Enthusiasts of the good life have plenty to look forward to with a trip to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Bask in white sands and crystal blue Caribbean waters for some real relaxation. Tee off on one of four championship golf courses Or maybe grab a racket and head to the tennis court to perfect that serve. Visit the shooting center to take down some skeet or head to the marina to book a sport fishing excursion. After working up an appetite, take a seat at a seaside restaurant for a perfect gourmet meal.
There’s just something for everyone in this exquisite resort located in the city of La Romana. The tropical paradise opened in 1974 as the first resort in the Dominican Republic and sits on 7,000 acres. The property, celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, has become a favorite for luxury travelers and celebrities seeking a truly stunning getaway in a safe and exclusive setting. Beyond simply offering vacation villas, private residents are also available at Casa de Campo (Spanish for “country house”) for those looking to soak up the good vibes in this private gated community even more. Grab that driver or perhaps a lounge chair – some Dominican dreaming is on the menu.
GOLFING, GAMES, AND MORE
Luxury adventure and activity await visitors heading to the sun drenched grounds of Casa de Campo. Regularly recognized as one of the top golf resorts in the world, players of any level can take their pick of three Pete Dye-designed golf courses. That includes Teeth of the Dog, the top-ranked course in the Caribbean that winds along rugged rock and coral of the Dominican coastline. Gaze at the brilliant natural landscapes and historical backdrops while trying to keep your ball in play.
The Dye Fore and Links courses also make for one-of-a-kind rounds with stunning views and challenging holes all around. Those looking to work on their swings can also take advantage of on-site golf instructors or book some time with the TrackMan Simulator.
Those who enjoy swinging a racket won’t be disappointed either. Casa de Campo features the largest tennis complex in the Caribbean, with 13 courts available in lush tropical surroundings, and 2 paddle courts. The complex features 25 pros and junior professionals on staff to help with that serve or other skills. Those who prefer shooting sports can grab a shotgun at the 245-acre Shooting Centre, with over 200 stations for trap, skeet, sporting clays, and pigeon rings. Guests looking to reel in a big one can also head to the on-site marina to book a sport fishing charter. For some underwater exploration, plan some snorkeling as well. The equestrian center also allows guests to horseback ride and even take part in some polo. The stables are a great option for those who also purchase properties and want to stable their horses.
“Homeowners here can have their own horse boarded here five minutes from your house,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “You can go ride your horse, but we also offer guests the ability to go horseback riding and ponies for kids.”
If these sports opportunities weren’t enough, the resort also hosts a Real Madrid Foundation Soccer School. The venue includes a FIFA-sized football field with high-quality turf and allows young players to train with professionals from one of the best-known clubs in the world.
COOLING DOWN IN THE CARIBBEAN
While Casa de Campo is a golfer’s paradise, there is much more to the resort than teeing up and working on that short game. Guests will find eight top-notch restaurants including the inviting Minitas Beach Club, with perfect views of the Caribbean and one of the property’s three exclusive, pristine sand beaches.
“Golf is what put us on the map at first, but over the years the resort’s just become a very special, unique place,” Kycek says. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I always tell people you just have to come and see it because it’s hard to explain it or give you a sense of what it’s like, but it’s a neat place. The thing people like about Casa de Campo are all the other activities that are here in addition to the great golf.”
After a day on the links or simply for some relaxation, plunge in the crystal waters at Casa de Campo’s private beaches. Minitas Beach highlights the experience with turquoise water and plenty of lounge chairs. Hop in a kayak or paddle boat for some added fun. Catalina and Saona Islands are also just a short trip away for even more pristine secluded beaches or for living out that inner Indiana Jones for some jungle exploration.
Numerous other excursions are available including cave tours and trips to the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo. Any tobacco enthusiast will surely want to book a tour of the La Flor Dominicana factory. Take in the fine art of cigar making, passed down through generations on the island. After seeing some cigar rolling, surely some cigar smoking is on tap to close out the amazing experience.
If all that weren’t enough, the Altos de Chavón offers something completely different. The resort created a complete 16th Century Mediterranean village right in the heart of the resort. The entire venue was handcrafted by local artisans and serves as a cultural center for residents, tourists, and working artists from around the world – from potters to weavers to painters and more. Stroll the cobblestone streets, checking out shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, an archaeological museum, St. Stanislaus Church, and brilliant views of the Chavón River and Caribbean. There’s even a 5,000-seat amphitheater that regularly hosts noted artists, such as a recent performance by Rod Stewart. Frank Sinatra was the first performer to actually take the stage when the amphitheater debuted. Looking for that perfect home, condo, or apartment? Living right in the village is also possible.
“It’s what I call the cherry on top of this entire place,” Kycek says of the village. “It’s a special place. I haven’t seen anything quite like it anywhere and I don’t know if there is.”
That last statement might go for the entire Casa de Campo property.
BIG ADDITIONS AND MAKING THE TRIP
BIG ADDITIONS AND MAKING THE TRIPWhile Casa de Campo is a AAA Four Diamond, five-star luxury resort, that doesn’t mean a trip isn’t out of the question for even those with more modest budgets. Summer savings deals start at $399 per night with all-inclusive options also available. On the other end of the spectrum, some ultra-luxury villas feature a $25,000 price tag along with private maids, butlers, pools, and jacuzzis. The property also hosts an airport for the jet-set crowd as well.
Some visitors enjoy the massive resort so much that a Casa de Campo property seems like a nice option. For those considering a trip – or even adding a Casa de Campo home of their own – Kycek notes that the property has a wide range of options. The property is constantly getting upgraded as well, he adds, and that includes some major new additions.
Management recently debuted new Premier Suites and Premier Club, offering another level of travel that includes every luxury imaginable, such as extremely spacious rooms, private check-in service, private terrace or balcony, full-size premium wet-bar, exclusive bar and lounge areas with complimentary premium beverages, and much more.
Another big addition was the debut of the new Spa health and wellness center featuring 13 treatment rooms. Schedule a massage, facial, detox session, physical therapy, salon styling, and so much more in this 18,000-square foot oasis. You can also keep that workout on schedule in the health and fitness center. The Spanish phrase “Mi casa es su casa” (My house is your house.) is certainly appropriate at this Caribbean gem of a resort. There’s so much to offer in one magnificent setting that visitors are immersed in a unique world that may have them already planning that next chance to get back.
“Casa de Campo has so many things to offer within one place,” Kycek adds. “It’s like you don’t have to leave the property.”
And that sounds perfect.
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