where collective energy amplifies individual transformation. Whether through meditation, sound healing, breathwork, or energy work, these sacred gatherings tap into the potent medicine of feminine collective consciousness. When women heal together, the ripple effects touch every area of their lives.• Private Clairvoyant Sessions - Receive personalized spiritual guidance through one-on-one clairvoyant sessions. Connect with your higher self, receive messages from your spirit guides, gain clarity on your life path, and explore questions that live deep in your heart. These intimate sessions offer profound insights tailored specifically to your unique journey and soul's calling.

Traveling with Your Tribe

There's something profoundly powerful about exploring new places surrounded by like-minded women who see you, celebrate you, and understand the journey you're on. This adventure is for the woman who craves both luxury and authenticity, who seeks spiritual depth alongside playful joy, who wants to honor her queerness while connecting with timeless feminine wisdom.Come celebrate Pre-Pride in a land where fairy tales were born, where design is art, where nature and city coexist in harmony, and where your authentic self is not just accepted - it's celebrated.
Welcome to Scandinavia and the adventure of a lifetime.

The retreats in Costa Rica, Spain and in Denmark offer you what every woman deserves but so rarely receives: permission to prioritize yourself completely. Here, you're held by nature's beauty, supported by guided spiritual practices, nourished by exquisite food, challenged by adventures, and embraced by sisterhood. This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace.

The true magic of this luxurious trip to magical Copenhagen with the mansion, the castle, the luxury house and the hotel full of hygge - isn't just in the breathtaking landscapes and magical Scandinavian location - it's in the profound healing that happens when like-minded women gather with open hearts.

Adventurous spain trips

The true magic of this luxurious retreat in Spain - nestled in an exquisite mountain villa that feels just like coming home - isn't only in the breathtaking landscapes and majestic mountains that surround you.In this beautiful villa, with its sun-drenched terraces overlooking ancient valleys and cozy spaces that invite intimate conversation, you'll discover that home isn't just a place - it's a feeling. And that feeling is created by the circle of women from all over the world who gather here.

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Spain

Spain - what can I expect to experience at the retreat?

• Deep Mountain & Valley Immersion at a beautiful venue with Annette Sahara Horning & Vanessa Puleo - Venture into the majestic embrace of the Andalusian mountains with guided explorations through dramatic landscapes.
Walk in mindfulness and peace as you spot wild ibex gracefully navigating rocky cliffs, encounter colorful wildflowers carpeting hidden meadows, and listen to the calls of griffon vultures circling overhead. Feel the ancient pulse of this timeless land beneath your feet in the Spanish magical vibration.• Dramatic Gorge Walks & Ancient Bridges on a day trip into the mystical Caminito del Rey where nature is carved by centuries of flowing water, with eagles soaring beside you and the Andalusian mountains stretching endlessly before you. You will meet mountain trail discoveries as we are trekking through pristine mountain paths, discovering hidden viewpoints and ancient pathways that wind through wild Mediterranean landscapes. Breathe in the scent of wild herbs — leaving your worries below and emerging at the summit refreshed, empowered, and renewed.• Time to Relax, Reflect and Recharge at Villa Horning - meet your needs in a warm-hearted 'feel like being met at a private house' welcoming company (Vanessa & Annette behind Koi Retreats)• Natural Spring & River Healing - Surrender to the therapeutic embrace of natural river pools and mountain springs tucked away in secret valleys. Let the cool, crystal-clear waters flowing from ancient limestone mountains soothe your body and calm your mind. These sacred waters have been healing souls for centuries—now it's your turn.• White Village Wanderings - Experience the soul-stirring beauty of Andalusia's famous pueblos blancos — stunning whitewashed villages perched on mountainsides like jewels. Lose yourself in narrow cobblestone streets filled with flowers, discover artisan workshops, savor authentic tapas in sun-drenched plazas, and feel the warmth of Spanish hospitality embrace your heart.• Sunset Views from Ancient Heights and witness some of Europe's most breathtaking sunsets from Ronda's clifftop viewpoints. Watch as golden light bathes the mountains in magic, painting the sky in shades of amber, rose, and violet. These are the moments that remind you why you're alive - standing on the edge of beauty so profound it brings tears to your eyes.• Vineyard & Olive Grove Experiences - For the truly adventurous soul who also craves authentic connection to the land, explore local vineyards nestled in mountain valleys and ancient olive groves that have nourished people for generations. Taste wines born from this dramatic terrain, touch olive trees older than memory, and feel your own roots deepening into something eternal.

