casa de campo
Dominican Republic
By Mike Pickup, Mike writes about travel for numerous newspapers and magazines, both consumer and trade. He is also the Editor of Holiday Magazine and a professionally trained photographer. For more information click here
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“In fourteen hundred and ninety two Columbus sailed the ocean blue”, so says the traditional rhyme. It was in December of that year that Christopher Columbus landed on a Caribbean island subsequently named Hispaniola, an island now shared by two nations – Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
It was Christopher's son Bartholomew who, six years later, founded Santo Domingo, the first city in the Americas and the capital of the Dominican Republic.
Today the country is the most visited in the Caribbean and tourism is at the heart of the economy with developments such as Casa de Campo contributing to its success. The eleven square miles of the resort contain two thousand luxury villas, holiday homes to three former US Presidents, Justin Bieber, JLo, Beyonce and many more. Fortunately there are over three hundred hotel rooms and suites as well as an optional all-inclusive package that enable those of us on a more modest budget to enjoy the same amazing facilities.
The town of Romana where Casa de Campo is situated, was originally home to the world’s largest sugar mill, owned by Gulf + Western, famous for such brands as Paramount Pictures, Viacom and CBS.
However, the area was transformed into a tourism destination, starting with the building of the Teeth of the Dog golf course which opened in 1971, the first of three designed by the legendary Pete Dye and now generally recognised as the best in the Caribbean. Many famous people have taken on the challenge of the course, including Bill Clinton.
One of my favourite places for lunch was the Nineteenth Hole, the club-house bar overlooking the course. It's a lovely place to enjoy not-so-lite bites, washed down with a cold beer or glass of wine.
It was Christopher's son Bartholomew who, six years later, founded Santo Domingo, the first city in the Americas and the capital of the Dominican Republic.
Today the country is the most visited in the Caribbean and tourism is at the heart of the economy with developments such as Casa de Campo contributing to its success. The eleven square miles of the resort contain two thousand luxury villas, holiday homes to three former US Presidents, Justin Bieber, JLo, Beyonce and many more. Fortunately there are over three hundred hotel rooms and suites as well as an optional all-inclusive package that enable those of us on a more modest budget to enjoy the same amazing facilities.
The town of Romana where Casa de Campo is situated, was originally home to the world’s largest sugar mill, owned by Gulf + Western, famous for such brands as Paramount Pictures, Viacom and CBS.
However, the area was transformed into a tourism destination, starting with the building of the Teeth of the Dog golf course which opened in 1971, the first of three designed by the legendary Pete Dye and now generally recognised as the best in the Caribbean. Many famous people have taken on the challenge of the course, including Bill Clinton.
One of my favourite places for lunch was the Nineteenth Hole, the club-house bar overlooking the course. It's a lovely place to enjoy not-so-lite bites, washed down with a cold beer or glass of wine.
Perhaps the only problem you will have is trying to fit in all that the place has to offer. As well as the three golf courses there are three polo pitches and a dude ranch, stabling for several hundred horses which guests can ride, clay pigeon shooting, thirteen tennis courts and a range of water sports both on the sea and on the river. Oh, then there’s a cigar factory! Of course there are the usual facilities such as a fitness centre, spa, pools and numerous bars. There is even a helicopter pad for those wanting to arrive in style
Altos de Chavon is situated at the far end of the resort from the reception area. A mock sixteenth century Spanish village, it was built as a film set but never used as such. It’s home to a number of restaurants, artisan workshops, a museum and night club. I enjoyed a lovely Italian meal at La Piazetta, one of two restaurants in that location.
Nearby there’s a five thousand seat Roman-style Amphitheatre. Opened in 1972, the first performer was Frank Sinatra, clearly a tough act to follow, but many have done so, including Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo and more.
Altos de Chavon is situated at the far end of the resort from the reception area. A mock sixteenth century Spanish village, it was built as a film set but never used as such. It’s home to a number of restaurants, artisan workshops, a museum and night club. I enjoyed a lovely Italian meal at La Piazetta, one of two restaurants in that location.
Nearby there’s a five thousand seat Roman-style Amphitheatre. Opened in 1972, the first performer was Frank Sinatra, clearly a tough act to follow, but many have done so, including Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo and more.
The beach at Minitas includes a beach club with two pools, one for families and the other for adults only. A food cart is available for snacks and there is also a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Not everyone arrives by air. A short distance away, the Marina is crammed with luxury yachts. As well as a range of mooring facilities, owners can take advantage of an ultra-modern shipyard. There are also several places to eat with 'millionaire' views.
For those looking for a home from home, the lovely villas come with staff who prepare breakfast and who are available to cater for lunches, dinners, parties, BBQs and more. Accommodation ranges from three to eleven bedrooms.
More modest but very comfortable accommodation is offered by the 300+ hotel rooms and suites, scattered around a vast tropical garden setting, and guests can take advantage of an all-inclusive package. The resort has recently introduced over fifty premier suites which come with their own separate check-in and lounge with its own bar and complementary snacks available all day. There is also a new luxury spa with thirteen treatment rooms overlooking lovely views
As it covers such a large area, guests are also allocated a motorised buggy to get round the resort, so don’t forget to take a driving licence. No-one walks in Casa de Campo, not even the golfers on the three golf courses!
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