Casa de Campo
About
What It Is
Casa de Campo is a large luxury resort and residential community situated in La Romana, on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic [2]. Originally developed in the 1970s by Gulf and Western Industries across 7,000 acres of former sugar mill land, it began as a private retreat before opening to paying guests after the death of its founder, Charles Bluhdorn, in 1983 [2]. The interior design was handled by Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta, a personal friend of Bluhdorn, and the property was subsequently acquired by the Fanjul family [2]. Today it operates as a five-star resort offering accommodations, golf, marina access, and a wide range of sporting and cultural facilities [1].
Activities & Experiences
Golf is a central draw, with three Pete Dye-designed championship courses on site: Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links [1][2]. Teeth of the Dog, which opened in 1971, runs along a rocky coastline and is consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, and the only Caribbean course to hold that distinction [2]. Dye Fore skirts cliffs roughly 300 feet above the Chavon River, offering views toward the village of Altos de Chavon and the marina [2]. Beyond golf, visitors can use the equestrian center, polo fields, shooting center, racquet center, spa, and beaches, or explore Altos de Chavon, a Mediterranean-style cultural village built above the Chavon River [1].
The resort's marina, completed in 2000 and designed by Italian architect Gian Franco Fini to resemble Portofino, accommodates up to 400 berths and is surrounded by more than 70 restaurants, shops, bars, and residences [2]. Sport fishing, yacht club services, and sailing events have all been hosted at the marina [1][2]. The resort also stages a recurring calendar of events including polo matches, music performances, and seasonal celebrations [1].
Practical Access
Casa de Campo is located in La Romana, Dominican Republic, and guests navigate the expansive 7,000-acre property by golf cart, which is provided with accommodations [1]. Lodging options include private villas with dedicated staff, Premier Suites, and casitas [1]. The resort map identifies twelve distinct zones including the main hotel lobby, spa, golf courses, polo fields, equestrian center, marina, shooting center, and Minitas Beach Club [1].
The resort hosts an annual golf event, the Sugar Golf Tournament, drawing approximately 300 golfers each year [2]. Significant international competitions have also been held on site, including the Latin America Amateur Championship in 2016, 2019, and 2022 [2]. Reservations and tee times can be booked through the resort directly [1].
Restrictions
No specific restrictions noted in the sources.
What Makes It Distinctive
Casa de Campo holds the distinction of being home to the only Caribbean golf course consistently ranked in the world's top 100, and the only Forbes Four-Star rated spa in the Dominican Republic [1][2]. Its scale, at 7,000 acres, and the breadth of its facilities, ranging from a 400-berth marina to polo fields and an equestrian center, set it apart from typical Caribbean resort properties [1][2]. The presence of Altos de Chavon, a handcrafted Mediterranean-style village functioning as a cultural landmark within the resort grounds, adds an architectural and historical dimension uncommon in resort settings [1]. The property also carries a notable design legacy, with interiors by Oscar de la Renta and golf courses by Pete and Alice Dye [1][2].
Sources
Inside
- Typical duration: 2 days
Things to do
- beach and pool access
- equestrian / dude ranch
- golf
- marina / yachting
- polo
- racquet sports
- shooting sports
- spa and wellness
Amenities
- golf cart included
- multiple dining venues
- private villa with dedicated staff
Events & seasons
- festive season / new year events
- sugar golf tournament
Features
- 120-ton travelift shipyard
- 3 championship golf courses
- 400-berth marina
- 7,000-acre resort
- 70+ marina-side restaurants and shops
- altos de chavon village
- dye fore golf course
- forbes 4-star spa
- founded as private retreat, 1970s
- golf cart included with stay
- opened to public 1983
- oscar de la renta interior design
- over 1,700 private villas
- teeth of the dog golf course
- the links golf course
- three championship golf courses
Nearby
- la romana city
Good to know
- events calendar available
- la romana, southeast dominican republic
- resort map provided
- rolex farr 40 sailing cup hosted 2010
- tee times bookable online
Photos
