Kendra Harnden

Ad Astra Journeys

Salty Sun Salutations 2025

Jan 26, 2025 to Jan 31, 2025
Dominican Republic- Playa Dominicus, Bayahibe

Your sunny winter escape starts here!

 

We are beyond excited to welcome you on this unforgettable yoga escape to the beautiful shores of La Romana, Dominican Republic!  HourGlass Fitness and Indigo Crow Yoga  have teamed up to create the ultimate retreat to help you shake off the chill of Kansas winter and warm your soul. This is more than just a vacation—it’s a rejuvenating journey to reset, restore, and bask in the sun with like-minded people.

We can’t wait to flow, breathe, and explore the beauty of Punta Cana with you!

Warm regards,
Lorrie & Kendra
HourGlass Fitness & Indigo Crow Yoga

(To keep things organized, please send any questions or concerns via email to us through the Travel Joy booking portal. We promise to get back to you as soon as possible and keeping everything through the portal helps us keep things orderly and in good communication with each other.)

  

What's included in this trip:

  • Morning yoga and other wellness options created by Lorrie & Kendra exclusively for this group
  • All inclusive room, food, non-alcoholic & adult beverages included
  • Group Transport to Hotel*
  • Aerobics & water aerobics
  • Beach football
  • Dance classes
  • Scuba-diving center*
  • Non-motorized water sports
  • Introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool
  • Snorkeling (deposit required)
  • Windsurfing
  • Kayaks
  • Theme nights weekly at the pool or the beach (weather permitting)
 

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 : Arrive and start with a half-day tour of and get your bearings. 
  • Day 2: Morning yoga and greeting followed by free time to explore or lounge as you see fit
  • Day 3-5: Morning yoga followed by free time to explore or lounge as you see fit
  • Day 6: Return home

 

What's not included:

  1. Airfare
  2. Trip Insurance

    • Dinner at the Terrace beach restaurant
    • Rum and wine bar (international selection)
    • Wine list at the restaurants
    • Scuba diving: excursions, certificates, material renting and deep fishing
    • Gift shop, boutiques, Tobacco, Logo Shop
    • Excursions
    • Car rental services
    • Telephone, fax and Internet corner
    • Laundry
    • Beauty Salon and “Alegría Spa”
    • 24-hour medical service
    • Wedding packages
    • Romantic Dinner package
    • Lobster

 

Resort Information:
Catalonia Royal La Romana is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort located on the palm studded beaches of La Romana. Enjoy the authentic Dominican Caribbean in an exclusive adults-only resort. The attention to small details and personalized service make every guest feel like they are VIP. 



Thalassa Restaurant: Combines exquisite Mediterranean à la carte food with buffet Service for breakfast.
Located on the reception area overlooking the pool. Air-conditioned. Outdoor terrace for breakfast

-Breakfast with buffet service and à la carte
-Lunch and dinner à la carte
-Dress code: casual during the day and long pants and closed shoes at night

BLoved Restaurant: Restaurant of organic food without meat located on the beach. Outdoor but covered
-Breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte (organic menu, no meat)
-Dress code: casual during the day and long pants and closed shoe for the night

Snack Bar: Located next to the pool and offers snack foods during the day.
-Dress code: casual

Peru Specialties Restaurant: To enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine. Located on the snack by the pool. Covered outdoor terrace
-Dinner à la carte
-Dress code: long trousers and closed shoe

Tao-Cat: Exquisite combination of Southeast Asian gastronomy. Located on the reception with views of the pool and the central garden. Outdoor but covered
-Dinner à la carte
-Dress code: long trousers and closed shoe

Bars
-Lobby Bar with terrace: Air conditioning and covered terrace
-Pool bar: located in the main swimming pool with a wet area
-Bar Bloved: at the Beach. Organic food
-Beach Bar: at the Beach. Sushi and drinks


Alegrìa Spa:
Located at the Catalonia Gran Dominicus. This complete spa will help you relax in an extraordinary setting. The spa has a beauty salon, massage service, hairdressers, as well as body and facial treatments.