Spain - A Symphony of Experiences

After your adventures and day trips, return to the refined comfort of the gorgeous Villa in Malaga Mountains, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated for your wellbeing:• Beautifully appointed accommodations that blend seamlessly with nature while offering modern luxury, swimming pool and gracious outside areas - in a mountain villa that feels like home• Nourishing, gourmet chef making favourite dishes locally-sourced cuisine that delights your palate and supports your body's healing - connecting soul and mind• Intimate gathering areas and sunny sides - with the most fantastic mountain view - where meaningful connections with other like-minded women naturally unfold in facilitated women's circles, sharing circles, healing circles facilitated in a safe space and beautiful surroundings• Massage treatments as options and healing therapies that honor ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness and de-stressing as you can choose a private clairvoyant spiritual consultations with Annette Sahara Horning• Sacred spaces for meditation, reading books and relaxation by the pool

Yes - there is more:

Sacred Sisterhood & Healing Circles

What makes this queer / lesbian unique?We are located (Costa Rica, Spain and Denmark) in queer friendly places, and a safe environment in non-intimidating atmosphere.Opportunities to connect to your self and your new friends of like-minded women with the feeling of not being alone:

• Women's Circles - Experience the ancient power of gathering in sacred circle with your sisters. In this safe, nurturing space, you'll share your truth, witness others' journeys, and feel the profound support that comes from being seen and held by women who understand. These circles create bonds that often last far beyond the retreat, reminding you that you're never truly alone on your journey.• Healing Circles - Participate in guided healing ceremonies where collective energy amplifies individual transformation. Whether through meditation, sound healing, breathwork, or energy work, these sacred gatherings tap into the potent medicine of feminine collective consciousness. When women heal together, the ripple effects touch every area of their lives.• Private Clairvoyant Sessions - Receive personalized spiritual guidance through one-on-one clairvoyant sessions. Connect with your higher self, receive messages from your spirit guides, gain clarity on your life path, and explore questions that live deep in your heart. These intimate sessions offer profound insights tailored specifically to your unique journey and soul's calling.

The true magic of this luxurious retreat in Spain isn't just in the breathtaking landscapes and a beautiful villa - it's in the profound healing that happens when like-minded women gather with open hearts.

Spain

Mindful Luxury & Nourishment in Andalusia in Spain.
Every element of your experience is designed to honor your whole being - body, mind, and spirit

• Private Gourmet Chef - Delight in exquisite, lovingly prepared meals created by your personal gourmet chef using the finest local, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a celebration - fresh Andalusian produce, aromatic herbs from mountain gardens, locally pressed olive oil, and flavors that tell the story of this ancient land. Dining becomes a mindful practice, nourishing not just your body but your soul.• Mindfulness Practices - throughout your days, you'll be gently guided into presence through various mindfulness practices. From morning meditations overlooking the mountains to mindful walking in nature, from conscious eating experiences to evening gratitude rituals - every moment becomes an opportunity to return home to yourself. Learn practices you can carry into your daily life long after you leave.• The Healing Power of Sisterhood - There's something profoundly transformative about being surrounded by women who are also choosing themselves, who are also on paths of healing and growth. In this container of mutual support and understanding, masks fall away. Authentic connections form. You remember that your struggles don't make you weak - they make you beautifully human. And in that remembering, deep healing becomes possible.

This Is Your Time – your quality time in SPAIN.

This isn't only about travel and relaxation - this is about coming alive with other women in a beautiful luxurious villa.
Your days can be filled with exhilarating adventures that reconnect you with the wild, powerful woman you are.

The retreats in Costa Rica, Spain and in Denmark offer you what every woman deserves but so rarely receives: permission to prioritize yourself completely. Here, you're held by nature's beauty, supported by guided spiritual practices, nourished by exquisite food, challenged by adventures, and embraced by sisterhood. This is where transformation happens - not through force, but through grace.

