Page 30 | Casa de Campo

Casa de Campo’s Expert Shooting Instructor

Hermogenes Guerrero, expert shooter instructor at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU START WORKING FOR CASA DE CAMPO?

My brother brought me to work here 30 years ago when I was very young. After working for a while at the tennis courts, the man that created the Shooting Center (Michael Rose) asked if I wanted to help him develop it further. I went and I liked it, I thought it was interesting. Ever since I was a child I liked shooting because we used to go to the rural areas to hunt birds and that is how my interest for shooting started.

HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE CASA DE CAMPO WITH OTHER SHOOTING CENTERS AROUND THE WORLD?

I think we are unique. Casa de Campo is considered by many to be the best shooting center of any part of the world because of the way it is designed and how it works.

TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE SHOOTING CENTER

The Shooting Center used to be located where the rodeo is now. There was just a small skeet and trap shooting-range. Later Mr. Pepe Fanjul brought Michael Rose to develop the shooting to another level. Michael began to build this firing range, which is one of the most important in the Caribbean. We started small. It has grown a lot, just like Casa de Campo./em>

TELL US ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SHOOTING OPTIONS YOU HAVE HERE

We use only shotguns here, that is very important. We use all the calibers, 28, 20, 12 and 410 – a very small shotgun for beginners; those who know how to shoot can use any caliber.
We have the skeet which is a form of clay pigeon shooting. We have the trap, a form of shooting where the clay moves away from the shooter. There is also the Olympic trap or the double trap which is basically the same. We have sporting clays, as well. We can spend half a day walking around the tower, shooting in every position–we have around 250 positions that we can change at any time. We also have Pigeon Rings, something which is very famous in Europe./em>

WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE THE MOST POPULAR?

The most popular is the clay pigeon shooting, it doesn’t matter if it’s skeet, trap or sporting clays; because the majority of people, when they start, want to start with clays. After that, they start to get enthused and want to shoot at birds, but normally they begin with clays.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR SOMEONE SHOOTING FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Sometimes, people want to try the sporting clays even if they’ve never shot. After that the customers go with an instructor, who goes over the basics; what they should do, the care of the guns, safety procedures etc. But for a beginner skeet or trap, either of the two are good to start, because the area is small and it’s faster to learn.

WHAT ARE THE SHOOTING CENTER’S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS?

Without a doubt, the development of the shooting preserve in Rancho Peligro where the European-Style driven bird shoot takes place. We also have kennels, a hotel for dogs. It’s a great option for villa owners who have pets, they can leave their dogs with us when they go on trips.

YOU’VE WORKED WITH MANY CELEBRITIES OVER YOUR TIME HERE. ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS TO SHARE?

During my time at the shooting range we have had the opportunity to work with several celebrities– some presidents of the United States, celebrities of Dominican television and other presidents of Latin America.
What is the most rewarding thing about your role as shooting coordinator? What has most satisfied me is to be able to offer our clients a quality service and delivery at the highest level.

Dominican Republic Excursions at Casa de Campo

While it’s true that Casa de Campo has everything you might need for a perfect vacation without ever going out, the option of exploring the surprises the east region of Dominican Republic has to offer is still very tempting. We highlight the best historic and outdoor excursions available at the resort.

Christopher Columbus's first house at the Americas, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo City Tour

Just an hour and a half away from the resort, the oldest city of the New World is waiting for you. Every Wednesday and Friday, we’ll take you to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, on a tour full of history and culture. Explore the wonderful museums, cathedrals, landmarks, and streets of the Colonial City while learning about more than 500 years of discoveries that make Dominicans the way they are.

Experience the art of cigar making first hand by master craftsmen.

Cigar + Rum Experience

Ever wanted to roll your own cigar? On Tuesdays and Thursdays we visit La Flor Dominicana, the most prestigious cigar factory in the country, to learn about the craft of cigar-making. Learn from the masters using traditional methods passed down through the generations. After the tour, guests will have the chance to roll their own creations and pair them with the finest rum for a complete feast of the senses.

