Yes! Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is a fantastic place for a surprisingly affordable luxury vacation. It is an ultra-lux Dominican Republic resort that goes out of its way to wow you. And it can be accessible to many families. Even big ones, like mine!
This resort is nestled in a quiet cove of pristine Caribbean beachfront and is a favorite of celebrities worldwide. Yet with the many different accommodation and meal plan options, it can be totally affordable! My husband and I traveled to the Dominican Republic for the first time in 2019 and had an incredible time there.
Condé Nast Traveler named Casa de Campo Resort & Villas as one of the top Caribbean resorts for good reason. The sprawling resort is one of the leading hotels in the world, attracting affluent travelers from around the globe as well as average families like mine from Atlanta. They offer diverse accommodations, gourmet cuisine, a Yacht Club, a Tennis Center, a Shooting Club and three of the world’s best 18-hole golf clubs! While luxurious, it is a place where an affordable luxury vacation can be experienced.
Finding An Affordable Luxury Vacation at Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas spans 7,000 tropical acres on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. This luxury Caribbean destination is about 90 minutes from both Punta Cana and Santa Domingo. There is a also a Casa de Campo airport! La Romana (LRM) is a tiny international airport located five minutes from check-in, though flights in and out are limited. It is serviced by JetBlue Airways and seasonally by American Airlines.
Tip: Want a wow moment? Arrange a helicopter transfer from Santo Domingo airport to the resort. Casa de Campo can set that up!
Casa de Campo Rooms, Suites and Villas
There are 1800 villas and 245 hotel rooms at Casa de Campo. The villas range from 2-3 bedroom bungalows to massive 10-bedroom mansions. They have some kind of accommodation to suit everyone. The elegant accommodations include hotel rooms and suites, which is what I experienced. High ceilings, updated features and a wonderful view of the golf course dominated our room.
Tip: The low season at Casa de Campo is in summer! Look for deals from May to September. Higher prices reign from October to April.
Casa de Campo Restaurants
There are seven upscale restaurants and six bars at this resort. Each of them is unique and designed to meet the taste buds of various discerning travelers. My favorite Casa de Campo restaurant is La Casita in the Marina for Spanish tapas. You can watch the amazing luxury yachts right from your table. It was very romantic, yet we did see kids (albeit very posh ones) eating there too.
For breakfast, nothing beats the buffet at Lago Restaurant overlooking the acclaimed Teeth of the Dog golf course. The food is fantastic, with a mix of Caribbean, European and American favorites. Get there early to snag a table bordering the course (yet under a covered porch so you won’t get too hot). It is simply beautiful!
Casa de Campo offers an all-inclusive or a “European” plan. The latter includes breakfast, while the former includes all meals and drinks. We did the European plan to save money and found ourselves salivating over the food others were ordering around us. If you can, splurge on the all-inclusive option.
Tip: You can visit the mall/grocery store in La Romana or stop by the convenience store in the Marina to pick up snacks and drinks for your room if you don’t have the all-inclusive plan. However, since the resort is massive, going off-site to includes a $25 taxi ride.
Casa de Campo Marina
Driving to the Marina may take about 15 minutes in the provided golf carts, but it is worth every kilometer. The quaint, quiet area reminds me of walking through the streets of Paris and what I assume it would feel like to meander through Barcelona. Darling (yet expensive) boutiques line the streets with cafes and restaurants ready and willing to feed the hungry.
Tip: Watching the impossibly gigantic yachts moored in the marina is exciting on its own.
Casa de Campo Activities
Equestrian
Casa de Campo has a myriad of activities you can try. Visit the Equestrian Center and Polo fields to see the approximately 300 horses on-site. You can book a pony ride for the little ones, a trail ride for everyone else or even take a polo lesson.
Golf
If you are a golfer, this resort is your paradise. The world-famous Teeth of the Dog course at Casa de Campo is one of the best golf courses in the entire Caribbean. It is known for its soothing oceanside landscape, beautiful Caribbean colors and impeccable design. There are also two other courses available to resort guests.
Shooting
For a “why not?” experience, head to the 245-acre Shooting Center. An instructor will help you learn how to shoot sporting clays. Even kids as young as 8 are welcome. It looked difficult to me, but I was assured it was surprisingly simple.
Tennis
Now tennis is more my speed! Casa de Campo has 13 courts at their private La Terraza Tennis Center. They offer clinics, camps, and private lessons for guests of all ages and abilities. My husband and I did a private lesson, and the instructor was fantastic. The courts are impeccable, and equipment is available to rent or buy.
Tip: Save time to explore Altos de Chavón – an artisan’s village modeled after a 16th-century Mediterranean city. There are boutique shops, museums and a 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater here. The views here are simply breathtaking.
Casa de Campo Beach Club
One of the best things about Casa de Campo is how it caters to both families and those who want to stay far away from kids. The Adults-only infinity-edged pool, bar, and beach area are prime examples. For families, the inflatable water slides on the beach provide a safe yet fun experience for kids. There is also a new family pool kids of all ages can enjoy. There are water sports activities available as well for those who can’t sit still.
Tip: Get lunch at the most upscale Food Trucks I’ve ever seen. Servers take your orders and bring the food to you too. No standing in line!
Casa de Campo is one of those places that encourages you to dream. Why not be rich and famous? Why not be one of those kind of people who take helicopters to a resort instead of a taxi? Can’t you be king or queen of the castle…even if it’s only for a weekend? You can at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas! It is the perfect place for an affordable luxury vacation I am so grateful I was able to experience.