  • Therapeutic Treatments - Ocean Currents
  • Facial Treatments - Oxygenating Wind, Powerful Earth, Fresh and Light Water, Intense Fire, Eternal Nature
  • Body Treatments - Sea Salts, Life Aromas, Hydrating Afternoon, Marine Wealth, Toning Journey
  • Massages - Alegria Blue, Relaxing Caribbean, Infintite Holistic, Deep Ocean, Essences of the Sea, Celestial Stones
  • Hairdressing salon

Ground Transportation Information 

No need to worry about how you will get to your resort from the airport! To be included, please plan the same arrival and departure flights. (we will be in touch with this information)
Meet & Greet at the airport with the group name signage.


Cancellation policy:

We understand that life happens! If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible. A $200 deposit is required to secure your spot and, once we’ve reached our minimum of 20 students, the deposit will be non-refundable. Payment in full is required by December 12, and after that date, we won’t be able to offer refunds. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected changes.

We’re excited to share this amazing experience with you and are here to answer any questions you have!


Available Packages

Superior Room - Double Occupancy - Per Person
Available until December 12, 2024

$1,100.00
Deposit: $200.00 per person

Two queen size beds. (Other options may be scheduled please contact us)
Furnished balcony or terrace, air conditioning plus ceiling fan.
Complimentary minibar with soft drinks, beer and snacks.
Bathroom includes double shower, free wireless internet access.  Includes beach towel service in the room.
115 sq ft (35 sq m)

Two Queen Beds (One King upon request)
24 Hour Room Service
Stocked Mini-Bar
Turndown Service
Bath Slippers & Bathrobes
Coffee/Tea Maker
Ceiling Fan
Flat Screen LCD TV
Free Wi-Fi
Individual Climate Control
Pillow Menu
Private Balcony or Terrace
Safety Deposit Box
Shower
Iron/Ironing Board
Beach Towels In Room

Extra Options

Stay another night!
Available until December 12, 2024

$180.00
Deposit: $180.00

Make the most of your travel time & make it a 7 night trip!

Zip Lines - LaRomana
Available until January 18, 2025

$100.00
Deposit: $100.00

Available Monday & Wednesday
Leaves the Lobby at 7:15am

Woman ziplining in Punta Cana

Overview

Score big thrills by zip lining above La Romana’s mountains, experiencing the lush tropical jungle and the awesome adventures that make the Dominican Republic famous. Zoom through the canopy on more than a mile of zip lines, and revel in unique island views and plenty of adrenaline!
  • Ride 18 zip lines, including one that is 2,600 feet long!
  • Trek through garden trails to the awaiting zip line platforms
  • Enjoy fresh fruit and soft drinks in the lush Dominican jungle
  • Activity duration: 4 hours
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off included only from La Romana resorts

Description

Get ready to zip line over the Anamuya Mountains

Your outing begins with pick-up at your La Romana resort in an air-conditioned vehicle, transporting you to the awe-inspiring Anamuya Mountains, about 1 hour away. At the mountains, you'll be greeted by your bilingual guides ready to educate you on zip lining, outfitting you in the proper gear, and then leading you on the zip lining adventure over La Romana’s pristine beauty. Safety is of top concern, and you'll be well versed and secure before you climb up the first of 18 platforms high in the rainforest.


Soar along the longest zip lines in the Caribbean

The thrills begin at Platform 1, the first of 12 total zip lines on your excursion in La Romana’s wilderness. Your high-flying excursion includes two of the Caribbean’s longest zip lines — more than 2,600 feet long! You can even race with a friend as you soar above the treetops on the last part of the course, which features two lines running parallel to one another. When the adrenaline wears off and you finish the circuit, you'll be treated with fresh fruit, bottled water and soft drinks before being taken back to your resort in La Romana.


