Luxury Retreat For the Rich and Famous
Since opening in the mid-1970s, Casa de Campo has been a luxury retreat away from the hustle and bustle for the rich and famous. In fact, the conception of Casa de Campo grew from the glamor of Hollywood as the property was first a 7,000-acre sugar plantation owned by Gulf Western, which also had Paramount Pictures listed among its glamorous assets.
Charles and Yvette Bluhdorn, circa 1976, at Casa de Campo
Once plans for a luxury resort on this special piece of land were in place, the sugar-mill manager at the time contracted Pete Dye to a build a championship golf course. Dye knew immediately he had a special locale on which to build his masterpiece design, especially using the mesmerizing sea-hugging shoreline while creating his “Heaven 7” – a septet of spectacular holes hard against the craggy coral formations rising out of the azure Caribbean Sea.
American Airlines plane lands at original Casa de Campo airport
The rave reviews for Teeth of the Dog® haven’t stopped since it was created by Dye’s considerable genius. It is the only layout in the Caribbean to be ranked in GOLF Magazine’s recent “Top 100 Courses in the World.” The seaside jewel is one of only 37 courses to be included every year in this coveted ranking since the list’s inception in 1983.
Frank Sinatra inaugurated Altos de Chavon Amphitheater during the HBO special Concert for the Americas
In addition to constant raves on the glories of playing Teeth of the Dog® over the decades, Casa de Campo also became known as a playground for celebrities. The list of famous visitors over the years is a virtual “Who’s Who” of the well-known: fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, Frank Sinatra, J-Lo and A-Rod, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and even three golf loving U.S. Presidents (George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton).
Sports superstars Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter both hosted bachelor parties at the resort. Jim Clark, founder of Netscape, was joined by actress Naomi Watts and Sir Richard Branson for his 70th birthday party. Recently, actor Taron Egerton and his girlfriend, director Emily Thomas, joined the A-listers who have enjoyed this tropical escape. Talented golf loving actors Dennis Quaid and Bruce McGill were both recent guests and teed it up on Teeth of the Dog® during their visits.
Rap artist Drake filmed his “Started from the Bottom” music video in perhaps the grandest rental villa at the resort (Punta Minitas 34 villa). Caribbean-born singer Rihanna hosted an Instagram photo shoot at the same site. The seaside villa also was the set for two episodes of “Keeping up with the Kardashians” as well as the final two episodes of 10th season of The Bachelorette.
Perhaps the best way to treat yourself like a celebrity is by booking a stay in one of the resort’s exceptional villas. The options range from three to 11 bedrooms with stylish living areas, a private pool as well as myriad creature comforts. From secluded Garden Villas showcasing the area’s abundant flora to the tranquil splendor of the Caribbean coast in an Oceanfront Villa, each style offers contemporary designs.
Villa stays also include daily breakfast, private maid service, use of four-passenger golf carts for easy travel throughout the property, complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited use of the resort’s fitness center.
Casa de Campo not only remains the top golf destination in the Caribbean, but also a “home away from home” for those needing a fun and thrilling getaway in paradise whether they are famous or not.
More historic photos
