From Frank Sinatra To Arnold Palmer To Oscar De La Renta, A Legendary Dominican Republic Resort Celebrates 50 Years Of History

It began five decades ago as an island retreat for the leadership of the Gulf + Western Industries, which owned Paramount Pictures.

It has since become not just the premier resort in the Dominican Republic, but one of the most legendary places in the Caribbean: Casa de Campo, the 7,000-acre retreat in La Romana.

From Frank Sinatra’s opening performance at its Altos de Chavon amphitheater in 1982 to Arnold Palmer’s 1974 trip to the creative contributions of Oscar de la Renta to the world-famous golf course designs by Pete Dye (three of them, to be exact) to the myriad motion pictures that have filmed there, it’s a hotel that’s been making history for a half century.

The La Romana sugar mill in the early 1970s.

Now, Casa de Campo is celebrating its 50th birthday with a series of events and packages.

It all begins with a 50th Anniversary Weekend from Oct. 24-27, including a “Generation Concert of the Century” with Grammy-award winners on hand; there’s also a concert party right on the beach at Minitas Beach; and a special golf celebration that includes a $50,000 hole-in-one competition.

Arnold Palmer hits a shot at Casa de Campo in 1974.

Casa de Campo has “consistently established itself as the epitome of luxury hospitality in the Dominican Republic and has continued to evolve into the world-renowned resort community that it is today,” Jason Kycek, senior VP of sales and marketing at the resort, told Caribbean Journal. “We are immensely honored to commemorate this 50-year milestone, and are excited to share the historical past, present, and future of Casa de Campo with the world. “Casa de Campo is a special place, and we are grateful to the ownership for their ongoing commitment to continue to make it even more special in the years to come.”

Altos de Chavon, the hilltop village that’s a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean town.

In the last few years, when the resort has surged even more in popularity (becoming one of the hottest destinations in the wider region in the post-pandemic period), it’s been making some significant additions.

That includes a brand-new, 18,000-square-foot wellness destination; and the opening of the Premier Club, a luxe, 58-suite resort-within-a-resort concept in the heart of the property. The birthday festivities will also include a tribute to Sinatra, who helped turn the resort’s amphitheater (set in a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village) into a premier destination for music stars.

The new spa at Casa de Campo.

You can learn more or book now at https://www.casadecampo.com.do/

By: Alexander Britell

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts to Revamp & Rename Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Blue In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic #GoDomRep

One of the brand’s seven properties in Punta Cana, the hotel is being entirely refurbished, will receive swim-up suites and a new adjacent sports bar and fitness center

 – Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, the leading all-inclusive resort chain with properties in the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain, will renovate Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Blue, one of the brand’s most distinct properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The 528-suite oceanfront hotel has closed and will reopen as Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar upon completion November 2018.

Situated on the beautiful azure waters of Playa Bavaro and one of the brands seven hotels in the location, Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar will be the ideal adults-only retreat to make memories in paradise. Guests will be able to dip into one of the hotel’s sparkling pools right from their rooms with the addition of swim-up suites, complimenting the architectural features of the hotel. With a refreshing oasis right outside each suite balcony, guests will be steps away from a relaxing private plunge while being surrounded by the property’s tranquil gardens. The extensive renovation will also enhance the hotel’s interiors to feature a more sophisticated and sleek, yet subdued color scheme with white and light brown tones, and a new coffee shop will serve freshly baked goods and refreshing drinks.

To enhance the property’s culinary scene, Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar is set to boast three refurbished restaurants: an Italian restaurant, one Gourmet restaurant and a garden grill.  The updated Gourmet restaurant will have a contemporary interior design with a pentagon-shaped gold bar set at the restaurant’s entrance delivering a cosmopolitan and trend-setting aesthetic. Featuring an extensive cocktail and drinks menu, the a la carte restaurant’s delectable cuisine will take ingredients and inspiration from popular international foods.

“Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar’s impressive redesign comes at an exciting time for our brand as we recently announced a portfolio rebranding and reclassified our properties into four categories and distinct experiences,” said Helen Montijano, vice president of sales and marketing, U.S. and Canada. “The renovated hotel will fall under our Luxury brand and our Escape experience signifying that it will provide high-end amenities, five-star service, and the entertainment and gastronomy offering will cater specifically to adults.”

