Living your best life at Casa de Campo in the beautiful Dominican Republic

Casa de Campo elevates its guests’ experiences with the opening of the brand new Premier Club and Suites designed to deliver the most intimate service for discerning patrons in a refined setting.

Report by BANCROFT WILLIAMS

With a ribbon cutting ceremony in April 2023 by the President of the Dominican Republic, the Resort celebrates 50 years of wowing guests with their new u ltra-luxury accommodations in the heart of its extensive sporting and entertainment facilities spread over 7,000 acres of real estate.

Entering the property’s gates, my wife and I were driven down an avenue lined with palm trees, named in honour of King Juan Carlos I, who visited Casa de Campo in 2015. The scale of the property unfolds to Resort guests who are offered golf carts to traverse the Resort’s extensive network of roadways.

Casa de Campo is also home to residents with over 2,400 villas custom built to owners’ specifications, which are also available in the resorts rental pool for visitors to enjoy. Guests can choose from 3 to 12 bedroom luxury homes, which come complete with private pools, Jacuzzis, and your own private maid and butler who cater to your every whim and need.

Sporting sleek modern lines reflecting chic contemporary architecture with neutral tan tones, the Premier Club boasts 24-hour personalised service from check-in to offering complimentary hors d’oeuvres with premium liquors and lounging areas with arresting views of ‘The Teeth of the Dog’ Golf Course, often ranked #1 in the Caribbean.

From there my host takes us on a personalised one-minute ride by golf cart to the Premier Suites, reflecting a similar architecture and colour palette to t he Premier Club. Spacious, calming, private, and comfortable — with the latest in technology — are words that define the new Premier Suites, making these sumptuously appointed accommodations a welcomed respite from the world beyond the gates of the

Top: The new Spa at Casa de Campo features a range of water therapy treatments; Center-L: Relaxing at the Spa; Center-R: Spacious villas for rent are available in the Resort’s rental pool; Below: Luxurious linens and golf course views are hallmarks of the Premier Suites; Right: Villas fronting manicured golf courses with arresting views of the Caribbean Sea abound across the Resort.

Resort and the multitude of activities within. Pouring glasses of Mezcal from the premium liquor selection stocked in our suite, I opened the sliding doors inhaling the sweet earthy smell, while taking in views of the Links Golf Course with its wide fairways giving way to challenging greens.

An early night called for room service using the QR Code provided, to get us settled in for the evening to drift away on the King-sized bed swaddled in silky one thousand thread-count Egyptian cotton linens.

Golfing against scenic backdrops & discovering the most prestigious Marina in Dom Rep

Starting early the following morning we played a round of golf with friends who were staying at a villa fronting the Dye Fore Golf Course which can be described as a one-of-a-kind Pete Dye designed masterpiece with views of the Dominican mountains, the Chavón River, Marina, and Altos de Chavón (a replica of a Mediterranean village). The course boasts twenty-seven holes, 7,740 yards long; seven scenic cliff-side holes dropping three hundred feet to the Chavón River below; and breathtaking 360 degree views, making it hard for me to keep my eye on the ball. In line with the Resort’s sustainability ethos, paspalum grass is used on golf courses which are watered with brackish water, saving the freshwater resources of La Romana.

Each of Casa de Campo’s three golf courses offers unique challenges in scenic vistas, a treat to golfers new and seasoned in the sport. With the famed Teeth of the Dog being their crown jewel, golfers from around the world have sought to play this bucket list course and take on the challenges of this most renowned of golf courses in the Caribbean.

After lunch at La Caña with its French inspired cuisine, we took a leisurely walk through the boutiques and shops on the 370 slip Marina filled with sailboats, catamarans, and superyachts. With its own Yacht Club and townhouses, it’s the perfect hang out for sports fishermen, yachtees, and sun lovers. Accommodating vessels up to 250 feet and considered the largest destination Marina in the Caribbean, the Marina hosts Bill and Marlin fishing tournaments, and regattas are major events on the calendar of activities which attract hundreds to the docks to cheer on their teams. Passing by SBG Restaurant with its Mediterranean menu and sophisticated vibe, we made d inner reservations for the evening that promised to be a gastronomic delight.

Island Getaways and Clay Shooting

The next morning after breakfast at Largo Restaurant with its sweeping views of ‘The Teeth of the Dog’ Golf Course, we took a 30-minute boat ride from Playa Minitas — the Resort’s main beach — to go over to Catalina Island, with packed lunch in hand. The island’s location keeps both its beaches and Casa de Campo’s beaches free of sargassum, making swimming a treat for the entire family. Catalina Island is famed for its long powder white sand beaches and clear calm waters making it perfect for snorkelers to discover the underwater treasures. Attentive staff set up beach beds and umbrellas while taking drinks orders, which made our stay comfortable and event free. Returning to Playa Minitas in the afternoon we headed to the Shooting Centre located on 245 acres of forested land, with over two hundred stations for trap, skeet and sporting clays, and pigeon rings. There we tried our hand at clay shooting by launchers that simulated the flight pattern of different birds, from quails to grouse, to pheasants. Casa de Campo’s shooting centre also has a 110 ft. tower that projects sporting clays which is a favourite with advanced shooters honing their precision skills. And for the most rugged of settings, experienced wild game shooters can head to “Rancho Peligro,” a wild bird reserve outside of Casa de Campo where “Driven Shoots” take place.