A variety of entertainment can be found in Altos de Chavon, from shopping, dining to cultural pursuits.

Altos de Chavón Tour

Chavón is more than what meets the eye. Take a guided tour with a focus on the architecture, art, and history of this magical village. Visitors will have a chance to take a look at many of the artists’ studios and workshops, as well as the archaeological museum, St. Stanislaus Church, and more. The tour is available on Wednesday and Friday mornings and it’s complimentary for Casa de Campo guests.

Explore Las Maravillas Cave. A 100,000 year old natural museum.

Las Maravillas Cave

If you’re interested in the anthropological or geological aspects of the West Indies, Las Maravillas Cave is an excellent place to start exploring. Marvel with the cave’s 100,000-year-old mineral formations and the pictographs left on the walls by the Tainos, the first indigenous inhabitants of the island. The tour goes out on Thursdays and Sundays and includes a scenic walk through the town of La Romana.

Buggie Tour

Don’t miss the opportunity to race through the Dominican countryside in your own buggie – an exciting experience for the whole family. Buggies are available every day except Tuesday.

Hacienda Higüeral

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the days set to discover Hacienda Higüeral, a beautiful historic ranch and working farm just 20 minutes away from the resort. Visitors can see cowboys leading the herds and have the opportunity to explore scenic sugar fields, open pastures, and peaceful lagoons on horseback or by foot.

Explore the 6-square miles of sandy beach, and crystal blue waters of Catalina Island.

Catalina Day

A short boat ride is the only thing separating you from getting to know Catalina Island, a six-square mile paradise in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Take a day off any day of the week for a supercharged dose of relaxation, beauty, and fun surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

For further information on tours or to make a reservation, please contact our Concierge Department at (809) 523-3333 ext. 3165/3166 or send us an email today.

Our beloved Minitas Beach just got more interesting! In addition to our renewed Minitas Beach Club & Restaurant, which offers great food, breathtaking views and a place for dancing and lounging all day long, a new space focused on families with small children and teenagers will be opening very soon. The new Minitas Family Pool consists of two pools for children and teens, shaded areas, a designated food truck area, a playground, bathrooms, dressing rooms with showers, shops, an ice cream parlor, and more. This new attraction is located just past the beach’s main entrance.

Kids have always been an important part of Minitas Beach —and now they will have more opportunities to spend time with their family, to meet new friends, and to have more fun under the sun.

Stores at Minitas beach, coming soon

Minitas Family Pool is set to open this coming Thanksgiving weekend; a perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite beach at Casa de Campo with new possibilities!

So, starting now, this is the best time to plan your family getaway! Choose from one of our special packages, for any type of vacation you want. See you at the pool.

Casa de Campo’s Golf Sales Director & World-Renowned Golf Pro

GILLES, HOW DID YOUR CASA DE CAMPO STORY BEGIN?

I was the Golf Professional and assistant hockey coach at Colgate University. I was involved in organizing the 1977 NCAA Golf Championship and at that point I felt I wanted to pursue a golf career. A friend told me that CDC was looking for a Director of Golf. I applied and fortunately I was offered the position. It was a big move from upstate NY but I was confident it was the right career decision.

YOU’VE PLAYED WITH MANY CELEBRITIES OVER YOUR TIME HERE. ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS TO SHARE?

I have countless memories but walking the Teeth of the Dog® with Pete Dye and see how people react when they meet him is priceless.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOLES IN EACH OF THE CASA DE CAMPO COURSES?

I think Teeth of the Dog® has the best series of par three holes in the world. Holes # 5, #7, #13 and #16 are spectacular. On the Links I love #5 and on Dye Fore #12. Pete Dye is the best at creating great par 3 holes. I am sure we all know the famous island green #17 at the TPC.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF GOLF?

To see how we went from a relatively unknown 36 holes golf resort to one of the top golf resort of the world is very special. We were also very influential for the growth of golf in the Dominican Republic.

