Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is synonymous with quality and good taste. The resort was the first golf destination in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to Pete Dye and the development of Teeth of The Dog and The Links, marketing of the courses began to attract golf tourists. Over time, there was more demand for restaurants and accommodation, thus also leading to the construction of villas.
The rest of the country began to build commercial golf courses and soon it became a key golf destination. Casa de Campo was the first resort to open in the Dominican Republic and this year it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Mónica Díaz Vecino, Sales Director of Casa de Campo in Europe, speaks in this interview about the acclaimed Caribbean resort.
Casa de Campo has three different courses open to visitors and one private one not open to the public. Could you briefly describe each of them?
There are three courses and 63 fun-filled holes, as they are three completely different layouts. Teeth of The Dog, unquestionably sublime with holes overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is internationally famous for its spectacular layout along the coastline. Dye Fore is magnificent, with its spectacular views of the Chavon River, mountains and sea, offering exceptional challenges with high slopes and long distances. Finally, The Links course is peaceful but dangerous, with tricky greens, and it brings added diversity with its style reminiscent of traditional British courses.
The holiday experience at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is as comprehensive as anyone could dream. What else is there to find besides golf?
Casa de Campo is a golfer’s paradise, but what makes it unique is its complementary options to golf. Of course, if you are a golfer, it’s the icing on the cake, but if you are sporty you can also enjoy pádel tennis, tennis and pickleball courts. There is horse riding throughout the resort, hiking and jogging areas on the golf courses. Water activities such as paddle surfing and canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, small game hunting and scuba diving are also on offer, as well as deep sea fishing. If you’re not so sporty, there’s a state-of-the-art spa to enjoy after a day’s relaxation on the beach or at the beach club.
What makes the Teeth of the Dog course so unique – its design, location by the Caribbean, legendary holes?
I think everyone has a different experience and a different feeling. Of course, it is a stunningly beautiful course with an exceptional layout, and the holes by the Caribbean Sea are very special. For me, the highlight is the history behind it being a commercial course. A course that has been built on the rocks, in a landscape that used to be completely deserted. Probably like many courses, but the development it has brought, and being a world leader, makes it very special. Years ago, from the Lago Restaurant you could see the 10th hole, which is now full of trees. For me, the best time to play is in the afternoon when the sun goes down over the sea; it really is very special golf. There are fewer people, which adds even more value to the round. You have a beer in the clubhouse after 18 holes and end the day extremely happy.
After 50 years Pete Dye’s outstanding design may need some tweaking or fine-tuning, and it will be closed for this very reason in 2025. What is going to be done to keep the course shining brightly as one of the finest in the world?
The aim of this comprehensive renovation is not only to refine its aesthetic appeal but also to enhance the playing experience at all levels. It will be like rejuvenating the course. Teeth of the Dog’s enhancements focus on strategic improvements in keeping with Dye’s original vision, while including state-of-the-art agronomic advancements. The introduction of Paspalum Pure Dynasty on tees, fairways and greens will provide unparalleled salt water tolerance and resistance, ensuring challenging playing areas all year round, whatever the weather.
What improvements, in general, have been made to Casa de Campo over the last few years?
In 2019 all the Casita rooms were renovated, which were the old Lodge rooms decorated by Oscar de la Renta that had become obsolete and outdated. The Elite rooms have been upgraded and redecorated. A new spa has been opened, and pádel and pickleball courts will be built. The new Premier rooms and practice court at Dye Fore have also been introduced and the renovation and improvement of The Lakes course is planned. A new convention centre opened in 2021 and the Minitas Beach Club opened in 2018. Other highlights include the beach pools and children’s area.
What can Casa de Campo offer golf enthusiasts for an exceptional experience? All-inclusive hotel and golf packages, villa packages, ideal for groups…?
Casa de Campo can offer a variety of packages for golf enthusiasts looking for a unique experience and a special trip. We offer packages that include hotel accommodation and all-inclusive golf, allowing guests to enjoy our stunning golf courses and other resort amenities without additional worries. We also offer villa packages, which are ideal for groups or families who wish to enjoy a more private experience. These packages can include access to private golf courses, personalised concierge services and other exclusive amenities. We also work with each guest to customise their stay according to their preferences and interests, ensuring a truly unique experience.
The Dye Fore course – with 27 holes, located in Altos del Chavón and designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye – is also positioning itself as one of the great courses in the Caribbean...
It is Pete Dye’s second jewel in the Dominican Republic. It is a majestic course, complicated and good for big hitters because it is a very long layout. People rediscover it and many of our customers come back to it more than the Teeth of the Dog course; once they get to know it, they come back again.
IN FIRST PERSON
With a background in hotel management and an extensive career marketing hotels and golf courses of recognised national and international prestige, Mónica has – in her operational and commercial area – headed the promotion and development of major projects, managing to create exclusive contacts and productivity and pro-activity to ensure precise business development and evolution. She has participated in the opening, start-up and development of new hotel establishments and golf courses, as well as the pure and simple marketing of golf tourism companies in new destinations.
With a degree in tourism and international marketing from the University of Deusto, she has helped numerous companies in the sector to increase their sales and visibility in markets they did not reach previously. Her areas of expertise are the marketing of tourism companies in the golf tourism segment and marketing tools for applying ideas to generate sales. European sales director for Casa de Campo since 2014, Monica was the person who started marketing the renowned Dominican resort in Europe. In the past people knew about it, but only in the last few years has it strengthened its direct marketing through agencies, golf courses, events and tournaments to raise awareness of the resort via its representative agency Global Hemisphere.