Cigars, Philanthropy, and Mediterranean Inspired Village

short drive from Casa de Campo near the city centre of La Romana is the largest handmade cigar factory in the world. Tabacalera de García makes its award-winning cigar brands here that include local names Romeo y Juliet and Montecristo.

In the morning we toured the factory, learning about the tobacco leaves selection process to create r ich flavours that give the over forty million yearly produced premium all handmade cigars here their distinctive bouquets. We marvelled at the skilled cigar makers hand rolling techniques, then the packaging and labelling of premium cigar brands to give them a distinguished presentation and ready for export. We tried our hand at rolling our own cigars, followed by making cigar purchases from the gift shop showcased in locally made cedar boxes handmade by artisans on property, painted in rich colours and adorned with foil labels and clasps that will make them a keepsake box for years to come.

AThe afternoon we continued our excursion in La Romana to a children’s charity supported by Casa de Campo called PBO Hogar that runs a school (from nursery to 18 years), a medical diagnostic centre attached to the local hospital, and an IT printing office. Serving over 2,000 students with many on a waiting list, it was a heartwarming experience as children shared with us their innovations in the electrical classroom, and put on a fashion show with clothing made from recycled materials. Then we watched hearing impaired children dance for us Dominican folklore ballads to the vibrations they felt from sound box speakers. All memorable experiences filled with the passions and energy of Dominican youths who will be the nation’s leaders of tomorrow.

We ended the day back at Casa de Campo exploring the delights of Altos de Chavón — a recreated 16th century Mediterranean Village set against spectacular views of the Chavón River, which serves as a cultural centre and with perfect cinematic backdrops for movie sets. Its narrow alleys are filled with artisanal shops, art galleries, museum, boutiques, art studios, restaurants, and a 5,000-capacity amphitheatre that has seen live performances by Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Jul io Iglesia, Gloria Estefan, among many others. Dining in Altos de Chavón that evening after a day filled with activities, we chose La Piazzetta Restaurant that was originally designed by Oscar de la Renta, and has a menu filled with Italian classical dishes.

The morning at the equestrian centre, offering show jumping, grooming techniques, and rodeos, we chose horses with good dispositions for novice riders. We headed out on a leisurely ride — breaking into a gallop at times — in the surrounding grasslands, trails and polo fields, buffered by newly built villas with commanding views of the Resort and Caribbean Sea in the distance. More experienced riders can enjoy rides through herds of water buffalo, lakes teeming with ducks in local fauna, and the tall grasses of the nearby sugar cane fields.

The afternoon was reserved for a few hours of rejuvenation in the newly built spa, architecturally designed similarly to and a minute’s walk from the new Premier Club. High ceilings, with neutral tones, wafting fragrances, and lulling sounds instilled a sense of cal m and wellbeing. Covering over 18,000 square feet indoor and outdoor space, it has twelve treatment rooms, and pavilions for yoga and other spa services. After my 90-minute massage I dozed off in the ‘relaxation and tranquillity’ lounge with the scent of lavender filling the air. Guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art hydrothermal circuit featuring sauna, steam, a vitality pool, cold plunge, laconium loungers, and an outdoor spa pool. For their most discreet and discerning guests, their “spa within a spa” facilities is ideal for VIPs and Bridal Parties as it boasts features that include, a private entrance, lounge, treatment area, makeup station, dressing area, bathroom, indoor & outdoor showers, a personal vitality pool, private bar, and refreshment area.

Tennis and La Romana Country Club

My last day at Casa de Campo saw us hit the clay courts at the Tennis Centre, to take in yet another activity offered at this Resort with so many choices in sports and entertainment for families and friends to enjoy. Inst ructors helped me develop my back hand skills and I was introduced to Padel Tennis played in a doubles match in an enclosed court with balls that bounce less than a tennis ball.

Our doubles competitors were villa owners at Casa de Campo who invited us to join them for lunch at the exclusive members-only La Romana Country Club located on the Resort. This was yet another treat in this incredibly special place in paradise that has captured the hearts and souls of so many residents and guests alike as the ultimate destination to pursue their passions and pastimes.

Casa de Campo is not resting on its many accolades but is elevating its guests experiences across the board, with the addition of their new Premier Club & Suites hera lding a new five diamond level of comfort and service in a ‘cha mpagne toast’ to the start of yet another 50 years of wowing their guests. | JP www.casadecampo.com.do

Dreaming about sailing around the world, visiting the most remote and beautiful destinations on the planet? Look no further, the Oyster World Rally is an extraordinary circumnavigation unlike any other.