WHEN YOU THINK BACK OVER THE 38 YEARS YOU’VE BEEN HERE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHTS?

First, to have the opportunity to work closely with Pete Dye, play golf with some of the most influential people in the world like President Bush # 41 & # 43 and President Clinton. Who would not love the opportunity to play with Sean Connery, Bond, James Bond? I did!

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING RECENT DEVELOPMENT FOR GOLFERS AT CASA DE CAMPO?

The addition of the learning center is a major improvement. When you struggle with your game let our instructors analyze your swing on the Trackman and you will not believe how much you will learn.

Costasur-Casa de Campo launches Recycling Program

Keeping up with the commitment of making the world, our country and our community, greener and more sustainable places, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and Costasur Dominicana present the first stage of the “Casa de Campo is Green” recycling project.

As of October 1st, a total of 20 trash cans have been placed in different areas of the resort with the objective of offering an option to the community to classify some of their domestic waste and dispose of them in a more conscious, environmentally responsible way.

These trash cans are blue and have two compartments: #1 is intended for the disposal of plastic bottles; #2 will be for full glass bottles, tin cans, and aluminum soda cans. This waste should be clean and free of organic agents.

The waste from these trash cans will be collected on a program independent from the one handling conventional wet waste, and with a collection frequency according to the volumes generated by the community. Once gathered, the waste will be sent to a collection center for removal by means of duly certified recycling agents.

Mr. Juan O. Velásquez, VP and Administrator of Costasur, points out that “with this new effort we are undertaking today, we reaffirm our commitment to make Casa de Campo an example to be followed by all Dominicans in their pledge to take care of the environment and leave a better Dominican Republic to future generations.”

Recently we have been taking important first environmental steps with the renovation of all of the project’s road lighting to LED bulbs, and changing all employees transportation vehicles to compressed natural gas combustion, making a significant contribution to reduce our carbon footprint.

For this new waste sorting and recycling endeavor, we need the cooperation and support of all the Casa de Campo owners and visitors.

We are very thrilled and motivated to take these first steps towards a better future!

New Rooms, a New Family Pool, A New Golf Learning Center, A New Restaurant & Even New Awards!

Superior Casita & Deluxe Balcony Rooms

Everything about our new Superior Casita & Deluxe Balcony rooms has been remodeled, from floor to ceiling. The Deluxe Balcony rooms feature inviting outdoor spaces that surround you in a tropical paradise of native greenery. You’ll love the added interior space, too – including larger bathrooms with walk-in showers and an expansive walk-in closet.

Family Pool Area

A new Family Pool area is currently under construction, and is located directly on the secluded Minitas beach. Designed to feature everything a family would want out of a day at the pool, the project will offer two new pools, a parade of shops, dining options including an ice cream shop, juice bar and more. It will also offer a covered seating area and a playground, all you’d ever want to keep the kids busy and happy all day long.

New Golf Learning Center

We’re proud to announce the opening of the most advanced golf learning center in the Caribbean. The state-of-the-art PGA-tour quality center features two indoor hitting bays, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons with Trackman and BODITRAK technology for rapid improvement, and expert club-fitting and repair. In addition, there are practice greens for honing putting, chipping and pitching games, as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range.
Casa de Campo Golf Learning Center

New Chilango Restaurant

Another new offering is our upcoming Chilango Restaurant — a fun, contemporary taquería situated in Altos de Chavón. With a breathtaking location overlooking Plaza Chavón and the Church, this casual and affordable spot will be just right for a no-fuss meal with the big, bold flavors of everyone’s favorite Mexican street food.

New Awards!

Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and we were thrilled to be recognized as one of the top Caribbean resorts– one of only two hotels in the Dominican Republic to have made this prestigious list. In addition, we’ve garnered the following awards in 2018: Dominican Republic’s leading resort by World Travel Awards, Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards- 4 stars recognition and the highly coveted AAA Four Diamond Award.

