HOW Casa de Campo® RESORT AND VILLAS CAME TO BE
HISTORY
Late 1960s
In the late 60s, the town of La Romana was home to the single largest sugar-producing mill in the world. Owned by the Gulf+Western empire, the mill was a major employer in the area. But executive Alvaro Carta knew there was potential for more in La Romana, so he set out to create a new industry—tourism.
A Historic Partnership
Alvaro Carta knew that no Caribbean resort would be complete without a stunning golf course, so he called in the best of the best, Pete Dye. After searching the nearby countryside for the perfect location to build the course, Pete Dye was inspired by the sweeping views and stunning coastline near the sugar mill.
1970
Over the next year, more than 300 Dominican workers hand-carved a stunning golf course from the rugged coral landscape to bring Pete Dye’s vision to life. Upon hearing the workers refer to the sharp coral rock with its canine teeth as “diente de perro” (which means Teeth of the Dog® in Spanish), the Teeth of the Dog® golf course was born.
1971
The 18-hole Teeth of the Dog® golf course opened in the fall featuring seven holes on the Caribbean Sea.
1970s
Many improvements and additions continued to be made to the resort: polo and tennis were introduced, and The Links golf course opened. La Romana International Airport was built to accommodate guests arriving via private plane, and construction began on a village to celebrate the culture and art of the Dominican Republic, Altos de Chavón.
1974
The Casa de Campo® resort opened as an executive retreat for Gulf+Western employees.
1983
The Altos de Chavón School of design opened.
1982
Frank Sinatra gave the inaugural performance in Altos de Chavón’s 5,000-seat Grecian style amphitheater with an HBO televised special.
Late 1980s
Casa de Campo was sold to the Central Romana Corporation and underwent a new phase of development and renovations. Dominican designer Oscar de La Renta lent his talents to create a unique and inviting ambiance and many more amenities were added like a sporting clays facility.
1990s
Casa de Campo became an international port of call with the arrival of Costa Cruise Lines’ Classica.
2004
The Dye Fore course opens with Pete Dye himself cutting the ribbon.
2008
The Casa de Campo spa opens its doors.
2011
The resort underwent a massive $40-million USD renovation that included an updated main lobby and hotel, an upgraded pool area, ultra-luxurious accommodations, and much more.
2017
Minitas Beach Club was renovated into a completely modernized restaurant, with a pool deck addition, ocean-view bar and lounge, and a signature dining environment.
2018
The resort completely remodeled the 64 rooms previously named Pete Dye Golf Lodge, placing them at the forefront of luxury and comfort. In addition, a family area was built in Minitas, which includes two swimming pools, food trucks and the Coco Mar bar.
