he Pura Vida Wellness retreats are a way to recharge and reset in Costa Rica where you can learn how to handle challenging times while also getting continuing education credits, and giving back to the local wildlife.

Pura Vida Wellness is the brainchild of Dr. Galina Bershteyn, who moved to Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 the veterinarian was working at her own practice when the government of Canada mandated closures of many businesses. Knowing she couldn’t survive the financial strain, and with her work taking an emotional toll, she decided to pursue her life-long goal of retiring in Costa Rica.

On a fluke, she applied for temporary residency to enter the country just a few months before. She was surprised when she got approval a few weeks later, and then managed to get on a repatriation flight to Costa Rica during the height of the pandemic.

Once in Costa Rica, Dr. Bershteyn had nowhere to go. She had not set up anything in advance, as she was too busy selling her home and belongings in Canada. She knew about a place called the Wildsun Wildlife Rescue Center, so she went there to volunteer her veterinary services to help take care of the dozens of monkeys who lived there, and in exchange she had a place to stay. The rescue center had lost its tourist volunteers due to the pandemic, so she was welcomed with open arms.

Seeing the breathtaking beauty of land and sea, she realized that she wanted to share the experience with other veterinarians, calling it “wellness surrounded by wildlife, where everything is so healing.” The veterinary community was going through some of its most challenging times, so she created a retreat that would include continuing education credits while mixing in relaxation and headspace activities, such as yoga and meditation, to help attendees learn how to control their stressors to live a more peaceful life.

Dr. Bershteyn believes her journey really included giving back. “I came here to find my ‘why’ and I want to help others do that. These retreats will help you get your ‘why’ back so you can go home with a sense of who you are and a way of coping with the stress of being a veterinarian,” she shares.

She worked out the program with the help of the Wildsun Center, which provides accommodations and meals. Since its inception in 2022, the retreats have been a major a success, with small groups of veterinarians taking the mindfulness and de-stressing journey. Dr. Bershteyn often partners with veterinarians who are known for their expertise in wellbeing, bringing them in as guest speakers. The retreats also provide a way for the wildlife center to secure donations, with 70 percent of the proceeds going directly to the nonprofit.

The Pura Vida Wellness Retreats, which mean “pure life” or “simple life,” range from $4,000 to $4,500, depending on what kind of accommodations you choose. Dr. Bershteyn says while her retreats are not five star, they are very comfortable, and family and friends are encouraged to come as well. In addition, you can earn up to 15 RACE-approved continuing education credits, depending on which sessions you attend.

“Our events are designed to be simple, where you are not staring at tourists all day. You’re there to heal and learn how to better teach your body to deal with life’s challenges,” she concludes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Pura Vida Wellness Retreats, visit www.puravidavetwellness.com