Dominican Republic To Add Nearly 15,000 New Hotel Rooms

The Dominican Republic’s hotel industry is experiencing significant growth, with approximately 14,900 new hotel rooms expected to be added over the next three years. This expansion represents an 18% increase in current capacity and involves investments exceeding US$3 billion.

Leaders of the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores) attribute this surge to the country’s legal stability and strong investor confidence. The average cost per hotel room is estimated at US$200,000. They also emphasized the superior infrastructure and tourism offerings in areas like Casa de Campo, Cap Cana, and Samaná, including high-end second homes owned by wealthy individuals.

The luxury segment continues to expand, with 1,000 upscale rooms set to open in Miches in 2025. Asonahores also highlighted growing diversification in tourism through sports and health-related travel, with top-tier hotel brands increasingly investing in the country.

https://dominicantoday.com/

American Airlines’ Newest Route Is A Nonstop Flight That Takes You Directly To This Dominican Republic Resort

It has always been one of the biggest stories about the Dominican Republic’s Casa de Campo. It’s more than a resort. It’s a golf destination. It’s a villa destination. It’s a world-class wellness getaway, a culinary Mecca, a superyacht marina, an arts hub.

Playa Minitas at Casa de Campo.

But what you may not realize is that it’s also an airport. That’s because the La Romana International Airport is on the grounds of the 7,000-acre resort. And now La Romana has a major new flight.

On Dec. 5, American Airlines kicks off new, daily nonstop flight between Miami and La Romana, meaning you can hop on an AA jet and fly directly to Casa de Campo. In other words, land, go through customs and immigration, find your golf cart and head to the hotel.

That’s exactly the plan, Casa de Campo’s Jason Kycek told Caribbean Journal. “Guests and home owners alike can now fly directly into our airport and arrive within minutes of landing.”

It’s the latest evolution of “a long standing relationship that spans decades” between the resort and AA, Kycek said.

The new route is yet another major lift for a resort that has been one of the most popular places to stay in the Caribbean, particularly in the post-pandemic period, as travelers have been drawn to its unrivaled list of amenities and its luxurious, spaced-out, hotel-and-villa-focused accommodations.

And we’ve seen why on the numerous times we’ve stayed at the property: it’s a place that’s able to satisfy an endless list of traveler demands. For families, you can find a luxury, staffed villa with all the space and comfort you need.

One of the many oceanside holes at Pete Dye’s legendary Teeth of the Dog course.

Maybe you’re a couple looking for the perfect blend of wellness (yes, there’s a new state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot destination spa) and golf (Pete Dye-designed courses, anyone?). Or maybe you’re looking for a group trip that mixes a little bit of everything.

There’s even a new resort-within-a-resort called Premier Club, which takes the “Casa” experience and raises it to another level, with sparkling rooms and suites and a location that’s just steps away from the spa and the main hotel. We called it the new must-visit resort in the Caribbean after our recent stay at the resort, and we meant it.

In recent years, it’s a Caribbean hotel that just keeps getting better, from the new hotel to a growing collection of cool events (including the recently-concluded Food & Wine Festival) and the current celebration of the property’s 50th birthday.

The Chavon river, which runs alongside the Dye Fore golf course.

It’s a place where every emphasis is made on making things accessible to the guest, whether it’s a recreated Italian village, an authentic Mexican taqueria or, in this week’s case — what is now one of the easiest flights in the Caribbean: just book your ticket, check your bag and fly right to Casa de Campo.

So what about cost?

For flights next week, you can book a roundtrip in the Main cabin to La Romana for as low as $269, and $1,363 in business class.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

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

Casa de Campo In The Dominican Republic Offers Outstanding Summer and Fall 2018 Golf Getaway #GoDomRep

 

 

 

Features Unlimited Play on Three Pete Dye Gems Including Teeth of the Dog
 

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – announces an outstanding summer and fall offer for its “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast” package.

