Hotel Spotlight

This Is the Impressive Caribbean All-Inclusive That Launched Them All

by Daniel Schwartz
Altos de Chavon. All photos courtesy of Casa de Campo.

Casa de Campo
La Romana, Dominican Republic
Tropical, $$$ 

Meet the island all-inclusive that started the trend: Casa de Campo, the luxurious La Romana resort that set the standard for the no-care-in-the-world Caribbean vacation when it opened in the 1970s. Today, the hotel continues to cater to every whim imaginable with fourteen restaurants, three private white sand beaches, three world-class golf courses, a posh shopping marina, a pool and bar, a variety of recreational centers, and, as you would have it, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, Altos de Chavón, that has its own directory of restaurants, shops, and art studios. This place is big — so big, it has its own shuttle system. But for the traveler that wants it all without having to work to get it, this place can be your home for the holiday.

Fathom is where travelers get inspired. Read more:
- Reconsidering the All-Inclusive Beach Vacation in Antigua
- How I Learned to Slow Down (Sort of) and Love the Beach Vacation
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One of three Pete Dye-designed golf courses.
The main pool.
Chilango Taqueria.
La Piazzetta, originally designed by Oscar de la Renta.

Book It

Click here for reservations, or contact the Fathom Concierge and we can plan your trip for you.

At a Glance

Style: Toned-down tropical. Think mahogany wood, artisanal crafts, beautiful tiling, and a good breeze.

Standout Detail: Altos de Chavón, which has a slew of artisan studios, its own arts school backed by New York’s Parsons School of Design, and a 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater that holds concerts and performances. If you’re a golfer, the top-rated Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog golf course is a highlight.

This Place Is Perfect For: Families and couples that want to do it all ... without ever leaving the resort.

On Site: In addition to the golf courses, beaches, shops, a marina to dock your yacht, and Mediterranean village, there’s an equestrian center, a polo field, a shooting course, tennis courts, an aquatic center, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a dude ranch.

Rooms: All rooms, suites, and villas come with four-passenger golf carts, private terraces or balconies, air conditioning, and all the modern trimmings (mini bar, coffee maker, TV, bathrobe, and slippers). Villas (garden, oceanfront, classic, and super-sized for large groups) come with private pools, butler service, and complimentary airport transfer.

Food + Drink: Of the fourteen bars and restaurants, which include French and Spanish eateries, an Italian spot originally designed by Oscar de la Renta, a sushi joint, a taqueria, and two food trucks, Minitas Beach Club and Restaurant of Le Cirque fame, is the highlight. It overlooks a 23-meter infinity pool and is most marvelous at sunset. Guests who opt for the all-inclusive package will be able to indulge at most of the on-site restaurants to their hearts' content.

Minitas Beach Club and Restaurant.
An elite patio double guest room.
A villa.

What to Do Nearby

There’s not a ton to do on your own outside of the resort, but for travelers itching to see more of the surrounding area, the hotel arranges outdoor and historic excursions, which will take you to white sand beaches, a historic horse ranch, a cave museum, a cigar factory, and Santo Domingo. Altos de Chavón offers more dining and shopping options, as well as historic tours, for guests looking for a change of scene.

Keep Exploring the Caribbean

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This Tiny Caribbean Hotel Keeps a Low Profile So You Can Relax to the Fullest
The World's Most Romantic Hotels: The United States and the Caribbean

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