Resort offers golfers choices
IAN STALKER
Dominican Republic resort Casa de Campo’s seaside Teeth of the Dog golf course isn’t getting long in the tooth but nevertheless is slated for some touching up.
The La Romana resort’s 18-hole course that dates back around half a century and is arguably the most famous golf course in the Caribbean will close in 2025 for a year, reopening in 2026 in time to host a Latin American golf tournament that will be televised, says Alondra Rijo, Casa de Campo’s group sales manager.
But she says there’s no doubt that those who play the course — which got its unusual name because from the air it supposedly resembles a dog’s mouth — will find it spectacular.
“It’s perfect but we need it to be even better,” she says of the 2025 work on a course that has each hole provide an ocean view.
Casa de Campo has long had a following with golfers, being home to four courses, three of them 18 holes and one 27. Three of them — including Teeth of the Dog — are open to guests.
Resort concierge Giovanni Saliba notes that Casa de Campo accommodates golfers in other ways, including renting them both clubs and golf shoes.
And Saliba also says that the 7,000-acre resort — the largest resort in the Dominican Republic and which even has its own fire department and own magazine — provides guests with other reminders of the golf industry, having a fleet of golf carts to help visitors get around the sprawling retreat.
Each guest unit is provided with at least one golf cart, with the Exclusive Villas getting three of the transportation units and a rental car as well.
Shuttles also take people around the gated property, which has a security entrance visitors must go through.
“They (guests) get surprised,” after arriving and seeing a displayed map that enables them to learn just how large the property is, Saliba reports.
Casa de Campo has some 500 rooms for guests and up to 65 villas can be rented throughout the property, depending on the season.
The property’s upscale nature was underscored by Colombian pop star Shakira’s living at it for several years.
“When people come to Casa de Campo, they’re looking for a luxury, countryside experience,” Saliba says.
Those wanting to play a Casa de Campo golf course or dine in one of its restaurants must be a guest at the resort.
Golf is popular with Casa de Campo guests but resort spokeswoman Carol Jimenez notes that guests will find plenty of other available activities, among them kayaking, skeet shooting and horseback riding.
The resort — which can provide all-inclusive packages — can also arrange helicopter tours.
A Roman-style amphitheatre hosts concerts, with Elton John being among entertainers having performed there.
Visitors will also find a marina bordering a waterfront area of stores and other businesses that recalls Portofino, Italy.
“We have everything possible for hotel guests and villa owners,” Jimenez says, while her colleague Rijo adds that Casa de Campo’s motto is, “The first, the most and the best.”
Airport pickups are available for guests.
Meanwhile, Saliba says Casa de Campo is taking sustainability seriously, noting the likes of its installing solar panels.
La Romana is close to Santo Domingo, which is linked to both Montreal and Toronto by Santo Domingo-based Arajet.