About us

Join Annette and Vanessa for life-changing transformational journeys that will blend the power of beautiful self-empowerment, mindfulness, nature, spirituality, healing and relaxation to bring balance and harmony to your life.

Our women's and queer travels are designed with open hearts and open arms - this is a space where you belong, exactly as you are.We don't gather around pronouns or rigid definitions of gender. We gather around something far more beautiful: our shared queer experience, our courage to live authentically, and our desire to connect with souls who understand the journey.This is about building bridges, not walls. About bringing together the lesbian and gay communities in celebration of our beautiful, diverse LGBTQ+ family. Because when we stand together - when we truly see and embrace each other - we become stronger, braver, and more free.

Come experience a quality week filled with adventure, exquisite food, meaningful connections with like-minded spirits, and most importantly, the gift of being in a completely safe space where you can exhale, be yourself, and simply enjoy life surrounded by your chosen family.

You are seen. You are celebrated. You are home. Let's celebrate life together.
With love
Vanessa & Annette

About Annette Sahara Horning (ASH):

Annette Sahara Horning (ASH) from Copenhagen in Denmark is a spiritual mentor / - medium, and the creator of the spiritual podcast ‘The Lonely Queers’. Her aim in life is to inspire other women to find inner peace and self-empowerment. She has her own dance studio in Denmark and is also a spiritual yoga teacher, psychotherapist and a sex therapist. She has many years of spiritual practices and knowledge in the field psychic abilities, self-awareness, self-empowerment, intuition, healing, meditation, and mindfulness.ASH will be your travel companion and mentor as she invites you to her unique women's circles, guided meditations, morning yoga, breath work, walk and talk sessions as private clairvoyant sessions, healing ceremonies and fun Latin dance classes etc.ASH's presence on these trips offers you a rare gift: the opportunity to combine adventure travel with deep spiritual work, all while being supported by an experienced guide who honors your autonomy and celebrates your unique path. Whether you choose to participate in every offering or simply enjoy the daily yoga and meditation, ASH holds space for your perfect journey to unfold.

Annette says: Each woman on our adventurous trips carries within her a unique understanding of what spirituality means. Some of us have walked traditional spiritual paths, others have forged our own way through mystical experiences, and still others are just beginning to awaken to the magic that lives within: Our intuition and true power as women. For me it’s all about living life and finding home to our true inner power and values.

ASH accompanies select Adventurous Trips for Women, LGBT & queers throughout the year. Check individual trip details to see when she'll be joining as your spiritual guide.

About Vanessa Puleo:

Vanessa Puleo from Tronadora, Costa Rica is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in transformational travel details that allow participants to truly engage in their own travel moments. Her connections to travel partners, local communities, authentic vibe contacts, allow her to truly design your trip, within a trip.With pre-trip conversations, personal zoom calls and one-on-one contact before a booked adventurous trip, she removes the unknown from the trip details empowering women to travel with confidence is her mark, while personally knowing how international travel and moves can positively impact one’s life.
Her aim in life is to empower women to feel confident where they travel. She has designed cabins by Lake Arenal and owns a hotel and travel company that employs local staff, and job creates across Costa Rica.Vanessa is a real-estate investor who creates safe and welcoming homes for women to travel and find their vibe. She has decades of experience in training, business coaching, designing and implementing systems for successful travel and community engagement projects.
Vanessa will be your dedicated hostess, and your personal travel concierge in each location connecting with her local guides as we travel. She will ensure your personal travel needs are met.

Vanessa says: To enhance the experience of transformation through travel as a single women or traveling with a kindred soul, all the elements of planning, preparation, customized details are essential, and the job is to remove the distractions during travel means and have all details thought of with care and concern before arrives to the destination. For me it’s essential do design a safe space, place, and intimate details for each of us to feel calm, balanced while we travel, and be able to embrace the journey!

More Than just two Guides

Whether you're seeking healing from life's challenges, clarity for your next chapter, deeper connection with your intuition, or simply permission to prioritize yourself - Koi Retreats holds space for all of it.You deserve this.You deserve to be held by nature's beauty, challenged by adventure, pampered with beautiful accommodations, and supported in your transformation.