Included

  • Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation only from La Romana
  • English-speaking adventure guides
  • All zip line equipment
  • Soft drinks, sodas and water

Practical Information

  • Wear comfortable shoes and pants or knee-length shorts
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and your camera
  • Bring extra money for souvenirs or tips
  • Not recommended for pregnant women

Bayahibe runners truck safari
Available until January 11, 2025

$90.00
Deposit: $90.00

Bayahibe-Runners
Available Monday & Wednesday Only
Leaves the lobby at 7:15am

Overview

Explore the Dominican Republic’s countryside, from its mountains to its rainforests to its beaches, on this Bayahibe runners truck safari. This all-day adventure will have you enjoying the island nation in a safari-style truck, as well as by horseback.
  • Head into the Dominican jungle via an off-road Jeep
  • Ride a horse through the countryside, stopping to visit a sugar plantation and tobacco fields
  • Meet friendly locals at a school and make new friends
  • Enjoy a creole lunch buffet
  • Activity duration: 8 hours (not including transportation time to and from activity)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Description

Explore the island by Jeep and on horseback

Your one-of-a-kind, full-day Bayahibe runners truck safari starts at dawn, to ensure you squeeze the most out of your adventure. Picked up at your resort, you’ll depart by safari truck into the tropical island jungles, where your horse awaits. Guides will help you with your horse, whether it’s your first time on horseback or you’re a seasoned rider.


Discover thriving plantations

As you ride through the countryside on your Bayahibe runners truck safari, you’ll visit a sugar cane plantation and learn about the island’s industry producing sugar. Discover how the colonials first harvested the plants that are still grown today, and get a taste of cane juice before it’s distilled into rum. From the sugar cane plantations, you’ll next head to the tobacco fields, where you can learn about the art of Dominican cigar rolling and its thriving industry. Then, you get a chance to taste fresh-brewed coffee from the island’s coffee plantations.


Meet and greet the islanders

Although you’ll be learning much about the island’s crops on your Bayahibe runners truck safari, you can also get to know the islanders with a visit to the grounds of a local school. Learn about the island’s dedication to its people, the school system and the Dominican community while you’re there. Included in your getaway is a traditional Dominican lunch buffet consisting of creole dishes and rice and beans before your safari truck brings you back to your resort by nightfall.

Included

  • Round-trip transportation on a safari truck
  • English-speaking guides
  • Lunch
  • Drinks (bottled water, rum, beer, sodas)
  • Horseback ride

    Protection Plus Insuranace insurance provides basic personal coverage in case of an accident that may occur during an excursion booked through Amstar DMC. The policy includes reimbursement for medical expenses due to an accident up to USD $25,000 USD, as well as other limited coverages such as ambulance, accidental death, repatriation of remains, and hotel expenses for recovery, among others.

Practical Information

  • Bring bathing suit, towel, hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunblock, an extra T-shirt, insect repellent, camera and money for tips and souvenirs (tipping is optional)
  • Pick-up and drop-off times will vary according to resort location
  •  Please note: Horseback riding is not recommended for people with back problems

Santo Domingo Cultural City Tour with Museums and Lunch
Available until January 11, 2025

$90.00
Deposit: $90.00

Santo Domingo tour monument

Overview

Although you might enjoy the beaches and tropical adventures at your La Romana resort, you must make time to tour Santo Domingo, the oldest city and capital of the Dominican Republic. The historic place is home to the American continent’s first cathedral, numerous monuments and museums, and a bustling downtown filled with restaurants and shops.
  • Visit one of the first cities in the New World, Santo Domingo, settled by Christopher Columbu
  • Stroll through the Colonial District and visit the oldest cathedral in the Americas
  • Shop and dine throughout the historic streets in your free time
  • Activity duration: 8 hours (not including transportation time to and from activity)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off included only from La Romana resorts

Description

See some of the oldest buildings in the Americas on City Tour Santo Domingo

Your Santo Domingo city tour begins with pick-up from your La Romana resort. Your English-speaking guide will first take you to the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, located in the colonial district of the city, otherwise known as ‘Zona Colonial’.

Continue your exploration of Santo Domingo by walking along the cobblestoned streets and see Calle de Las Damas, one of the oldest streets in the Americas. Then, stroll the area to discover other museums and sites, such as Alcazar de Colon, built by Christopher Columbus’ son in the 1500s; and Parque Colon, one of the city’s main squares featuring yet another tribute to Columbus.