The Oyster World Rally is the voyage of a lifetime, planned and managed entirely by the British luxury yacht manufacturer, Oyster Yachts. An Oyster sailing yacht is regarded as t he world’s finest bluewater sailboat, a liveaboard, luxury sailing yacht designed and engineered for ocean crossings and go-anywhere adventures.

The rally takes Oyster Yacht owners on a fully supported lap of the planet – three oceans, 27,000 nautical miles, and visiting more than 25 destinations over 16 unforgettable months.

Discover secluded, untouched and stunning destinations as you sail westward from the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal to visit the Galapagos Islands and French Polynesia, before heading down under. From Australia, the fleet sails the Indian Ocean, via Mauritius and countless tropical islands, towards Cape Town in South Africa.

T he fleet crosses the Atlantic for the home stretch, visiting Brazil, Grenada and on to the finish line in Antigua.

T his dream trip has become a reality for over 100 circumnavigators since the rally’s inception in 2013. Prepare yourself to witness dreamy sunsets, sail perfect cruising grounds, enjoy pristine anchorages, encounter native marine wildlife and slide into diverse cultures as you visit the planet’s most remote and untouched destinations, with a fleet of Oyster Yachts at your side. With upwards of 25 Oyster Yachts taking part in each rally, you are surrounded by like-minded, passionate adventurers with whom to share special moments along the way.

T he Oyster World Rally provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact, partnering with Sea Mercy, Sailors for the Sea and other organisations, to preserve the rally route for future generations. All participants can take part in the many programmes that support local communities and help protect our oceans.

An adventure of a lifetime

Spanning 16 months, the Oyster World Rally provides ample time to explore the beauty and charm of each destination. From island paradises to vibrant coastal cities, the rally fleet has the opportunity to explore and engage with local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of the world’s cultures and connecting with traditions and experiences outside of everyday life. Each destination visited unveils the hidden gems and natural wonders that have captivated sailors for centuries, with the added luxury of exploring them aboard the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailing yachts.

Journey highlights include transiting the Panama Canal; stopovers at the UNESCO World Heritage archipelago of the Galapagos Islands, with time to witness diverse plant and animal species including the giant tortoises; and heading through the South Pacific to French Polynesia and the idyllic, tropical paradise of Bora Bora, with iconic overwater bungalows and crystalline waters.

Discover secluded, untouched and stunning destinations as you sail westward from the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.

Make the most of stunning Indonesia in Gili Gede and the Cocos Keeling Islands, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with waters that are beyond blue, before sailing the Agulhas Current and heading around the Cape of Good Hope for Cape Town at the foot of Table Mountain.

Crossing the Southern Atlantic, stopover at Napoleon’s last resting place, St Helena, before getting the party started at the infamous Brazilian Carnival. A slow sail northwards brings you to Grenada, before crossing the finish line in Antigua and crowning yourself an official circumnavigator.

Unrivalled support along the way

Participation in the Oyster World Rally comes with the reassurance of a professional support team throughout your journey. With a legendary After Sales team and a global Rally Support team on hand, the comprehensive support system provides peace of mind from the moment of sign-up. Offering help and advice on everything from choosing the perfect Oyster model for circumnavigation to full training and preparation before setting sail at the start l ine, whether it’s technical assistance, logistical support or sharing invaluable local knowledge, the dedicated team ensures a seamless experience from start to finish and beyond.

The unparalleled support on offer has been a key decision-making factor for many veteran rally circumnavigators. For those with limited sailing experience, the determination to see the world and take the plunge is influenced by the unmatched support available. The Oyster World Rally team offers an extensive training programme on t he lead-up to the start line. With topics including yacht preparation and provisioning, ocean navigation and weather, onboard systems, downwind sailing techniques, safety and survival training and other technical requirements, the rally fleet is fully educated, briefed and prepared to sail around the world before the off.

W hile visiting key stopovers, the Rally Support team meets the fleet at each destination, organising exclusive events and experiences. From cooking classes in Antigua, to dinghy safaris in Fiji, and canoe racing in Tahiti, these group activities are a great way to forge friendships and memories with fellow sailors that are sure to last a lifetime.

The Oyster World Rally 2022-23

On 9th January 2022, His Excellency the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, fired the starting cannon for the third Oyster World Rally. 25 Oyster Yachts crossed the starting line, leaving Oyster’s spiritual home at Nelson’s Dockyard to begin their voyage of a lifetime. On 4th April 2023, the fleet crossed the finish line of their 16-month circumnavigation and was welcomed back to Antigua, an inspiring, emotional and memorable moment which marked the conclusion of the Oyster World Rally 2022-23 edition. With the 2024-25 Rally now fully subscribed, the next opportunity to join the Oyster World Rally will be in 2026-27. With so many highlights to see and do enroute, not to mention the sailing itself, the 16 months are sure to pass by in the best possible ways with endless discoveries and adventures.

If you would like to join a future Oyster World Rally, register your interest for the 2026-27 Rally, at www.oysteryachts. com or scan this QR Code.