CHARISMATIC CASA DE CAMPO BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER
hidden, nor is it a secret. Yet somehow Casa de Campo flies slightly under the radar—likely due to the privacy that its expanse affords. Regulars such as Michael Jordan, Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Derek Jeter, and Alicia Keys no doubt prefer to keep it that way, lest their favorite villa, hotel suite, or poolside cabana be usurped. It’s not easy to categorize Casa de Campo. Known to insiders as the “Hamptons of the Dominican Republic,” this playground of the rich and famous is a luxury resort—and a very large one, at that—with all the requisite pools and beaches. It is home to some of the Caribbean’s most sumptuous residences, many of which are available to rent. It’s a bucket-list golf retreat. It’s a world-class equestrian center, a venue for concerts by some of the music industry’s biggest names, and a marina at 86 QUEST
which luxury yachts are moored. It’s fine dining and boutique shopping. It’s merengue-inducing. Add a warm and welcoming staff, and Casa de Campo becomes greater than the sum of its following parts: BEACH & POOL The centrally located Minitas Beach offers snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and palm-shaded oceanfront lounge chairs in multitudes that make the 7 a.m. towel-drape “save” unnecessary. The adjacent Minitas Beach Club features an infinity pool, cabanas, and a new bar and restaurant from which it’s hard to imagine a better sunset view. A stunning new family pool also graces the beachfront. Not a sand fan? The inland resort is home to two tranquility pools, one with a swim-up bar and each surrounded by shaded cabanas.
CO U RTE S Y O F C A S A D E C A M P O R E S O RT & V I LL A S
THIS 7,000-ACRE SLICE of Caribbean paradise is not exactly