DESTINATIONS ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC


THINGS TO DO AT CASA DE CAMPO


Spa and Wellness Centre The 18,000sq-ft facility, which opened in June, features a sauna, steam room, cold-water pool, thermal loungers and an outdoor pool. There are also 12 treatment rooms, one of which is designed for VIPs and brides. Treatments range from The


Art of Self-Love ($495 for 170 minutes) to sessions costing less than $100. I opted for the 50-minute Signature Massage ($185), which was a heavenly way to relax my muscles, before I chilled out on a lounger overlooking the lake and fountain with a herbal tea.


Altos de Chavón This replica 16th-century Italian village is home to the Regional Archaeological Museum. The museum’s 3,000 artefacts tell the story of the indigenous Taíno – it’s fascinating to learn about their culture and how words such as ‘hammock’ and ‘canoe’ came into English from their Arawak language. Also in town, a Grecian-style 5,000-seat amphitheatre has hosted shows by Elton John, Duran Duran and Rod Stewart.


Catalina Island Daily boat trips depart from the water sports centre for the 35-minute ride to Catalina Island, accompanied by merengue music ($48 adults, $30 under-12s). Snorkelling equipment is available to hire, while the island is home to a souvenir shop, craft stalls and people offering massages and hair braiding.


Spa and Wellness Centre


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Teeth of the Dog golf course; The Premier Club lounge and lobby; Chilango restaurant


Caribbean”, or try kayaking, fishing or paddleboarding – nor visit the nightclub, cinema or kids’ clubs.


PAMPERING THE PALATE With eight international restaurants to choose from, clients can expect an adventure for their taste buds at every meal. For breakfast, most guests opted for the bountiful buffet at Lago, with tables overlooking the Teeth of the Dog. Other options include the Spa Café and à la carte offerings at La Cana. At lunch, Chilango Mexican


restaurant and food trucks on the beach were the order of the day. I was spoilt for choice at dinner time, with options such as Causa (Peruvian, Chinese and Japanese fusion menus) and La Casita, which serves Spanish fare and seafood. Options beyond the


BOOK IT


Azure Collection offers seven nights’ all-inclusive in a Premier Junior Suite from £3,195, including a 40% discount. The price includes BA flights and transfers. azurecollection.com


38 26 OCTOBER 2023


all-inclusive range include Minitas Beach Club, where the Dominican fried snapper was delicious. At the Casa de Campo’s new spa, I indulged in healthy chia seed pudding and avocado on toast. Irene Campana, the spa and wellness director, tells me it is “one of the best spas in the Caribbean”. She adds: “Guests have been amazed by the service, treatments and variety. The only problem is the availability of appointments, as it’s so popular.” The spa’s previous clients have included LA Law star Blair Underwood, who brought several of his guests when he married at Casa de Campo in June. “The weather is fabulous, the


resort is tranquil, and it’s big enough that it’s not crowded – and the people are genuine, with a passion to serve,” says Campana.


TW


CASA DE CAMPO SELLING TIPS


By Jason Kycek, senior vice- president of sales and marketing


E Learn about our many USPs through training and fam trips. About 10% of our guests come from the UK and we’re investing in a five-year plan to increase that with improvements such as extra Premier Suites and pool areas for kids.


E Educate clients about the Dominican Republic. It’s an amazing country with wonderful people, food, history and diversity – ideal for the luxury market.


E Our diversity of activities – from shooting to equestrian – plus world- class cuisine and 2,800 hectares to explore are the main draw. Guests enjoy the same facilities as our 2,400-plus homeowners.


E We’ve got some exciting events to mark our 50th anniversary next year, starting with a Frank Sinatra cover band and orchestra – as he was the first performer to sing here.


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Shawn Talbot Photography


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