Be one of the first to experience all that is new here at the award-winning Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, and book a trip soon!

One of two hotels named to prestigious list in the Dominican Republic

The World’s Best Hotels, Resorts, Cities, Islands, Airlines, Airports and Cruise Lines

Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas recognized as one of the top Caribbean resorts. The sprawling 7,000 acre luxury enclave, which is known to host many dignitaries, celebrities and all-star athletes, is one of only two hotels in the Dominican Republic to have made this prestigious list.

“We are extremely proud to be on this well-respected roster of the best-of-the-best in the Caribbean,” said Andrés Pichardo Rosenberg, president of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. “Our oceanfront villas, spa, equestrian center, world-class golf, marina, shooting center and other top-notch amenities certainly put us in the running to be considered for such an honor. It is ultimately our dedicated staff that goes above and beyond and leaves the biggest impression on the Condé Nast Traveler readers who voted for us. The people of Casa de Campo perfect the guest experience and for that I am most grateful.”

Nearly half a million Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.”

The 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards are published exclusively on Condé Nast Traveler’s website and celebrated in the November issue on newsstands nationwide on October 16.

About Condé Nast Traveler

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Condé Nast Traveler is the most trusted and celebrated name in travel with 6 National Magazine Award wins and 26 nominations in its 30-year history. Advertising Age named Pilar Guzmán Editor of the Year in 2014 and CNTraveler.com attained 3 Webby Awards in 2015. For more, visit www.cntraveler.com.

If you and your significant other have decided to say “I do” at Casa de Campo, you’re probably wondering which destination on our 7,000-acre resort will be the perfect fit. With the help of our Planning Team, almost every site inside the resort is available to host a fairytale-inspired wedding! Here, we list some of our favorite places to host both your ceremony and reception; keep in mind that each wedding package can be modified to fit your personal dream wedding.

Altos de Chavón Amphitheater

Follow in the steps of the countless artists and celebrities that have graced this world-famous stage with their presence. The amphitheater is a bold choice to host a wedding ceremony but is a decision that will reward the daring. Picture a 5,000-seat architectural wonder, all the guests you could ever dream of, and the power of everlasting love in the center of it all. Dare to dream big!

Dye Fore Terrace

For golfer couples, it’s a dream come true. For non-golfer couples, it is still is a breathtaking place to get married. The Dye Fore Terrace has a charming cliffside location with breathtaking views of the Chavón River and the Dye Fore golf course. Additionally, wedding ceremonies can be arranged on any of our picture-perfect, championship golf courses.

Minitas Beach

Many couples imagine a magical Caribbean wedding: sand beneath your feet, an unbelievable sunset, your closest friends and family, and the ocean just a few steps away. Any part of the beach can be set up for the ceremony and the reception, including our renowned Minitas Beach Club & Restaurant. It’s time to fulfill your tropical destination wedding!

Private Villa

For truly intimate ceremonies or extravagant receptions, our villas offer all of the private luxury you might need at any time of day. Any of our astonishing villas are available to fit the vision of your wedding! Our spectacular Exclusive and Oceanfront villas scattered all around the complex are especially suitable for wedding events. Gather your closest friends and family for an unforgettable party where love will reign supreme.

Don’t miss the chance to imagine and get the wedding of your dreams! Contact our Wedding Specialists by filling our contact form or by calling (809) 523-8171.

Emergencies don’t happen very often. But when they do, you want to get help fast. No one wants to spend time looking up the phone number. That’s why 911 was created — to make it easy. Dialing 911 on your villa phone is now the fastest way you can get help for yourself or someone else. Were you aware that here in Casa we are able to report any emergencies that requires immediate assistance by just dialing 911 from your home number? The service is available 24/7 and is managed through Costasur’s security department.

As you might know, the three-digit telephone number “9-1-1” has been designated as the “Universal Emergency Number,” for many countries around the world and is used to request emergency assistance. It is intended as to give the public a fast and easy access to any Public Safety Answering Point.

