Caribbean views from every angle. Private pools. Bathrooms as big as my apartment. These are my ingredients for celeb-worthy digs. And Casa de Campo's villas hit every item on my list.
ByCami MillerNov. 8, 2013
When it comes to describing Casa de Campo, there's really only one word — over-the-top. With billionaire-approved villas and some of the most unique amenities in the Caribbean, this luxury all-inclusive's star-studded guest list includes everyone from the Kardashians and Justin Bieber to Beyonce and Jay-Z. But the resort's best kept secret? You can experience it all too.
Each villa has a personal maid, a butler and a garden crew. Want your own chef? Casa de Campo will make that happen too. I may not be famous (yet), but I was ready to start signing autographs.Exploring more of the properties, I couldn't help but dip my toes in the infinity pool at Villa Vogue. It's a favorite of several celebs (Micheal Jordan recently celebrated his bachelor party here) and has the amenities to prove it.But rockstar status here doesn't require a villa for exclusivity. Casa de Campo's hotel and suites make for a more affordable getaway without sacrificing any of the perks.One of those perks included my own set of wheels. With a resort that covers 7,000 acres (yes, it's really that big), my feet were glad for the ride.My first stop: the resort's pool. My second stop: the pool's swim-up bar.Lounging poolside, drink in hand, I tried to channel my inner Kardashian, sporting oversize sunglasses (no one has to know they were only $1) and feigning nonchalance. Do I look famous? The verdict's still out, but with the staff delivering chilled towels and fresh fruit to my cabana, I feel like I am.With just a wave of my hand, the attentive staff will whips up another neon-colored cocktail. I couldn't get away from their signature Casa de Campo drink — it tastes as decadent as the resort itself.For lunch, I go for the tuna tartare at poolside restaurant La Caña, where the open pergola's white theme makes me feel instantly posh. (Note: I'm still wearing the sunglasses.) It's a laidback vibe for daytime, but at night, expect live music, meringue danging and a rotating selection of the bartender's favorite drinks.With the all-inclusive option, I could leave my wallet back at the villa and still enjoy gourmet dining with all the flourishes. Four course dinners at world-class restaurants like Le Cirque? I couldn't help but mumble "this is included?" in between bites.Luckily, Casa de Campo offers plenty of ways to work off indulgent dinners, from horseback riding to tennis to golfing. I don't golf, but with courses that looked like this, I was ready to start. Casa de Campo offers lessons with top professionals at The Jim McLean Golf School, so getting onto the three golf courses designed by Pete Dye wasn't a problem. My favorite? The stunning Teeth of the Dog, ranked number one in the Caribbean.Spent from the golf course, I was ready for some serious relaxation. After all, no star vacation is complete without a day of pampering. At Casa de Campo Spa, the body treatment products are made on-site using eco-friendly ingredients, and the massage is made of out-of-this-world bliss.Shooting guns at an all-inclusive? Yep, only at Casa de Campo. Expert marksmen at Casa de Campo's Shooting Center helped me hit the clay target almost every time, simply by telling me when to pull the trigger (no seriously, they're that good). When I hit two targets with one bullet, I couldn't help but beam. Endless bragging rights. (If guns aren't your thing, the shooting center is still worth a visit to get a slobbery hello from the well-trained hunting pups at the Palm Tree Kennel.)Next stop in Casa de Campo: La Marina, where you can opt for sailing lessons, a yacht cruise or some serious shopping. After a few swipes of my credit card in the ritzy boutiques, I'm ready to wear my new purchases on a sunset catamaran sail — complete with champagne and appetizers, of course.With 7,000 acres of property, encountering a few (more) surprises didn't seem too far-fetched, but I certainly didn't expect anything like Altos de Chavon inside a tropical resort. This anomaly of a town is a complete replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village that almost makes you forget you're still in the Caribbean. Two vacation destinations in one? My star power is rising.Designed for a movie set in 1976, the cobble-covered village now has artisan shops and gourmet restaurants tucked into every corner, plus it offers stunning views of the Chavon River down below.But the main gem of Altos de Chavon is the Grecian-style amphitheater. With enough seats for nearly 5,000, the amphitheater's sheer size took my breath away, but so did the venue's star-studded history — it's a choice spot for concerts and music videos alike. (I recognized it from Alicia Keys' "Karma" video.)Okay, now back to the Caribbean. Casa de Campo's secluded Minitas Beach is open only for resort guests and boasts just about every water activity you can think of. Feel like doing absolutely nothing? That's fine too.The gin-clear water makes the beach seem even more luxe than the pool. I could get used to this.Ready to start planning your A-lister trip? Click here.