Diverse shopping and dining in the City of Santo Domingo

The eclectic mix of cultures such as Taino, English, French, Haitian, and Spanish give a special identity to many aspects of this city, down to its food and markets. So be sure to save time during your Santo Domingo city tour to enjoy good shopping and dining.

Your excursion includes lunch at a restaurant featuring local flavors, and you’ll have time to go shopping at both contemporary stores and more traditional markets. You’ll find plenty of local crafts and arts that make for excellent souvenirs for your loved ones back home. When your exploration of Santo Domingo wraps up, you’ll be taken back to La Romana to spend the evening at your resort.


Included

  • Transportation on air-conditioned buses
  • Lunch at restaurant
  •  All entrance fees
  •  English-speaking guide

Practical Information

  • Wear comfortable clothes, shoes and long pants/skirt for entering the cathedral
  •  Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and your camera
  • Bring extra money for drinks, snacks, souvenirs or tips
  • Be aware that some activities, such as museums, are unavailable on Mondays, making this activity a panoramic city tour on those days

Saona Island Full Day Tour with Lunch Included
Available until January 11, 2025

$95.00
Deposit: $95.00

  • Saona Island boat tour
    Leaves the lobby at 7:30am not avail. Monday

Overview

Encounter the natural beauty and inspiration of the most important protected biosphere in the Dominican Republic with the best tour of Saona Island. Travel by speedboat and catamaran along the southeastern coast of Bayahibe for more than a simple trip to one of the top white-sand beaches in the world. There, you’ll enjoy fun activities like volleyball, swimming in a natural pool and dancing to tropical music, or simply lounge around and relax along the way. A Dominican buffet lunch and plenty of refreshing beverages from an open bar are the perfect complements to make this an unforgettably complete excursion in the Caribbean.
  • Head to the hidden Saona Island from Bayahibe aboard a thrilling speedboat or a cruising catamaran
  • Take a dip near a sandbar and enjoy a nice swim
  • Move your feet with dance lessons on the white sands of Saona Beach
  • Indulge in a traditional Dominican buffet lunch
  • Return to Bayahibe by catamaran or speedboat, the opposite of what brought you to Saona
  • Activity duration: 8 hours (not including transportation time to and from activity)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off included



    Saona-Island

    Description

    Sail away or speedboat for the famous Saona Island tour

    Your adventure begins early in the morning with transportation from your resort in Punta Cana or La Romana. Your driver will be taking you to the vibrant fishing village of Bayahibe, which is less than an hour away from La Romana. During your ride to Bayahibe, you’ll get to view several pristine beaches and more breathtaking sights along the southeastern coast, giving you a preview of what you’ll encounter later on during your Saona Island tour.

    When you arrive at Bayahibe, friendly and knowledgeable bilingual staff and crew will be there to greet you. Then you’ll be ready to board the vessel that will take you to Saona Island across the turquoise Dominican Caribbean. Depending on the operations of the day, you will board either a catamaran to Saona Island to take it easy on a gentle cruise or a speedboat to feel the thrill and exhilaration on your way to this island paradise. And later on for the return ride to the mainland, you’ll take the opposite means of transportation that took you to Saona Island.


    Best Saona Island Tour from Punta Cana: Take a swim in a natural pool in the Dominican Caribbean

    As you sail away on your catamaran cruise to Saona Island or feel the excitement of speedboating through the shimmering Dominican Sea, your guides will take you to a hidden natural pool where the water is shallow, peaceful, and warm, providing an ideal place for an unforgettable swimming adventure. Jump right in and have fun during your swim, soaking in the good Caribbean vibes and letting all your stress relax away in your little saltwater haven. This is just one of the moments of relaxation you’ll get to experience throughout your Saona Island tour.

    After your dip, board your vessel again as it’s time to continue onward to the marvelous Saona beach. In the approaching distance, you’ll get a preview of the 42 square miles of ecological reserves that are federally protected to preserve all of its natural treasures. As you pass the national park, keep your eyes wide open for the creatures that call this wilderness home. You’ll know you’ve arrived when the boat pulls into the gorgeous white sands that make Saona Island a must-see destination in the Dominican Republic.


