We crave sun, sand and salutations. But we don’t need crowds, saccharine
drinks and poolside renditions of La Macarena. Set in the
beautiful south east coast of the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo is
7,000 acres of serene luxury with all the right bells and whistles.
sleep
Nestled among palms and bougainvillea, Casas
swishiest private villas boast infinity pools, basketball courts and
docks for ones yacht. Jay-Z rented something oceanfront for his 40th
birthday (Queen B needs her space). No less sumptuous, our Elite Balcony
suite had a cathedral ceiling and walk-in closet. Best of all, each room
comes with its own golf carrito for getting to and fro. Arriba! Rooms
from US$300 per night, www.casadecampo.com.do
eat
There are 13 gourmet eateries here and (hallelujah!) just one buffet. We
spent most afternoons noshing on fresh seafood at the open air Beach
Club by Le Cirque. Overlooking Minitas Beach, the lobster salad and
poached conch cocktails are delish. Do sea breezes smell better over
mojitos made from hand-picked berries? Why yes they do.
shop
A short hop from the main resort, Altos de Chavón has a charming cache
of boutiques with handspun carpets, embroidered linens, and artisanal
pottery. At Jenny
Polanco we fell for hand-painted clutch bags and pretty lace trim
dresses. The village is also home to The School of Design (an outpost of
Parsons). Ask to visit the library where a collection of vintage
leather-bound Vogues will put a gleeful dent in your beach time.
do
We never could resist a gent on horseback and the Casa de Campo polo
team is most swoon-worthy. Catch a cup tournament at the Equestrian
Centre, take a guided trail ride or sign up for lessons in Western,
English or polo (if you dare). Trot on. www.casadecampo.com.do
spa
Riding the range is glorious until you discover muscles you never knew
existed. For your sins, the spas Polo
Stretching Massage is just the thing. We loved that treatment
products are 100 per cent natural and made on site. Follow up with a
turn in the meditation garden labyrinth and you might get back on the
horse. Treatments from $40. www.casadecampo.com.do/spa
Marianne Wisenthal
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