Through Oct. 31, the value-laden stay-and-play starts at $399 for two people, per night. Most notably, the package is highlighted by the opportunity for unlimited rounds on the Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog, widely recognized as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean. Guests can also tee it up from dawn to dusk on the resort’s two additional Pete Dye gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18).

The offer additionally includes deluxe accommodations in a Pete Dye Golf Lodge or Elite guest room, full daily breakfast buffet at Lago Restaurant, use of a four-passenger golf cart to travel throughout the resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s fitness center. All golf rounds are based on availability and include arrival and departure days.

“Summer and fall are both ideal for a Casa de Campo visit to savor our world-class accommodations and amenities while playing unlimited golf on our trio of classic Pete Dye layouts,” says Andres Pichardo Rosenberg, President. “We pride ourselves on our renowned customer care, so guests can relax and enjoy time spent away from the hustle and bustle of daily life here in paradise.”

The stunning resort also offers an array of splendid villa options ranging from three to 11 bedrooms. Starting at $439 (per person, per night), the villas feature stylish living areas, a private pool and myriad creature comforts. Daily breakfast, private maid service and full-access to a wide range of on-site activities are included.

Contacting Casa de Campo Resort & Villa

For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do/, facebook.com/casadecamporesort instagram.com/casadecampodr, twitter.com/casadecampo.

About Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, 7,000-acre Casa de Campo attracts affluent travelers with 63 holes of exceptional golf. The Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links courses – Conde Nast Traveler, Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and Golfweek award winners – are designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye. They are complemented by spacious hotel rooms, suites and luxury villas. Expertly prepared cuisine from around the world, a 370-slip Marina & Yacht Club, Polo & Equestrian Club, the La Terraza Tennis Center, 245-acre Shooting Club and Altos de Chavon – an artisan’s village modeled after a 16th century Mediterranean city – are other on-property highlights.

Getting There:  La Romana International Airport (LRM) is five minutes from Casa de Campo and serviced by JetBlue (direct flights from New York - JFK three times weekly) and seasonally by American Airlines (non-stop service from Miami). A short drive from the resort, Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ) operate daily direct flights from all major North American airports.

The Latest News From The Dominican Republic #GoDomRep

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Construction Starting on New Santo Domingo Hotel | Construction is slated to begin soon on the 117-room Hampton by Hilton Las Americas Hotel, located minutes from Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport and operating under the Hilton Worldwide brand. The hotel caters mainly to the national and international business sectors and will be situated next to a main highway connecting it to the eastern part of the country. www.HiltonWorldwide.com Casa de Campo to Expand to Bayahibe | Rafael Torres, president of Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, announced plans last week for expansion into Bayahibe with new hotels and other real estate developments. Details and a masterplan are forthcoming. www.CasaDeCampo.com.do Puerto Plata Tour Company Earns “Best Innovative Tour” Designation | Carnival Cruise Line named Outback Adventures in Puerto Plata the “Best Innovative Tour” in the Caribbean for its first-class customer service and creative, innovative tour offerings for cruisers stopping in the Amber Cove port.www.OutbackSafari.com.do  Cruise Tourism Strong in La Romana | La Romana has established itself as a stronghold of Dominican Republic cruise tourism, according to ASONAHORES President Simón Suárez. In 2015, 64.4 percent of Dominican Republic’s 461,822 total cruise passengers arrived to the port of La Romana, according to statistics from the National Office of Statistics. www.ASONAHORES.com

Explore upcoming events in Dominican Republic: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com/events/upcoming

7 Common Myths About All-Inclusive Resorts

Hacienda Encantada

Since the days of dude ranches (they’re still out there!), we’ve been attracted to the hassle-free aspect of all-inclusive vacations. Once we arrive, we can store the wallet and relax. But along the way, all-inclusive resorts have since gotten a lot of stigma — earning a reputation for being tacky, comprising dated rooms and subpar food. While this is sometimes true, in many cases it’s certainly not. Here, we bust seven common myths and provide a reality check that might surprise you.