    Enjoy games, relaxation and lunch at a Saona beach club

    Once you arrive to your beach in Saona Island, you’ll find that there are few places where you can relax and have a blast at the same time. Soon enough you’ll have the chance to learn or improve your dance moves, with tropical music like merengue and bachata enticing your hips to move. Or you can be more sporty and get competitive with a game of beach volleyball. Then live the aquatic life and swim in the soft waves of the Caribbean Sea as the white sand massages your feet.

    Beach life is about balance, so once you’ve worked up a sweat, it’s time to take a break under the shade of palm trees.Make sure to refresh with a nice rum drink or an ice-cold beer from the open bar to cool down from the warmth of Saona Island. Then re-energize from your games and relaxation with a Dominican lunch buffet, allowing you to try out a variety of regional dishes to savor the flavor of the island. And if you want to take your relaxation a step further, you can book a massage for an additional fee.

    See Saona Island’s flora and fauna on the return to Bayahibe

    You won’t want to say ‘adios’, but when the time comes to an end your dreamy tour of Saona Island, it will be in style. Board the opposite means of transportation that brought you to your island getaway — either a catamaran that will cruise back to Bayahibe with music and an open bar, or a speedboat for a thrilling ride back to the marina. You’ll be sure to view incredible sights either way as you travel on the turquoise waters of the southeastern Dominican Republic. The Saona Island boat tour will get you close to an array of wildlife and flora that you simply can’t find in many places around the world.

    If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll definitely enjoy your journey because you’ll be very close to the area’s feathered residents like brown pelicans, seagulls, waterhens, wild doves, whistling ducks, wood pigeons, shorebirds, ravens and parrots. Additionally, the marine life of the area includes sea turtles, manatees, schools of fish, and shoals of lobsters and mollusks, and there might even be an occasional dolphin, all for you to try and spot during your adventure. When you return to Bayahibe, hop aboard your comfortable vehicle for the ride back to your resort, giving you time to cherish the memories of your tropical paradise getaway with the unforgettable Saona Island tour.

    Included

    • Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation
    • Open bar on Saona Island including water, soft drinks, beer, rum and coffee
    • Buffet lunch on Saona Island

      INSURANCE Basic personal coverage in case of an accident that may occur during an excursion booked through Amstar DMC. The policy includes reimbursement for medical expenses due to an accident up to USD$25,000 USD, as well as other limited coverages such as ambulance, accidental death, repatriation of remains, and hotel expenses for recovery, among others.

    Practical Information

    • Wear comfortable clothes and beach sandals
    • Bring your bathing suit, sunscreen, a beach towel, sunglasses and camera
    • Bring extra money for photos and souvenirs
    • All guests must be mobile and in good physical condition
    • Not suitable for customers with back problems or other types of disabilities
    • Guests may travel to the island by catamaran and return by speedboat or vice-versa, depending on the operations of the day
    • Transportation may not be available from some resorts or may be subject to an additional fee
    • Please note that our partner will be providing transportation in their vehicle so that you can enjoy this exciting excursion.

Monkey Land and Coffee Plantation Safari
Available until January 11, 2025

$100.00
Deposit: $100.00

Woman taking a selfie with monkeys in Monkeyland Punta CanaLeaves the lobby at 7:15am

 

Overview

Don't miss this Monkeyland Punta Cana Plantation Safari! Discover the Dominican Republic and get close to nature as you enjoy a unique tropical environment. This 5-acre nature sanctuary in Punta Cana will let you and your family pet, hold and interact with friendly squirrel monkeys, as well as sample locally-grown coffee and cocoa with a plantation safari in an open-air vehicle. There’s plenty of time to monkey around on this outing!
  • Visit the 5-acre Monkey Land sanctuary with hundreds of squirrel monkeys
  • Take pictures with the friendly monkeys, who will happily pose with you!
  • Sample coffee and cocoa at a local country home
  • Activity duration: 5 hours (not including transportation time to and from the activity)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off included

Description

Dominican Republic coffee plantation excursion: Meet the locals for coffee

This Punta Cana excursion starts with a convenient pick-up at your resort to be whisked safely off to Monkeyland Dominican Republic. Get to know your guide and your fellow travelers as you make your way to the mountains and the Monkeyland nature reserve. The journey opens with fascinating tales of island life and fun folklore shared by your friendly guide as you make your way to the jungle. Meet the locals of the Caribbean island when you stop at a traditional country house. The mountain views, the fresh air, and the smiles of the guides and local residents welcome you to take a relaxing journey through nature’s wonders.

