This retreat is designed for veterinarians, technicians, practice managers and anyone in the animal field who is ready to invest in both their professional development and personal well-being.

It's ideal for you if:

• You want 10 hours of CE (pending RACE approval) in ophthalmology and cardiology taught by board-certified specialists

• You're drawn to wildlife and conservation and want to see what veterinary medicine looks like beyond the clinic

• You want a small, intimate group experience in one of the most biodiverse places on earth

• You'd love to spend your downtime watching sea turtles nest by moonlight, feeding baby howler monkeys, enjoying yoga to the sounds of macaws or reading by the pool

Sol Sanctuary is an eco-resort nestled in Playa Grande, northern Costa Rica — steps from one of the country's most important sea turtle nesting beaches. It's also home to an onsite wildlife hospital, meaning the conservation work here isn't just nearby — it's at your door step!

Restoration Practices
Daily yoga, guided meditations and time to simply enjoy the beach, local wildlife and pool ensure you walk away from this experience feeling rested and renewed. A guided night tour to watch sea turtles nest and hatch, optional hands-on time at the onsite wildlife hospital, and other optional tours like horseback riding on the beach mean you will have plenty of adventures too.

Continued Education

10 hours Continued Education (pending RACE approval) split between veterinary ophthalmology and cardiology, taught by two board-certified specialists with deep clinical expertise. These lectures will be tailored to be relevant to those of us in general practice, offering practical guides to commonly seen conditions and get you updated in the latest treatment options available to your patients.

And our class rooms are not the stuffy over-flowing conference rooms your used too - with a small group you have time to ask questions, talk to your lecturers outside of the ‘classroom’ and enjoy nature while learning.

Comfortable Living

While this is an eco-resort you can expect all the modern comforts of home with lux linens, hot showers and air conditioning. Enjoy 3 chef prepared meals a day, with a focus on healthy and hearty foods straight from the garden to your plate.

Early bird pricing available for a limited time!

Shared room (double occupancy): $3,500 pp

Private room (single occupancy): $4,000 pp

Private room with non-vet (double occupancy): $4,000 for veterinary attendee and $2,800 for non-vet guest

Early bird pricing available until September 1st, 2026. Pricing in USD. Non-vet attendees are invited to attend all group activities, except for CE component of the retreat.

Included:

• 6 days, 5 nights accommodation

• 3 amazing chef prepared meals a day, with a focus on healthy organic eating (don’t worry we aren’t serving you tofu and brocolli - think gallo pinto with freshly laid eggs for breakfast, grilled organic chicken and veggie skewers for lunch with a fresh ethically sourced shrimp pasta for dinner!)

• Access to tea and coffee facilities, and fresh juice with meals

• Filtered water

• 10 hours of RACE approved continued education

• Guided sea turtle nesting tour

• Transport to and from Liberia airport

• Assistance with booking additional tours, spa treatments or anything else you need

• Opportunity to gain hands on experience in the wildlife hospital

Not included:

• Additional tours. Options include chocolate making, horseback riding, snorkeling and estuary tours to spot wildlife

• International flights to Liberia Airport, Guanacaste

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, spending money for souvenirs etc

• Tips, the staff always appreciate a small contribution for all their hard work

• Dietary restrictions can be accommodation for an additional $100 for the week - this include lactose or gluten intolerance, vegan or vegetarian meals and any other allergies

Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) — the closest gateway to Playa Grande

A return shuttle from Liberia to Sol Sanctuary is included. We do ask people to run late arrival times by us - we can accommodate on-site arrivals up until 10.30pm, but there is only security staff on-site after that time.

Travel insurance is required for this trip, we like World Nomads and Allianz.

Dr. Kelley Doocy DVM DACVIM — Veterinary Cardiology

Dr. Doocy is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist who completed her residency at Texas A&M after internships in medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care, and cardiology across California, Arizona, and beyond. She has been working in both clinical and telemedicine settings since 2017, with a passion for making cardiac diagnosis and treatment accessible to as many patients as possible. Her clinical focus includes long-term management of structural cardiac disease and complex arrhythmias.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the ocean, exploring, traveling and trying new things with her husband and daughters.

Dr. Jennifer Sheahan DVM DACVO — Comparative Ophthalmology

Dr. Sheahan was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from the University of California, Irvine, with a major in Biology and Criminology in 2003. She discovered her interest in ophthalmology when she worked as an ophthalmology nurse for four years. She went on to complete her degree in Veterinary Medicine, followed by a residency in comparative ophthalmology at Animal Eye Care. Dr Dr Sheahan has particular expertise in ophthalmic pharmacology, dry eye disorders, and retinal disease.

In her free time, she enjoys photography, running, traveling, and spending time with family.