Sun Salutations 2025

Kendra Harnden

Ad Astra Journeys

Sun Salutations 2025

Jan 26, 2025 to Jan 31, 2025

Dominican Republic- LaRomana

Your sunny winter escape starts here!

Ready to leave the winter chill behind? Join us this January for an adults-only, all-inclusive escape to La Romana, Dominican Republic! Whether you’re coming with friends, a partner, or solo, this retreat offers a serene getaway where you can unwind on pristine beaches, soak up the Caribbean sun, and embrace the relaxed island lifestyle.

If you’re looking to recharge, this retreat offers just the right blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Take in one gentle, revitalizing yoga class each morning with our well-trained instructors from Indigo Crow and Hour Glass Fitness, set against the stunning seaside backdrop. It’s a wonderful way to ease into your day, but it’s entirely optional—perfect for those who want to begin the day with mindful movement and leave the rest free for exploration, relaxation, or adventure.

In addition to yoga, enjoy delicious local cuisine, poolside lounging, and excursions to explore the area’s charming coastal villages. Spend your days however you choose, reconnecting with yourself and rediscovering the joy of slowing down in paradise.

Looking for the perfect blend of relaxation, connection, and optional yoga? Reserve your spot now for a memorable winter getaway!

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

What's included in this trip:

Unwind in luxurious style with Luxury Bahia Principe Bouganville's unsurpassed combination of chic styling, soothing amenities and cozy lodging. With colonial villa rooms pressed against the Santana Beach's soft white sand, you'll be able to unwind in lavish comfort.

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*
Culinary and Mixology Workshops
Themed Events: Silent Disco, Pool Party, Dance Lessons, and More 
We adults also know how to have fun... themed events such as burlesque shows, Lobby DJ, silent disco, live music, beach party, pool party and much more.
Minibar
Local, international, and premium drinks
Non-motorized water sports - kayaks, catamarans for hire, snorkeling
Food and drink available 24 hours a day
Diving lesson in the pool (subject to availability and upon request, a lesson per person per stay)
24 hours free WI-FI throughout the hotel

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:

Airfare
Trip Insurance
- Wine list at the restaurants
- Scuba diving: excursions, certificates, material renting, and fishing
- Excursions
- Business services
- Laundry
- Beauty Salon and Spa
- 24-hour medical service
- Wedding packages
- Romantic Dinner package

Resort Information:
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville is a luxury resort in La Romana for adults only is the perfect spot for soaking up some sun, relaxing in the spectacular bay and pampering yourself with superior services. Savor a wide variety of cuisine at different restaurants, explore the vibrant culture of the region or play a round of golf with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop.

Bahia Spa:
The ideal place to take care of your body, to highlight your beauty and to obtain a well-deserved relaxation for your mind. Inside the Caribbean garden, you will be able to enjoy a hydrotherapy area with steam bath, Finnish Sauna and outdoor whirpool tub.

Ground Transportation Information

No need to worry about how you will get to your resort from the airport! We are currently grouped around a 2:30pm flight arrival. If your flight arrives at a different time, there may be an upcharge. If you would prefer we book flights for you, please let us know!
We will be in touch to confirm your information closer to the departure date.

Cancellation policy:

We understand that life happens, and plans can change! Here’s our policy:

Deposit: A $400 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. This deposit MAY be transferable at the discretion of the hotel.
Final Payment: You may opt out of the final payment, the remaining balance is due by January 4. Cancellations made until January 23 allow for a credit (usable for any future Ad Astra Journeys booking) or a refund at the vendor's discretion. For cancellations between January 24–25, 50% of the final payment will be deducted. For cancellations after January 25, all funds are forfeited

Travel insurance is offered with travel day coverage for just $30.

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

Available Packages

Junior Suite Deluxe - Double Occupancy - Per Person
Unavailable as of December 25, 2024

$985.00
Deposit: $985.00 per person

Unavailable

Bedding – 2 doubles, or 1 King Bed
-Butler Service
-Private Lounge
-Private Check-in & Check-out

Room Amenities

Air conditioning
Balcony/Lanai/Terrace
Bathrobe
Bathroom amenities
Bathtub/shower combination
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
Iron
Ironing board
Jacuzzi
Minibar
Safe
Slippers
Telephone†
Turn down service
Widescreen TV
Wireless internet connection

Junior Suite Deluxe - Solo Traveler
Unavailable as of December 25, 2024

$1,350.00
Deposit: $1,350.00 per person

Unavailable

Bedding – 1 King Bed

Additional Amenities -
-Butler Service
-Private Lounge
-Private Check-in & Check-out

Room Amenities

Air conditioning
Balcony/Lanai/Terrace
Bathrobe
Bathroom amenities
Bathtub/shower combination
Ceiling fan
Hairdryer
Iron
Ironing board
Jacuzzi
Minibar
Safe
Slippers
Telephone†
Turn down service
Widescreen TV
Wireless internet connection

Extra Options

Zip Lines - LaRomana
Available until January 18, 2025 - available

$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 - available

$90.00
Deposit: $90.00

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 - available

$90.00
Deposit: $90.00

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 - available

$95.00
Deposit: $95.00

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

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 - available

$100.00
Deposit: $100.00

Woman taking a selfie with monkeys in Monkeyland Punta Cana

Leaves 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

Airfare
Available until January 4, 2025 - available

$500.00
Deposit: $500.00

Please book my airfare for me!
You will be charged the current rate with any options and upgrades at the time of booking. Kendra will be in touch to go over flight preferences. Current rates as of this post were around $500.

Trip Insurance - Deluxe
Unavailable as of 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 - available

$30.00
Deposit: $30.00

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

Up to $1,000 per person for meals, lodging, and local transportation costs if the trip is delayed for 6 hours or more due to a covered reason including Quarantine, up to the total trip cost to change or purchase a new airline ticket if you can't continue on your trip due to circumstances such as illness or injury, up to $300 per person if bags are delayed for 6* hours or more, up to $1,000 per person for lost baggage, and up to $50,000 per person reimbursement of medical expenses if you get sick or hurt during your trip, plus up to $75,000 for emergency transportation.

Kendra Harnden

Ad Astra Journeys