Visiting the Dominican Republic is always a no-brainer. The flight from New York City to Punta Cana is only about 4 hours. That means if you leave in the morning, you’ll be enjoying pina coladas by the pool by lunchtime. The island nation’s natural beauty, perfect climate, and top-notch hospitality have drawn discerning travelers from Oscar de la Renta and Frank Sinatra to Pitbull, Beyoncé, and at least three U.S. presidents. And there may be no better time to visit than during the holidays, when the weather is a little warmer than Santa can keep under the tree.
“You have the freedom to walk the beach or climb the mountains, but you can actually focus on your family,” says interior designer Celie Kemble, who designed and developed Playa Grande Beach Club on the island’s north coast. Even outside of the everyday world, there are great ways to fully rest, relax, swim, and eat while keeping your family at the center. ” Jet-setting tastemaker Carlos Mota agrees: “The Dominican Republic is the perfect place to spend a beach vacation without having to travel across the globe.”
Sound appealing? T&C is here to help. Below are two itineraries for the finicky globetrotter. One in a classic island grande dame and the other in a promising newcomer. Both were recently tested by our editors and are located a stone’s throw from the international airport. You can do one or the other, or both, but whatever you do, don’t just sit at home.
Casa de Campo
In the 50 years since Casa de Campo opened, this 7,000-acre property has become the DR’s oldest resort, including hotels, restaurants, a world-class golf course, authentic shopping, an equestrian center, private homes, and more. And while some may love Casa de Campo for the fact that de la Renta was its first interior designer, or that it’s home to a number of international celebrities, what we appreciated most on our recent visit was how seamlessly it handles its clearly well-maintained guests.
The main hotel has 247 hotel rooms and suites, and there are also a number of private villa hotel rooms on site, but we booked a Premier Junior Suite in the Premier Club. The Premier Club is a hotel-within-a-hotel offering private check-in, an exclusive lounge, and a full range of services from morning to night. (There’s also an improved golf cart that you can drive around the grounds.) Don’t plan on spending too much time in the room, though.
Casa de Campo’s Premier Presidential Suite. Not a bad place to go on Christmas morning if you ask us.
What we liked most about this property was the variety of activities offered and there was never a dull moment. Guests can participate in tennis (ask for professional Matias Territoriale), golf, shooting, pickleball, or equestrian activities. You can also explore the faux 16th-century town of Altos de Chavón (there’s some very authentic shopping here, don’t miss the espadrilles at La Alpargateria or the handmade treasures at Artisan Chavón). Relax on the private Minitas Beach or on nearby Catalina Island. Visit a lively marina lined with shops and restaurants (we particularly liked SBG). Or enjoy massages, facials, and other treatments at the spa.
“The Dominican Republic has a very warm, friendly and honest culture, which is a big part of what makes vacationing here so special,” says Jason Kaycek, chief marketing officer at Casa de Campo. “Everyone here values warmth, friendliness and hospitality, and they take care of their guests, especially during the holidays.”
Casa de Campo’s marina has restaurants, bars, great boutiques, and quite a few very impressive boats.
That means traditional holiday fare for our American guests, as well as local specialties, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with a live orchestra, annual ornaments designed by local artists, and plenty of creamy, boozy local specialty ponche. And it all leads up to the annual New Year’s Eve party on the beach. “I grew up in Wisconsin, and I remember my first Christmas in the Caribbean, and I saw a palm tree with Christmas lights on it and thought, oh, this is really weird,” Kajcek says. “But all the holiday traditions and culture you would expect are still there.
In fact, Casa de Campo even has vacation essentials you may or may not need, Kajcek says. “If someone needs a gift wrapped, forgot their Christmas present or lost their package, we can help,” he says. “It has pretty much everything anyone could need.”
St. Regis Cap Cana
The St. Regis Cap Cana opened this spring. If you’re the type of person who appreciates when someone actually pays attention to details, you’ll notice them everywhere. This design by Chapi Chapo Design takes cues from the surrounding landscape, including dramatic cliffs, incredibly blue waters, and palm-lined beaches, and translates it into contemporary, sophisticated interiors with a distinctly Caribbean feel. All 200 rooms and 36 suites offer ocean views, many with swim-out access. A particularly great amenity for families, where the kids can splash around in the shared private pool while you sip your coffee (or strong coffee) on the patio. When you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find nine restaurants, including Nina, helmed by renowned Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz, home to the famous St. Regis Bar, where you can enjoy signature Bloody Marys, and Kawa, a grab-and-go patisserie serving exceptional desserts, viennoiserie, handmade chocolates, and Dominican coffee. Cigar lovers will enjoy spending time in the Amber Room, which features a vast collection of aged rums and an impressive humidor.
Suites at the St. Regis Cap Cana have swim-out access and are perfect for children of all ages. It’s also the perfect access point to Santa.
This facility focuses on the pool scene. There are four of them, each with their own unique vibe. Some are reserved for guests beyond Marco Polo, others are designed for families who aren’t, and all are set within expansive water features, making choosing where to spend your afternoon the toughest decision of the day. After soaking up all the sun, head to the spa, which features 14 tranquil treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy area that will help you forget about your to-do list. And here’s the real trick. While the kids are hooked on the Children and Teens Club (where, besides making friendship bracelets, the programming actually teaches kids something about Dominican culture), parents can disappear guilt-free for therapy, a long lunch, or an afternoon round of golf. During the holidays, the resort has a variety of events planned, including turkey trots, a family bonfire night, and a tree lighting ceremony featuring eggnog, hot ginger tea, and homemade cookies. And if you’d like to venture off-site, arrange a private yacht tour to Saona in advance, as the breathtaking beaches book up quickly.
The lobby of the St. Regis Cap Cana.
The resort is steps away from the Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada Golf Course, named the best course in the Caribbean and Mexico by Golf Week and 35th in the world by Golf Digest. The ocean views that surround the property for 18 holes can actually get in the way of your game. Tennis and equestrian activities are also available at the Cap Cana campus, if you prefer to exercise on a small court or at a high vantage point. But honestly, between the spa, the pool, and the St. Regis Butler Service, which anticipates your needs before you even define them, you might wonder why you should leave the property.
One of four pools at the St. Regis Cap Cana. Book a cabana, order a pina colada, and thank yourself later.
“Dominicans are known for their warmth,” says Alicia Encarnacion, the property’s chief concierge. “During the holidays, its charisma truly shines through, with traditions like vilanxicos (Christmas carols that fill the air with joyful melodies) and a way of celebrating that makes every guest feel like family.”
Special Projects Editor William Lee is the founder of art consultancy Armature Projects and co-host of PBS’s Emmy-nominated series on Asian food and culture, “Lucky Chow.”
Adam Rathe is Town & Country’s Deputy Features Director, covering film, theatre, books, travel, art, philanthropy and a variety of other subjects.