Annette Sahara Horning (ASH) from Copenhagen in Denmark is a spiritual mentor / - medium, and the creator of the spiritual podcast ‘The Lonely Queers’. Her aim in life is to inspire other women to find inner peace and self-empowerment. She has her own dance studio in Denmark and is also a spiritual yoga teacher, psychotherapist and a sex therapist. She has many years of spiritual practices and knowledge in the field psychic abilities, self-awareness, self-empowerment, intuition, healing, meditation, and mindfulness.ASH will be your travel companion and mentor as she invites you to her unique women's circles, guided meditations, morning yoga, breath work, walk and talk sessions as private clairvoyant sessions, healing ceremonies and fun Latin dance classes etc.ASH's presence on these trips offers you a rare gift: the opportunity to combine adventure travel with deep spiritual work, all while being supported by an experienced guide who honors your autonomy and celebrates your unique path. Whether you choose to participate in every offering or simply enjoy the daily yoga and meditation, ASH holds space for your perfect journey to unfold.

Beyond her spiritual gifts, ASH brings warmth, humor, and genuine presence to every interaction. As the owner of a dance school in Copenhagen, she understands the healing power of movement and embodiment. Her multifaceted background as a yoga teacher, dancer, spiritual medium, mother of 6, and podcast host means she can meet you wherever you are - whether you need gentle encouragement, profound spiritual insight, a hug, or simply someone to laugh with over morning coffee.

ASH's Professional Background:

- Psychotherapist - Trained in depth psychology and trauma-informed care, ASH helps women navigate life transitions, heal old wounds, and develop profound self-awareness and emotional resilience.
- Sex Therapist - Specializing in helping women reclaim their sexuality, heal sexual trauma, and cultivate healthy, empowered relationships with pleasure, intimacy, and their bodies.
- Dance Instructor - As the owner of a dance school in Copenhagen, ASH understands the healing power of embodied movement and uses dance as a therapeutic tool for self-expression and liberation.
- Yoga Teacher - Guiding spiritual yoga practices that honor the body as sacred and integrate breath, movement, and mindfulness for holistic wellbeing.
- Spiritual Medium & Channeler - With years of experience in mediumship and healing arts, ASH connects individuals with higher guidance, spirit wisdom, and their own intuitive knowing.This multifaceted background allows ASH to support women on every level - physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and spiritual - creating a truly holistic healing experience.

Annette says: Each woman on our adventurous trips carries within her a unique understanding of what spirituality means. Some of us have walked traditional spiritual paths, others have forged our own way through mystical experiences, and still others are just beginning to awaken to the magic that lives within: Our intuition and true power as women. For me it’s all about living life and finding home to our true inner power and values.

About Vanessa Puleo:

Based in the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, Vanessa has been crafting unforgettable travel experiences for nearly 16 years.As a distinguished Superhost on Airbnb with consistent 5-star reviews, she has built her reputation on attention to detail, genuine care for her guests, and an intuitive understanding of what makes a journey truly transformative.As one of the heart and soul behind Cabanas Koi and Koi Retreats Vanessa brings a unique blend of professional expertise and genuine warmth to everything she does with Adventurous Travels to Costa Rica, Denmark, and Spain. Her background in business and public speaking means she's organized, articulate, and knows how to bring a vision to life - but it's her intuitive understanding of women's needs that truly sets her apart.Vanessa understands that the magic is in the details: the perfect accommodation that feels like home, the restaurant that serves that unforgettable meals and local products, the timing that allows for both adventure and rest, the safe space where connections naturally unfold. She's thought of everything so you can simply arrive and immerse yourself in the experience.
Vanessa's journey as a creator of transformative experiences began at just 18 years old when she left college and launched her first marketing company.Her mission from day one? Helping women expand their businesses and step into their full potential.

