Since opening in 1974 as the first-ever resort in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has long been the choice for the international glitterati, heads of state, and Hollywood elite due to its seclusion and privacy. Originally designed by famed fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, the resort offers a selection of rooms, suites, and private villas across its sprawling 7,000-acre resort. The paradisiacal playground is located about an hour’s drive from the capital of Santo Domingo, in the quaint city of La Romana; just minutes away from private La Romana International Airport and 45 minutes from Punta Cana International.
With the safety of their guests as their ultimate priority – and several safety measures in the Dominican Republic for tourists all provided free of by the Dominican government, which include: free of charge complementary health insurance and will no longer be requiring a negative PCR test for entry and complimentary travel and health insurance (will cover all emergency hospitalization, medical, lodging, and airline ticket change fees if one becomes ill with COVID-19 while here on vacation) to all tourists staying in the country from the end of September to December 31st, 2020 – Casa de Campo closed their doors at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late March and recently re-opened, albeit with some caveats.
The five-star resort has diligently been upgrading its protocols to ensure that they are compliant with government code as well as providing guests no qualms about their procedures. “We wanted to ensure the safety of our guests and associates alike,” said SVP of Sales and Marketing Jason Kycek. “In light of the impact and changes caused by the novel COVID-19, Casa de Campo has set-up procedures to follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities, from COVID-19 tests for all staff, new hand-sanitizer dispensers, plexiglass screens throughout, floor distancing markers, eliminating all paper menus and applying QR code menus at all tables and functions and much more with our Casa Cares program.” They are even providing an onsite hospital with an entire floor reserved exclusively for resort guests.
Proud to be one of the Caribbean’s ultimate resorts, Casa de Campo offers an unprecedented number of activities from three world-class Pete Dye-designed golf courses, the largest marina in the Caribbean, an equestrian center featuring polo, a shooting center with clay and skeet, and exclusive pristine white sand beaches. Guests can also enjoy an abundance of restaurants including the stunning Minitas Beach Club, nightclubs, bars, shops, and much more.
Casa de Campo’s reach goes beyond just staying at the resort by providing privatized travel. And while at the resort, their hotel rooms and suites start at $250 and go all the way up to $1,500 per night, each offering luxury amenities and features, making sure each guest’s stay is of utmost comfort and style. Those seeking the ultimate in privacy, security, and safety can take advantage of one of their secluded villas, from three to 12 bedrooms, each offering its own unique charm. There is even a private airport within the property with a private flight coordinator available to arrange travel for guests and a 370–slip marina for travelers who want to take a private charter and then enjoy time on the property.
“Whether it’s one of our Oceanfront Villas, Exclusive Villas, Classic Villas or Garden Villas, guests can sit back and relax as each comes with a dedicated staff that can provide impeccable and customized service,” says Kycek. “The staff ensures that guests can enjoy their private pools, daily breakfast prepared at the villa, and much more with ease, comfort, and the highest standard of service.”
Perfect for a crowd of up to 27 guests, or for an intimate getaway for two, the villas at Casa de Campo offers the ultimate in luxury Caribbean living. Their most lavish villa offering is Villa Laguna del Mar, the Bali-inspired oceanfront villa, which enjoys a prime waterfront location—right on Punta Minitas and five minutes to Minitas Beach and is like a mini-resort itself.
Whether a guest wants to have a relaxing, active, or vibrant weekend, Casa de Campo provides each guest unique gateways to experience the utmost luxury in every realm. There’s plenty to see and do at Casa de Campo and with a golf cart provided for each guest, getting around is a breeze. But before getting into the myriad of opportunities, no experience at Casa de Campo is complete without exploring the famed Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. With every detail handcrafted by local artisans, Altos de Chavón is a cultural center with active artist studios between cobblestone streets with tourists able to purchase their work at their shops and boutiques. From the historic St. Stanislaus Church to the 5,000-seat amphitheater and renowned Altos de Chavón School of Design, its proximity to the resort provides guests the opportunity to explore a world of the past and future and take in the rich cultural heritage of the region by touring the private archaeological museum.
The lifeblood of the resort though is the ocean, which provides a playground for guests. As the most complete and prestigious marina in the Dominican Republic, the full-service marina affords guests the opportunity to chase the horizon by private yacht charters, catamaran, or deep-sea fishing boats; snorkel the coral reefs and dazzling underwater realms; head out sport-fishing to catch blue marlin; or take an exciting day trip to the private islands of Catalina, Saona, or Palmilla.
Alongside the marina, the crystal-clear turquoise blue water cascades in harmony against the pristine white sand, with a backdrop of palm trees softly swaying in the breeze. Along with chaise loungers dotting the sand at Minitas Beach, there is plenty to do from watersports to exploring the secluded Catalina and Saona Islands just beyond the shores. With hidden beaches and lush surroundings to explore, guests can book exclusive excursions to explore the nearly untouched natural beauty.
Even though there are a plethora of opportunities all around the amazingly beautiful and tranquil resort, Casa de Campo Resort and Villas offers several guided excursions to suit every taste and interest. Take a horseback riding tour at Rancho Peligro, a 10,000-acre private ranch in which horses and cattle are bred and raised, explore the 100,000-year-old Las Maravillas Cave, or experience fine cigar making at Tabacalera Garcia – the world’s largest hand-rolled cigar factory located just outside of the property. Other more active excursions include a zip-line tour with spectacular views of the abundant flora of the Eastern Region of the Dominican Republic and four-wheel buggy tours through the cane fields and along the sand.
Speaking of activities, sports lovers will revel in this luscious paradise with so many options to choose from. Casa de Campo is a golfer’s heaven with courses crafted by the legendary Pete Dye, including the No. 1 ranked golf course in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog. Dubbed the Wimbledon of the Caribbean, Casa de Campo’s Tennis Center offers 13 immaculate fast-dry Har-Tru tennis courts where guests can practice their game, take lessons, and plan their own tournaments. The onsite 245 acre Shooting Center invites shooters of all ages and skill levels with over 200 stations for the trap, skeet, and sporting clays (with a 110 ft. tower that projects sporting clays—one of the largest in the world) and pigeon rings.
There is also an Equestrian Center, which has been heralded as one of the best in the world. Guests can go on trail rides through local fauna and cane fields, or ride alongside herds of water buffalo, take lessons or watch live polo, play donkey polo (yes that is a thing!), or even soar high in the air with their jumping facilities. Last but certainly not least, their state-of-the-art fitness center has everything you need to work up a sweat and stay fit, while also offering fitness classes and private sessions with a personal trainer.
After a long day exploring the grounds, at the beach, or just for those who want to relax and rejuvenate both their body and mind, The Spa at Casa de Campo Resort and Villas is a tranquil paradise. With seven private treatment rooms complete with private showers and bathrooms and a labyrinth meditation ring ideal for mediation, yoga or simply relaxing after your spa treatment. The spa provides the ultimate escape where Caribbean rituals and the purity of the local nature delivers the perfect blend to detoxify, regenerate and renew. From aromatherapy treatments like Tropical Escape to a litany of massage options, skilled therapists use Ayurvedic techniques and local organic ingredients to melt away any tension and calm your mind. Guests can also explore their water sanctuary which includes a steam room, sauna, and two hot/cold plunge pools for a completely immersive experience.
If you thought that was it, well there is so much more to the resort. From night golf to the Real Madrid Soccer School, a movie theater, supermarket, and guest pools located throughout the 7000-acre community, Casa de Campo is a destination unto itself.