Not too many years ago, people had to find the right phone number in an emergency; fire department, police station or ambulance. Finding a number for any of these emergency workers could be very confusing — especially if a person was in a hurry or in an unfamiliar area or situation. Today, it’s as simple as dialing 911. When you call 911, an emergency operator — called a dispatcher — immediately connects you to the person you need.

WHEN TO CALL 911

An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance, when immediate action is required: someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress.

Events that involve an immediate threat to a person or property: screams, attacks, gunshots, fires, car accidents with injuries or other medical emergencies
A crime in progres, such as a fight, break and enter (if there is a suspect on scene) or a report of an impaired driver
A serious crime that has just occurred (examples: sexual assault or robbery)
A suspicious circumstance that may indicate an imminent criminal act (examples: prowler, vandal)
When there’s been a car accident
If someone suddenly seems very sick and is having a hard time speaking or breathing or turns blue
If someone collapses or passes out
If someone’s house is on fire

Sometimes people are confused about when to call an emergency number like 911. These are examples of when not to call:

Reporting a crime with no suspect (example: theft of a license plate)
Don’t call when the power is goes out
Reporting a crime with suspect, but suspect is not on the scene (example: fraud)
Reporting a serious crime with suspect, but with a lengthy delay (example: assault that occurred last night at a bar)
Non-emergency in progress (example: noisy party)
On-going crime issues or crimes that are not in-progress (examples: graffiti or ongoing drug dealing with no suspect on scene)
A suspicious circumstance that may indicate an ongoing criminal activity

If you dial 911 by mistake, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, do not hang up—that could make 911 officials think that an emergency exists, and possibly send responders to your location. Instead, simply explain to the call-taker what happened.

WHEN CALLING 911

It is very important that the caller remain calm. Sometimes this is very hard, but as you might know it is difficult to understand someone that is not calm. The dispatchers understand that you have an emergency and will do their best to assist you. They will need to ask the caller a series of questions to understand what is happening, such as these:
Where – Where is this happening? • What – What is happening? • Who – Who is this happening to? • When – When did this happen? • Why – Why is this happening? • Weapons – Are there any weapons?

Remember, the call-taker’s questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Many 911 centers can tell you exactly what to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to.

Be sure all children in your home know what 911 is, how to dial from your home, and to trust the 911 call taker. Make sure your child is physically able to reach at least one phone in your home. When calling 911 your child needs to know their name, parent’s name, telephone number, and most importantly their address. Tell them to answer all the call takers questions and to stay on the phone until instructed to hang up.
Calling 9-1-1 for a non-emergency situation ties up important lifelines meant for people or property in immediate jeopardy or when a crime is in progress. Let’s help keep 9-1-1 lines free for emergencies that require immediate response by dialing ‘0’ (operator) who will transfer you to our local non-emergency numbers.

For more information, please visit Costasur’s website.

Say Goodbye to the Summer in Style

Minitas Beach Club & Restaurant is hosting its first party after the reopening! “Chasing The Last Sunset of Summer” will celebrate the autumn equinox on Saturday, September 22 2018, where the night and the day are nearly exactly the same length all over the world. It’s a chance to soak in renewed energy, spend the day with friends, enjoy lively beats, and welcome the last months of the year with open arms and open hearts.

Merenhouse icons, Ilegales, will perform at Minitas Beach Club, Casa de Campo

The best sunset-spotting place in Casa de Campo will be hosting local and international DJ’s from noon, as well as live performances by the Grammy-nominated Dominican merenhouse trio Ilegales and Colombian latin pop group Piso 21. In addition to an entertaining atmosphere, this event will offer a unique gastronomic proposal for the occasion.

Colombian latin pop group Piso 21 will debut in Minitas Beach Club, Casa de Campo

Save the date for what promises to be an off-the-charts EXTRA long day of celebration! Tickets are on sale at the Casa de Campo Owners Club for US$100 p/p.