Casa de Campo: Champagne holidays at Prosecco prices.
Celebrating its fiftieth birthday, the eleven square miles of the Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo (country house) are home to two thousand luxury villas, holiday homes to the rich and famous including three former US presidents, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, JLo and many more.
Fortunately, for those of us with more modest resources, there are over three hundred hotel rooms and suites scattered around the extensive grounds, plus an ‘all-inclusive’ package, allowing us to enjoy the same facilities. And what amazing facilities they are!
How it started
The site in Romana was originally home to the world’s largest sugar mill, owned by Gulf + Western, famous for such brands as Paramount Pictures and CBS. Its transformation started with the building of the Teeth of the Dog golf course. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, it opened in 1971.
In 1974 it became an exclusive executive retreat for Gulf + Western. In the same year Indian Prince Maharajah Jabar Singh, renowned for his expertise in polo, was invited to introduce the sport at the newly created resort.
In 1976, La Terraza Tennis Club was constructed and 1984 saw the addition of hotel rooms, complementing the existing private villas. Casa de Campo has continued to grow as more villas, hotel rooms and facilities have been added and is today one of the world’s top resorts.
Accommodation
I have been to Casa de Campo twice. On my first visit, my accommodation was a two-room suite in a small block situated in the gardens not far from reception. Since then 58 Premier Suites have been added, with their own reception and clubhouse complete with bar and complimentary snacks. On my second visit I stayed in one of these new suites. It consisted of a vast bedroom with sofa, tables and chairs plus a terrace overlooking gardens and a golf course. There was a bath and shower room, separate wash room with his and hers basins and a huge walk-in wardrobe. There was also a fridge, coffee maker, hair drier, iron and, a first for me, a steamer.
What to do
There are three golf courses, including the ‘Teeth of the dog’, rated the best in the Caribbean. This is golf at its finest. There is also an Equestrian Centre offering horse riding, a dude ranch and three polo pitches. Local and international matches are played regularly. The Centre’s Director, Fernando Arata is an Argentinian polo player whose passion for the sport is unquestionable.
Thirteen tennis courts cater for all standards and there are professionals on hand for those looking to improve their skills. The shooting centre has over 200 traps and includes a 110 ft. tower that projects sporting clays—one of the largest in the world. There’s even a five-stand Purdey shooting facility. Water sports include sailing, paddle surfing and kayaking on the resort’s river. Of course, there is a pool with a swim-up bar, gym and a new thirteen-room spa with lovely garden views. The beach at Minitas also has two pools, one for families and one for adults only.
Not all visitors arrive by air. During my visits I strolled around Casa de Campo’s top-class marina with its 350 moorings, yacht club and boatyard for servicing and repairs. It has restaurants, boutique shops, a supermarket, hardware store and cinema.
I also spent some time at Altos de Chavon. This mock 16th century Mediterranean village was built as a film set but never used. I explored a number of artisan workshops and a fascinating museum covering thousands of years of local history. The village is full of character and its little church is popular for weddings. A nearby amphitheatre holds five thousand people. It was opened in 1982 by Frank Sinatra, followed two days later by Carlos Santana. Subsequent performers have included Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Michael Bublé and more.
Food and drink
Close to the main reception there are two restaurants. Lago is a buffet offering breakfast and lunch with stunning views over a golf course and the Caribbean. There is also an a-la-carte restaurant, La Cana, where I enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner on several occasions. Diners can eat inside or outside and there is a shady bar for cool drinks. However, my favourite spot for lunch was the Nineteenth Hole, the clubhouse terrace of the Teeth of the Dog golf course. A relaxing cool glass of wine or lager, a toasted Panini and views across the 18th green and the sparkling Caribbean are the things memories are made of.
The marina is home to three more enticing restaurants, two of which are in the all-inclusive package. Causa specialises in Peruvian dishes whilst La Casita focuses on seafood and Spanish cuisine. Altos de Chavon also has two restaurants; I enjoyed La Piazzetta which offers Italian fare, although strangely not pizzas, whilst Chilango caters for those looking for authentic Mexican flavours.
Getting around
Casa de Campo’s grounds cover seven thousand acres so guests are provided with a buggy for getting around. Most are bright red but guests in the new Premier Suites get luxury liveried black versions. The restaurants at the marina and Altos de Chavon are some distance from the central area so, not wanting to drink and drive, I used the courtesy shuttle buses. Just park your buggy at reception and hop on a bus.
Summary
There is so much to do in Casa de Campo that it’s hard to fit it all in. However, nothing is compulsory and you can do as much or as little as you like. The selection of restaurants means that you have a huge choice and the evening shuttle services to the Marina and Altos de Chavon are great when it comes to dining out. Exploring the resort by buggy is great fun. Naturally, service levels are top class but you will be left in peace unless you want something.
Getting there
A number of tour operators offer Casa de Campo holidays with flights to Punta Cana. The transfer time is around 45 minutes but not all packages include transfers, so check with the tour operator. And don’t forget your driving licence for that all-important buggy!
[Article & Image Credits: Mike Pickup]
