Casa de Campo, La Romana
More photosSpread across 7,000 acres on the sun-drenched southeastern coast of La Romana, Casa de Campo is a legendary paradise that pioneered luxury tourism in the Dominican Republic. It first opened in 1974 on the sprawling grounds of a massive sugarcane mill. The resort’s initial look and timeless tropical interior elegance were crafted by none other than world-famous, native Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.
The resort’s undisputed crown jewel is *Teeth of the Dog*, a world-class golf course designed by the legendary Pete Dye. When Dye began building it in the early 1970s, he bypassed heavy machinery and instead guided 300 Dominican laborers armed only with sledgehammers and chisels to hand-carve the fairways out of jagged coral rock. Dye famously quipped that he only created 11 holes, while “God created seven” along the striking, rugged shoreline.
In a quirky twist of history, the resort’s early aviation strip was built so close to the fairways that the runway literally cut right across holes 9, 11, and 18. Today, guests can still easily zip around the massive, self-contained property using their own personal golf carts provided with their stay.
The resort’s soul rests high on a hill overlooking the Chavón River at Altos de Chavón. Built in 1976 using stone from a nearby dynamited mountain, this breathtaking landmark is a meticulously hand-carved replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. It was dreamed up by Paramount Pictures production designer Roberto Coppa and features a massive 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater that Frank Sinatra personally inaugurated with a global televised concert in 1982.
Beyond the historic village, visitors can explore a stunning 400-berth marina designed by Italian architect Gian Franco Fini to echo the look of Portofino, Italy. Combined with a world-renowned equestrian center, polo fields, and the pristine sands of Minitas Beach, the property sits a mere five-minute drive from the city center of La Romana, keeping culture and coast perfectly connected.
Expert reviews
“Located in the Dominican Republic’s historic sugar mill town La Romana, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has lured a long line of A-listers (Bill and Hillary Clinton, Julio Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Jay Z and Beyoncé) to its sprawling, 7,000-acre resort. Here, peace, quiet and privacy are important tenets and you’ll find a professional, discreet staff.”
“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.”
“When this sprawling 7,000-acre resort first opened around 50 years ago, celebrities including Frank Sinatra flew into Casa’s own airstrip in their private jets. These days it’s more your average Joe who comes to take advantage of Casa’s sundry amenities, everything from golf and horse riding to kayaking and tennis.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Beachfront
- Swimming pool
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
Location
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