Myth 1: All-inclusive resorts want to trap guests on property.
Reality: This is a particular concern for foodies. But in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, Hacienda Encantada Resort offers a dine-out plan that covers meals at five partner restaurants in the Golden Zone of the nearby marina, just a 15-minute shuttle ride away. Yes, the hotel takes great pride in their six restaurants and bars onsite, but they recognize that travelers all want a taste of the local scene, whether they prefer lobster or pasta or sushi. How cool is that?

Myth 2: You’ll only enjoy the free food if you like bad buffets.Reality: Speaking of the culinary scene, all-inclusive resorts don’t simply stick visitors with mass-produced dishes and unhealthy meal options. In fact, travelers will find themselves with more choices than they can probably explore at many resorts. The Royalton Riviera Cancun, for just one example, offers a whopping nine restaurants and 13 bars. Your options include a Japanese teppanyaki and sushi bar, a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria, and of course a Mexican venue. So can you indulge in a prime rib every night, at no additional charge? Yes, if that’s what you want.

Like the general hotel industry, all-inclusives are making local sourcing a priority, too. At Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma, fresh herbs and produce are sourced from Karisma’s 76,000-square-foot greenhouse. And to take advantage of the natural surroundings, guests can opt to dine on the ocean pier for a private breakfast, lunch, or dinner, too.

Myth 3: Everything is already paid for.Reality: The devil is really in the details of what’s covered, and here’s why research is so important. All-inclusive rates really have varying degrees of inclusivity, and you want to ask the right questions to avoid rude surprises. Our friend David Bakke of Money Crashers gives us some examples: “Your free alcohol options might be limited, and certain resort activities might come with an added charge as well, such as a visit to a spa.” Sadly, WiFi isn’t always included either, he says.

Myth 4: All-inclusive resorts are all about lying on the beach.
Reality: Chances are, the programs that you’re thinking about are located on an amazing beach — but you’ll likely also find much more entertainment than water sports and tanning.  Take CHIC Punta Cana and all the entertainment that revolves around its stunning pool, for example. Here, a DJ might spin tunes all night long for an outdoor dance party, Las Vegas-style showgirls might strut the over-water catwalk, or a “mermaid” might show-off her diving (easily seen through the pool windows). Luxe Casa de Campo, in the Dominican Republic, boasts a shooting range and equestrian center. And even on the beach, special events may abound. In the case of Couples Resorts, campfires with s’mores and beach parties are just some of the programming to look forward to. 

Myth 5: All-inclusives are always the best value.Reality: Again, you should do your homework here — and spend some time thinking about exactly what it is that you want out of your vacation. “If on the list of things that are included on your bill are activities or other entertainment options that you’re not interested in, you might find yourself shelling out cash for stuff you won’t be taking advantage of,” Bakke points out.

Myth 6: Staying at an all-inclusive resort will feel cheap.Reality: This unfortunate misconception is likely fueled by other myths about food and lack of amenities that we’ve just corrected. The reality is that, just as there are all sorts of regular hotels, all-inclusive resorts come in all forms, too. Yes, there are budget-friendly options that are more basic, and family-friendly ones that keep costs low for the clan. But you’ll also find plenty of sophisticated adults-only properties as well as those that focus on luxury. If you’re looking to splurge, we love Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, which recently debuted as a five-star, all-suite property. They take the all-inclusive concept to the next level with their butler suites, which includes access to an exclusive wine cellar, and with their swim out suites (exactly what it sounds like). Of course, this is an extreme, and there are endless options at every price point in between. The key, again, is doing your homework.

Myth 7: You’ll be tempted to be unhealthy if you stay at an all-inclusive resort.Reality: Here’s another general trend that we love — brands are helping guests achieve and maintain good lifestyle choices more than ever. At many all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find a roster of opportunities to work off the indulging. Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, for one, has held wellness-related Zumba and Yoga theme weeks to encourage guests to truly focus on fitness, all while having fun. They offer juicing stations that with a range of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, many of which are hyper-local, too.

- See more at: http://blog.shermanstravel.com/2015/busted-7-common-myths-about-all-inclusive-resorts/#sthash.gZ62BhuY.dpuf