Known as much for its celebrity guests (LeBron James, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Michael Jordan) and villa owners (Marc Anthony, Sammy Sosa, Pitbull) as for its facilities, Casa de Campo is an all-inclusive, super-sized place that remains discerning despite its enormity. The 185 or so hotel rooms have hardwood furnishings, wonderful local art, 42in LCD TVs, Nespresso machines and a golf cart for all.
The enormous, 28-sq-km complex is home to 19 restaurants, an equestrian center, polo fields, an exclusive beach, a shooting range – the list goes on and on. It truly resembles a city-state, albeit one with G8 summit security and a disproportionate amount of ‘beautiful people’ per capita.
Catering mostly to celebrities, golf enthusiasts and families, Casa de Campo feels less like a resort than a tropical Beverly Hills, mainly due to the independent design of the 2000 or so extravagant luxury villas (of which 60 or so are in the rental pool, complete with personal chefs, butlers, maids and pools). All-inclusive rates include unlimited horseback riding, tennis, one round of skeet/trap shooting and nonmotorized water sports at the beach. Other available activities include kayak trips down the Río Chavón (per person per hour US$22) and daily buggy tours (except Tuesday) through sugarcane country (per person US$114). Three Pete Dye–designed golf courses; Altos de Chavón, a Tuscan-style ‘village’; and a Mediterranean-style piazza overlooking a massive marina round out the resort’s offerings.
Day passes (adult/child US$75/69) are available for nonguests and can be purchased at the information office on the right before the entrance gates. Whether this is good value is debatable: you are allowed to enter the property, access the beach (towel and chaise lounge included) and have a meal and one drink (soda, beer or water). A property tour pass (US$25) includes a visit to Altos de Chavón and the marina – no lunch or beach access.
Most guests arrive at the resort by air, either at the private landing strip or the airport that serves La Romana, and are then driven onto the property. If arriving by private vehicle, follow Av Libertad east across the river and stay in the right lane for 4km until you see the entrance on your right.
All of the resort’s restaurants – the best in the region – are open to nonguests. You must email the concierge (a.concierge@ccampo.com.do) for a reservation and be prepared to show identification at the security gate.