Bahia Principe’s Bavaro complex will also be receiving some upgrades of its own, for use by guests of all Luxury properties, including a sports bar and fitness center for guests 18 years and older. For sports enthusiasts, the new sports bar will have ample indoor and outdoor seating, multiple LED flat screens as well as an extended beverage menu. At the complex’s new fitness center, guests can expect a revitalized look with floor to ceiling windows and modern workout machines. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is committed to providing unique vacation experiences that will ultimately allow them to experience happiness.

Guests who reserve a stay at the new Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar will be privy to a multitude of benefits including on-request butler service and access to the other Bahia Principe properties at the destination, with the exception of Luxury Bahia Principe Fantasia. For adults seeking to unwind in style, the serene Bahia Spa, features treatments that are centered on finding balance between mind and body and for those looking to let loose, the brand’s signature shopping and nightlife center, Bahia Principe Village, combines local culture and opportunities for fun and excitement such as live music and karaoke.

About Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

Grupo Piñero’s Bahia Principe hotel chain has a presence in the Dominican Republic, where it is the market leader in terms of the number of hotel beds, as well as the Riviera Maya (Mexico), Jamaica and Spain (in the Canaries and Balearic Islands). Year after year, the Bahia Principe hotels receive a large part of the most prestigious international awards for quality that are given in the vacation industry. Alongside its high-end hotel facilities, the Piñero family’s company also manages two large luxury home resorts: Playa Nueva Romana Residences & Golf (Dominican Republic) and Bahia Principe Rivera Maya Residences & Golf (Mexico). The company has also developed other lines of business in the tourism industry, the most notable of which include the tour operator business (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and guest reception services (Coming2).

Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Now Welcomes Guests Of All Ages #GoDomRep

The luxurious all-inclusive resort now offers families the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic island of Cayo Levantado located in Dominican Republic’s Samaná peninsula

 Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, the leading all-inclusive resort brand with properties located throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain, is pleased to announce Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, previously an adults-only property, will begin accepting children. Starting May 2018, families with younger travelers seeking to experience happiness will be welcome at the only hotel based on the island of Cayo Levantado, Samaná, on the northern coast of Dominican Republic.  

The only hotel located on the idyllic island of Cayo Levantado, a journey to this property begins with a ferry ride from a private Bahia Principe dock and unfolds on a magical island of otherworldly beauty. Its exclusivity, natural splendor and utter tranquility make this Bahia Principe’s flagship hotel and are only some of the reasons why it was named the No. 2 all-inclusive in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor, and the 17^th best all-inclusive in the world.

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy elegantly-appointed, spacious accommodations, and the resort’s multiple swimming pools and whirlpools, six restaurants and four bars. This will be the brand’s only treasure experience hotel, as per its recent portfolio reclassification that highlights properties in the most unique locations, that welcomes younger guests. To cater to children, Bahia Principe’s fun-filled kids program, Bahia Scouts, will be offered on the island and includes daily activities, such as arts and crafts and sports games, that will allow for parents to venture out on their own.

“This paradisiacal one-hotel island offers a comprehensive experience that includes two private beaches, our signature Bahia Spa, as well as nightly entertainment perfect for families to stay on the island. Though the hotel will retain its tranquil spirit, we have decided to remove the adults-only restriction based on feedback from past guests who are eager to enjoy the resort with their families and from our travel partners who help coordinate and book stays,” said Helen Montijano, vice president of sales and marketing for the U.S. and Canada.

Four Samaná properties, endless possibilities

“In addition to Cayo Levantado, travelers can also enjoy the brand’s three additional properties on the Samaná mainland. While each comes complete with its own personality, all share our commitment to remarkable service, top-tier amenities and a superior quality experience,” added Montijano.

Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná is an adults-only haven with 149 rooms and the brand’s second luxury property in the area. Here, guests who seek a balanced vacation can enjoy the brand’s WE Wellness Experience that features specialty menus, fitness classes, spa services and more. Luxury Bahia Principe

Samaná was named the No. 3 best all-inclusive in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor and No. 18 best in the world and offers special amenities from butler service to wait service at the beach and pool.