Vanessa's background:
Vanessa's journey as a creator of transformative experiences began at just 18 years old when she left college and launched her first marketing company. Her mission from day one? Helping women expand their businesses and step into their full potential.That early vision evolved into a lifelong calling. Over the decades, Vanessa has founded and led six successful businesses - each focused on coaching, training, and empowering women entrepreneurs to grow beyond what they thought possible.She has orchestrated large-scale events with over 1,500 attendees, managing the intricate details and multiple layers that make complex gatherings feel seamless and personal.Vanessa owned and designed experiences for a thriving catering company, creating magic at weddings and private events where she learned that the most meaningful celebrations happen when every detail is infused with care and professionalism.She knows when to plan every detail and when to leave space for spontaneity. As a professional tour and travel organizer Vanessa understands the importance of feeling safe while also being challenged to step outside your comfort zone. She recognizes that the best adventures happen when women feel truly seen, supported, and celebratedWith Vanessa, you're in capable, caring hands from the moment you book until long after you return home with memories that will last a lifetime. Vanessa doesn't just organize trips - she creates journeys that change lives.

Vanessa says: To enhance the experience of transformation through travel as a single women or traveling with a kindred soul, all the elements of planning, preparation, customized details are essential, and the job is to remove the distractions during travel means and have all details thought of with care and concern before arrives to the destination. For me it’s essential do design a safe space, place, and intimate details for each of us to feel calm, balanced while we travel, and be able to embrace the journey!

Luxury Events With Healing Qualities That Nurtures Your Whole Being

Vanessa Puleo from Tronadora, Costa Rica is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in transformational travel details that allow participants to truly engage in their own travel moments. Her connections to travel partners, local communities, authentic vibe contacts, allow her to truly design your trip, within a trip.With pre-trip conversations, personal zoom calls and one-on-one contact before a booked adventurous trip, she removes the unknown from the trip details empowering women to travel with confidence is her mark, while personally knowing how international travel and moves can positively impact one’s life.
Her aim in life is to empower women to feel confident where they travel. She has designed cabins by Lake Arenal and owns a hotel and travel company that employs local staff, and job creates across Costa Rica.Vanessa is a real-estate investor who creates safe and welcoming homes for women to travel and find their vibe. She has decades of experience in training, business coaching, designing and implementing systems for successful travel and community engagement projects.
Vanessa will be your dedicated hostess, and your personal travel concierge in each location connecting with her local guides as we travel. She will ensure your personal travel needs are met.

spirituality

Travel Solo & Discover Your Independence | Bring a Friend & Deepen Your Bond

There's profound power in traveling alone - in making decisions purely for yourself, in sitting with your own thoughts amid stunning scenery, in discovering who you are when no one else's needs come first. Or perhaps you'll bring a soul sister or a lgbt friend creating memories and sharing transformative experiences that will strengthen your connection for years to come.Either way, you'll find yourself among a circle of remarkable women - each on her own journey, each bringing her unique light, creating a collective energy of support, inspiration, and sisterhood.You will see and experience that adventurous trips goes hand in hand with body, soul & mind at Koi Retreats.

Your Transformation Awaits

The real transformation happens in those sacred moments when like-minded women gather with open hearts, ready to be seen, heard, and held in a container of unconditional love and acceptance.There's something alchemical that occurs when women create intentional space together - when we allow our armor to soften, our stories to be witnessed, and our authentic selves to emerge without apology.The profound healing that unfolds during our time together comes not from any single workshop or practice, but from the cumulative effect of being truly present with yourself and others. It's in the morning coffee shared on the terrace as the mist lifts from the mountains. It's in the tears and laughter that flow freely during our circles. It's in the silent understanding that passes between women who recognize their own journey reflected in another's eyes.This is where masks fall away, where pretence has no place, and where you remember what it feels like to be completely, beautifully, unapologetically yourself - surrounded by women who not only accept you but celebrate every part of who you are.

Meet Annette (ASH) - Your Spiritual Guide & Travel Companion

When you join Vanessa on one of our Adventurous Trips for Women, you'll have the privilege of traveling alongside Annette (ASH) - your spiritual mentor, healing guide, and kindred soul for the journey.ASH is the voice and heart behind 'The Lonely Queers', a beloved spiritual podcast that has touched countless lives with its authentic approach to self-empowerment and awakening.ASH doesn't believe in treating just one aspect of who you are - because healing isn't compartmentalized, and neither are you.
With professional training as both a psychotherapist and sex therapist, combined with her work as a dance instructor, yoga teacher, and spiritual medium, ASH offers something rare: a truly integrated approach to women's empowerment and healing.
ASH can meet you wherever you are on your journey. Her therapeutic background provides a safe, professional container for deep work, while her spiritual gifts and embodiment practices offer pathways to healing that honor your whole being - body, mind, heart, sexuality, and soul.As a gifted channelling spiritual medium with years of dedicated experience in mediumship, and healing arts - trained, and tought to others in her own spiritual centre in Copenhagen for many years -, ASH has spent her life honing the ability to connect with higher realms, spirit guides, and the deep wisdom that lives within us all.

