Come with FTLOB to DR!
This trip is meant to give you the best of Dominican culture, beaches, Bachata, social dancing, with time to rest, too.
I came up with the idea after having a fantastic time at one of the bigger Bachata festivals, but came home exhausted and realizing I didn’t have free time to sunbathe or read a book because our schedule went something like: wake up, breakfast, workshops, lunch, excursion with dancing, dinner, get ready, go out dancing, sleep 4 hours, repeat.
The tours, festivals, and retreats that give more, do more, and go harder are GREAT! They can be transformative for your dancing, excite your spirit, and help you meet tons of instructors and like-minded dancers from around the world. Beaches & Bachata is for those who want some of that, but also want some rest and downtime.
At Beaches and Bachata, I’ve made all the plans so you can just show up and enjoy. The hardest decision you’ll have to make this week is: “Do I want to go in the pool or take a nap?” While your days will be filled up with Bachata & yoga classes, beach trips, excursions, group dinners, and social dancing, there will also be a little time left to go shopping, take a dip in the pool, walk to the nearest beach, take a nap, or just read a book for some alone time. You can participate in the suggested activities, or you can hang back. It will be your choice! I just ask that you listen to your body and take care of yourself along the way.
Details:
Dates: Tuesday June 24th - Monday, June 30th, 2025
Location: Las Terrenas, a beach town in the north on the Samaná peninsula where they have a vibrant Bachata community already, making it easy for us to take lessons and social dance.
What’s included in this trip? This trip provides you a fully planned program including 1 day excursion with lunch, 6 dance lessons & 1 yoga class with local instructors, group check-ins, group dinners, and suggested afternoon activities for free time. Your fee also covers the group shuttle to/from the airport. New this year: we will be providing everyone a FTLOB tank top (fitted or straight cut per your preference). Ahead of the trip, you will be sent a Welcome Packet, packing list, Spanish guide to help you around town, 1st time traveler guide, and other tips to help you feel prepared for this experience.
Airport selfie!
Flight Schedule: Flights should arrive to Santo Domingo (SDQ) in early afternoon on Tuesday the 24th and should depart after 12pm on the 30th. Las Terrenas is a 2 hour drive from the airport and we will be going on a private shuttle that will work with our group schedule. If you cannot get a flight in this time window, you can also get a private taxi ($160) or public bus ($10) that meets your needs.
Lodging: You will be responsible for booking your own room. Complimentary breakfast is included at the hotel (information available below), offering coffees, fresh juices, and a limited menu of savory & sweet croissants, focaccia, & egg dishes. If you are looking for a roommate to share costs, we will help connect you to others in the group. Approx. total cost for a shared room is $400 each.
Excursion: Excursion TBD depending on group size and personality. This will likely be an all-day excursion that includes lunch. We tend to like to spend at least a partial day at the beach, because hey - we’re in DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!
Fee: The fee is $800. You must make a deposit to hold your spot, as spaces are limited. This deposit is non-refundable. You may make payments or pay the remaining $600 in full by June 1st using Venmo (@fortheloveofbachata), Zelle (fortheloveofbachata@gmail.com), cash, or check.
Other costs of this trip: You will be responsible for your lunch & dinner costs, beach chairs, massages, any private lessons you schedule, and any souvenirs you choose to buy while in DR. (Private lessons can cost anywhere from $60-$100 usd/hour.) US dollars are often accepted here but bringing Dominican pesos (DOP) is also highly recommended.
Values for this trip: Participants of this trip must agree to be welcoming of all group members. All are encouraged to let go of self doubts and comparison, as well as to try new things and have fun above all else. Everyone should take responsibility for themselves, including asking for help when they need it to thrive.
Who this trip is not for: While I hope this trip forms a beautiful group of people willing to learn, grow, have fun, and adventure together, some personalities may not thrive on this trip. We are not going to a resort, and you likely will have to use Spanish at times to understand some moments in classes, order food, talk to locals, etc. If you consider this a fun adventure that connects you better to the culture and people, awesome! If that overwhelms you, this trip may not be for you. This trip is priced considerably lower than others to give everyone some freedom, flexibility, and variety. That means you will also have full responsibility for your behaviors, belongings, asking for help when you need it, and managing cash to pay your portion of meals and drinks when going out.
SAVE YOUR SPOT ON THE TRIP!
This deposit is non-refundable. The full trip pass will be $800. This deposit will save your space and help us confidently confirm plans with businesses and instructors. You must pay the remaining $600 by June and may make flexible payments or pay in a lump sum as you’re comfortable. Venmo, Zelle, cash, and check are accepted.
If all spots fill up, we will open a waitlist for cancellations.
What’s next?
After paying your deposit, you can expect an automatic confirmation from Squarespace for your order and you can trust that it has been received.
As the months get closer to the trip, you can also expect the following resources to help you prepare for the trip:
welcome packet, packing list, Spanish guide
pre-trip Zoom call to prepare everyone
(voluntary) addition to a Facebook messenger group where everyone can coordinate flights, asks questions, plan roomies, and get to know each other ahead of time.
Hotel Reservation @ Puerto Plaza
Note: I am currently working on getting a group discount. Please hold off on booking until I have more information.
We will be staying in Puerto Plaza, Las Terrenas, which is located in the center of town, really close to the dance spots. Breakfast is included.
They also have a website where you can see pictures: https://puertoplazalasterrenas.com/
To make reservations, you should message them through Whatsapp. They will give you the price there, and send you a form to make your reservation. You will pay upon arrival. - 1(809)-240-5544. They speak English and Spanish.
You can also make a reservation via Expedia if you prefer, but the price will be higher.
Photo & Videos from past trips