Also located in the Samana region are two of Bahia Principe’s Grand properties that feature a value-driven offering. Thanks to its sweeping ocean views that overlook Samaná’s multiple hills and small scenic towns, Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa was recently named one of the top 20 hotels in the world with the best views by Minube.com. With a variety of on-site experiences and activities surrounded by a gorgeous landscape, Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa is the ideal place for guests seeking a comprehensive and dynamic setting to disconnect and recharge in style.

The brand’s most family-centric property in the region, Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo, is highlighted by Family Junior and Family Master suites that offer extra amenities for kids such as specialized bath kits and a minibar with juices, shakes, milk and soft drinks. Guests can discover pure Caribbean paradise and bathe in the crystalline waters of one of the island’s most spectacular beaches. Kids will enjoy spending their days splashing around at the resort’s waterpark and participating in the Bahia Scouts program. A short drive away is Las Terrenas, a small fishing village with a strong European influence that boasts numerous gift shops that sell paintings crafted by locals.

Discover Samaná’s natural wonders

Nestled between the verdant jungles of the Dominican Republic and azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Samaná is a tropical destination like no other. Attractions like Los Haitises National Park – featuring rich biodiversity and caves marked with native Taino hieroglyphs – and cascading waterfall Salto del Limon, that travelers visit by horseback riding through the jungle, offer endless options for outdoor fun. An ideal year-round getaway, travelers making summer plans can escape the busy tourist hotspots for an off-the-beaten-path break, while in winter travelers can cross off a bucket list item and watch the humpback whales that gather in Samaná Bay.

Travelers can benefit from the multiple flights into Samaná El Catey International Airport and Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo.  A new highway connecting Santo Domingo to the Samaná peninsula allows guests to reach their destination in under an hour and a half. Airport transfers are included in the majority of Bahia Principe’s packaged bookings.

With an extensive portfolio of resorts varying in personalities, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts promises a comprehensive vacation experience where guests’ needs are considered above all else.  For more information, or to book a stay with Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, visit www.bahia-principe.com.

Bahia Principe Launches New Wellness Program At Luxury Bahia Principe Samana #GoDomRep

Bahia Principe Celebrates Balanced Travel with new WE Wellness Experience

Health-focused concept seeks to attract travelers and position further brand as all-inclusive leader in offering a multifaceted vacation experience for a variety of travelers.

Bahia Principe, the leader in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, has launched a new wellness program at the five-star Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná Don Pablo Collection in the Dominican Republic. Via the new WE Wellness Experience the brand aims to attract health conscious travelers seeking a balanced vacation where wellness, cosmetic treatments and sports activities enhance the travel experience.

The WE Wellness Experience offers three pillars:

·       We-Care is a medical esthetic experience that aims to help guests look and feel younger by combining non-invasive and incision-free medical and cosmetic treatments that offer immediate results like facial rejuvenation and skin biostimulation.

·       We-Balance will help guests achieve the perfect balance of body and mind via activities such as Zen Yoga, meditative sessions and anti-stress coaching.

·       We-Train is a sports experience featuring athletic activities and sports nutrition advice with the assistance of a certified trainer including martial arts and total fitness classes.

Additionally, menus at the resort’s restaurants have been updated to reflect a WE seal next to particular dishes to help guests identify the most nutritious offerings.

“Launching the WE package of experiences at Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná Don Pablo Collection both positions this establishment as a specialist in the wellness concept, and strengthens Bahia Principe’s calling to remain a company that is committed to our guests’ health and happiness,” said Isabel Piñero, Grupo Piñero’s Vice-President of Marketing and Communication. “Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná Don Pablo Collection in the Dominican Republic is the ideal property to launch the new program, as it is a boutique hotel that blends the special charm of its facilities with the gorgeous environment surrounding it.”

The new Wellness Experience features activities that are included as part of the all-inclusive concept as well as paid services. Guests can arrange for services through the hotel’s WE Ambassador, who will be devoted exclusively to informing and guiding guests interested in the WE Wellness Experience. 

About Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

Grupo Piñero’s Bahia Principe hotel chain has a presence in the Dominican Republic, where it is the market leader in terms of the number of hotel beds, as well as the Riviera Maya (Mexico), Jamaica and Spain (in the Canaries and Balearic Islands). Year after year, the Bahia Principe hotels receive a large part of the most prestigious international awards for quality that are given in the vacation industry. Alongside its high-end hotel facilities, the Piñero family’s company also manages two large luxury home resorts: Playa Nueva Romana Residences & Golf (Dominican Republic) and Bahia Principe Rivera Maya Residences & Golf (Mexico). The company has also developed other lines of business in the tourism industry, the most notable of which include the tour operator business (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and guest reception services (Coming2).

About Grupo Piñero

Grupo Piñero is a Spanish tourism group with a presence throughout the entire value chain in the vacation industry. With its founder, Pablo Piñero, at the helm, it holds the top rankings in international leadership within the sun and beach travel segment, basing its value offerings on three main foundations: its ability to inspire trust, its service which pursues excellence, warmth and attention to detail, and unique quality for price in its different segments of activity.  Grupo Piñero manages 8 million tourist stays per year for customers from more than 30 countries. In 2016, and its revenue increased by 9.2%.

Grupo Piñero has four business units: the hotel division, with 27 establishments and 13,629 rooms in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica and Spain; the tour operating unit, through its brand Soltour; the tourist receptive and other at-destination services unit, which provides more than 30 different services to guests (transfers, entertainment activities, etc.), and the residence and golf unit, which runs 6 luxury resorts and 4 golf courses.

As part of the implementation of its CSR strategy, Grupo Piñero is committed to being a healthy, sustainable company that is sensitive to the well-being of its employees, while also making a positive economic, social and environmental contribution to the locations where it does business.

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Samana Peninsula...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Samana Peninsula...: Christopher Columbus landed in the Dominican Republic in 1492 and it became the site of the first European settlement in the Americas ...

Bahia Principe Luxury Resort In Dominican Republic Rated Number One By TripAdvisor Travelers

The Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection has been chosen this year as the best all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. The winning Bahia Principe hotel is located in the Samana area of the Dominican Republic, on a white sand islet surrounded by turquoise waters and exotic fauna. An ideal place to savour the beauty of nature in all its forms and to take the opportunity to visit nearby places of interest such as Los Haitises National Park.

The Cayo Levantado’s first place ranking in the Travellers' Choice awards, presented by TripAdvisor, makes it the most popular all-inclusive holiday resort in the Caribbean. Reviews from travelers consistently cited the resort’s stunning location, luxurious rooms and excellent service by staff. Besides taking the number one place in the Caribbean, it has also been ranked the fifth all-inclusive resort in the world.

In the words of the Grupo Piñero Vice-President, Isabel Piñero, the awards “acknowledge our professional development, which is based on our focus on service and excellence, and the dedication of all our staff. We are extremely proud to have been rated first by travelers. I honestly believe that Cayo Levantado, Samaná and the Dominican Republic deserve it. The award also implies responsibility, which we gladly accept as it will help us improve”.

The Bahia Principe chain has obtained eight Travelers' Choice awards overall, notably improving its rankings from 2014. The Bahia Principe Costa Adeje in Tenerife has been chosen by travelers as the second best resort in Spain and the twelfth throughout Europe. And the Bahia Principe Tenerife, the third in Spain and the thirteenth in Europe.

The highly-esteemed Travelers' Choice awards are the only awards in the tourism sector that are based on millions of opinions and comments of travelers from all over the world and that represent the "crème de la crème" of establishments in terms of service, quality and customer satisfaction.

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts are sold by preferred tour operators and travel agents. For more information on Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.bahia-principe.com.

BAHIA PRINCIPE
Grupo Piñero's Bahia Principe hotel chain is present in the Dominican Republic, where it leads the market in tourist establishments, in the Riviera Maya (Mexico), in Jamaica and in Spain (Canary and Balearic Islands). Year after year, the Bahia Principe hotels receive a large share of the most prestigious international awards for quality that are presented in the holiday sector.

Together with its high-end hotel facilities, the Piñero family business manages three large luxury residential complexes: Playa Nueva Romana Private Residences & Golf (Dominican Republic), Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Residences & Golf (Mexico) and Bahia Principe Jamaica Residences & Golf. The company also runs other lines of business in the tourism sector, including tour operations (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and receptive services (Coming2).