Personalized Spiritual Support

Throughout your journey, ASH offers intimate, one-on-one sessions tailored to your unique needs:• Walk & Talk Sessions - Combine the healing power of movement and nature with deep spiritual conversation. As you explore breathtaking landscapes together, ASH creates a safe space for you to process, reflect, and receive intuitive guidance while your body moves, and your spirit opens.• Private Healing Sessions -Experience transformative energy healing work designed to release what no longer serves you, restore balance to your system, and awaken your innate capacity for wholeness and vitality.• Personal Spiritual Consultations - Receive channelled messages, connect with your spirit guides / your higher self / loved ones, gain clarity on your life path, and explore the questions that live in your heart. These intimate sessions offer profound insights specifically for your soul's journey.

Daily Practices to Ground & Elevate

Every morning, ASH guides the group through:• Early Morning Yoga - Gentle, spiritual yoga practices that honor your body as a sacred temple while preparing you energetically for the day's adventures. All levels welcome - ASH meets you exactly where you are.• Guided Meditations - Journey inward with meditations designed to quiet the mind, open the heart, and connect you with your higher self and the divine energy that flows through all things.

Sacred Circles & Ceremonies with ASH

For those called to deeper work (optional), ASH facilitates optional experiences that honor the power of women gathering in sacred space:• Women's Sharing Circles - Experience the ancient magic of sitting in circle with your sisters, sharing your truth, witnessing others' journeys, and feeling the profound support that comes from being seen and held by women who understand.• Healing Ceremonies - Participate in transformative rituals and ceremonies drawing from various spiritual traditions. These may include fire ceremonies, breathwork, cacao ceremonies, or other practices that support release, renewal, and remembering your divine nature.*All spiritual sessions, circles, and ceremonies are completely optional - you choose your own adventure and honor what feels right for your journey.

ASH accompanies select Adventurous Trips for Women & queers / LGBT, throughout the year. Check individual trip details to see when she'll be joining as your spiritual guide.

spirituality & koi

Koi fish & healing in Costa Rica

The koi fish carries profound healing properties that have been honored in Eastern cultures for centuries. With its stunning, vibrant colors - shimmering golds, deep oranges, pristine whites, and midnight blacks - and its gracious, flowing movements through water, the koi is far more than simply beautiful. It is a living meditation, a peace conductor that calms the mind and soothes the restless soul.Watching koi glide effortlessly through water is a form of moving therapy. Their gentle, rhythmic movements invite you into a state of deep presence and tranquillity. As they navigate their world with patience and grace, they remind us to move through our own lives with the same elegant surrender - not fighting against the current, but flowing with it.In Costa Rica at the beautiful sanctuary, you can watch the koi fish and you can swim with the koi fish.

  • Costa Rica - Where jungle meets ocean and adventure awakens the wild woman within

  • Spain - Where ancient mountains hold timeless wisdom and luxury meets soul

  • Denmark - Where fairy tale magic blends with modern elegance and Nordic nature heals

Why the koi?

Welcome to Koi retreats - adventurous trips in a breathtaking, spiritual and self-empowering oasis in the heart of Costa Rica and in the beautiful mountains of Spain, and in charming Copenhagen - where the key words are quality living and celebrating life through adventurous travels, mindfulness, connections to like minded women and queers and it's about exploring life, healing and self-empowerment.

The Costa Rica sanctuary holds a special treasure - a beautiful family of koi fish living in the ponds where this land began its journey as a professional koi farm. These aren't just fish; they are sacred healing creatures and beloved companions to every woman who visits.

