Casa De Campo

The Dominican Republic in general is only now coming into its own as a haute-luxury hotbed, but there’s one exception that pre-dates the current boom by decades. That would be Casa de Campo, a vast resort on the island’s stunning southeastern coast, home to no fewer than three utterly transcendent golf courses, a marina full of mega-yachts, and — most relevant to our interests — a wide array of rooms, suites, and villas, all of which have been renovated, restored, even rebuilt, turning a Seventies-vintage classic into a contemporary luxury hotel of the highest caliber.

The humblest of its accommodations spread out over some 500 square feet, and come with all the standard luxury-hotel comforts, as well as a four-passenger golf cart. Meanwhile the villas sleep anywhere from two to twenty-seven guests, and include extras like butler service, private pools, and much more.

For golfers, the three Pete Dye courses are the main attraction, especially the legendary Teeth of the Dog, seven of whose holes lie along the rugged coastline whose jagged coral formations gave it its name. Along with golf you’ll find facilities for polo, tennis, shooting, and even a soccer academy affiliated with Real Madrid. There’s an extravagant spa as well, of course, in addition to a wide variety of seafaring diversions, from snorkeling and kayaking to sport fishing and a full-service yacht club.