Enjoy a Punta Cana plantation excursion with an expert guide and meet a family that resides in the house. You’ll learn all about their farming life and island culture while sampling the region’s renowned coffee and cocoa. A Punta Cana coffee plantation safari is a delicious way to start your Dominican Republic day trip. This is a family-friendly Dominican excursion, bringing the kids to give them an unforgettable experience in paradise. Taste the delicious chocolate and tropical fruits of the region and learn about organic farming. You can even purchase the BEST coffee in the Dominican Republic to take home with you, a tasty souvenir of your experience.


Interact with squirrel monkeys in the Dominican Republic: Monkeyland Tour, Punta Cana is an unforgettable interaction with nature!

After your cultural immersion in the plantation life and your lessons in the Dominican Republic’s fine coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla, it’s time to meet the squirrel monkeys! These wild primates are friendly and accustomed to people, so you'll have a chance to feed and pet them — they might even climb upon your shoulders to inspect you more closely. A Punta Cana monkey experience brings you closer to nature than you ever imagined, it is time to monkey around and take in some monkey business. Squirrel monkeys are small, curious, and gentle, they like to live in large groups and tend to stay in the treetops, except when they come to check you out!

Visiting the 5-acre Dominican Republic Monkeyland nature preserve the monkeys call home, you'll enjoy a 45 minutes interaction with the squirrel monkeys in Punta Cana. These cute and cuddly creatures are curious and playful, there will definitely be some giggles all around. Enjoy your time petting and playing with them in the beauty of the Anamuya Mountains, they will delight young and old with their antics and sweet faces. You’ll get lots of great photos with your new monkey friends but hold tight to your cameras and anything shiny, they do have a love for the bling and the sparkle!

To put it simply this is a perfect excursion for the whole family as everyone will interact in close proximity to the beautiful squirrel monkeys and watch them in their natural environment among spectacular mountain views.


Included

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Transportation by safari truck
  • Stroll through colorful Botanical Garden
  • Visit to typical Dominican house
  • Fruits, coffee and chocolate
  • Water and soft drinks
  • Interaction with squirrel monkeys

    Protection Plus is an insurance that provides basic personal coverage in case of an accident that may occur during an excursion booked through Amstar DMC. The policy includes reimbursement for medical expenses due to an accident up to USD$25,000 USD, as well as other limited coverages such as ambulance, accidental death, repatriation of remains, and hotel expenses for recovery, among others.

Practical Information

  • Pick-up and drop-off times will vary according to hotel location
  • Please note that our partner will be providing transportation in their vehicle so that you can enjoy this exciting excursion.
  • Wear comfortable clothing
  • Bring a camera, a bottle of water and extra money for tips and souvenirs
  • Customers who are pregnant, suffer from heart disease, disability and/or mobility problems, epilepsy, or infections of the upper airways cannot participate in this tour.
  • People with severe peanut allergies cannot participate in this tour
  • People with cold infection may not attend this tour
  • Please do not use sunscreen or insect repellent

Trip Insurance - Deluxe
Available until December 12, 2024

$140.00
Deposit: $140.00

Your policy expense may be lower depending on your age.

Also includes quarantine coverage of $200 per day.

You can view the full policy brochure here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rnn7utmc73m775gdkipwe/Deluxe-Plan-NACT-643403-NW21-1221-NW.41.pdf?rlkey=4he48tbi1opciuwummqb0y3cc&dl=0

Trip Insurance - Pack N Go!
Available until January 18, 2025

$35.00
Deposit: $35.00

This is a budget trip insurance designed to cover medical expenses, unexpected expenses, and delays.