Healing Through Presence

In Eastern wisdom, koi represent transformation, perseverance, and spiritual healing. Their graceful movements create natural meditation, calming your mind and inviting deep presence. Our guests often find themselves drawn to sit by the water, feeling stress melt away as they watch these magnificent beings glide through their world.
The Medicine of Colors

The Spiritual meaning of Colors

Each color on the koi carries its own healing energy:Gold - Wealth, abundance, prosperity, and divine blessings
White - Purity, new beginnings, and spiritual transformation
Black - Protection, strength, and absorbing negative energy
Orange/Red - Passion, courage, vitality, and heart-centered living
Blue - Tranquility, peace, and emotional serenity
Yellow - Joy, optimism, friendship, and radiant light

Together, they create a living rainbow of healing - reminding us that wholeness comes from honoring every color within ourselves.
Our koi have been silent healers for countless women, witnessing transformations and holding space for deep soul work. We are grateful for their presence and the sacred medicine they offer.

In Japanese culture, koi symbolize perseverance, strength, and transformation.

The koi fish carries profound healing properties that have been honored in Eastern cultures for centuries. With its stunning, vibrant colors - shimmering golds, deep oranges, pristine whites, and midnight blacks - and its gracious, flowing movements through water, the koi is far more than simply beautiful. It is a living meditation, a peace conductor that calms the mind and soothes the restless soul.Watching koi glide effortlessly through water is a form of moving therapy. Their gentle, rhythmic movements invite you into a state of deep presence and tranquillity. As they navigate their world with patience and grace, they remind us to move through our own lives with the same elegant surrender - not fighting against the current, but flowing with it.In Costa Rica at the beautiful sanctuary, you can watch the koi fish and you can swim with the koi fish.

The beautiful koi pond in the Costa Rica-sancturary.

Legend tells of koi swimming upstream against powerful currents, and those who reached the top of the waterfall were rewarded by being transformed into dragons. This ancient story reminds us that our own struggles and challenges are not obstacles - they're the very journey that transforms us into our most powerful, authentic selves.The colors of koi each carry their own healing energy: gold represents prosperity and wellbeing, white symbolizes purity and new beginnings, black absorbs negative energy and offers protection, orange embodies courage and passion, while blue brings peace and tranquillity. Together, they create a living mandala of balance and harmony.Simply being in the presence of koi -when you are on an Adventurous Trip in Costa Rica - invites healing on multiple levels.

The gentle sound of water, the mesmerizing dance of colors beneath the surface, the timeless patience they embody - all of this creates a sacred space where stress dissolves, anxiety quiets, and your nervous system naturally returns to balance.This is why we've chosen the koi as our retreat's namesake and guardian spirit. Like these remarkable fish, you too are swimming toward your own transformation, carrying within you all the colors of your journey - the golden moments of joy, the white spaces of new beginnings, the deep waters you've navigated. And like the koi, you are graceful, resilient, and beautiful in your persistence.
// Vanessa & Annette - Koi Retreats

the koi
logo

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Two koi fish in eternal balance - yin and yang, the circle of life - swimming within a golden triangle that represents our three sacred destinations: Costa Rica, Spain, and Denmark.The triangle that contains them represents our three beloved retreat locations:Each point offers adventurous women a sanctuary for exploration, transformation, and quality experiences.

Each destination is a sacred point on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.Gold symbolizes the treasures of your journey: wealth, healing, abundance, happiness, and profound satisfaction.The gold that illuminates our symbol carries profound meaning: it represents the wealth of experiences you'll gather, the healing transformation you'll undergo, the abundance mindset you'll cultivate, the genuine happiness you'll rediscover, and the deep satisfaction that comes from investing in yourself and your journey.This is more than a logo - it's a promise of the treasures that await when you choose to embark on an adventure with women who, like you, are ready to transform, grow, and come fully alive.
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This isn't just a retreat traveling with Koi retreats. It's a homecoming to yourself. It's choosing YOU. It's saying yes to adventure, healing, luxury glamping in Costa Rica, a beautiful mountain house in Spain and / or an intriguing 115-year-old mansion in Copenhagen and a haunted castle on the Danish coast. Traveling solo or with a kindred spirit, is the most important relationship you'll ever have - the one with yourself as you are exploring travels, adventures and life away from the ordinary.Are you ready to answer the call?Welcome home to Koi Retreats in Costa Rica, Spain and Denmark.

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