7000 Acres = 10.9375 Square Miles – That’s the size of Casa de Campo Resort in Dominican Republic. The driver said, “You have arrived at Casa de Campo” and it was at least five minutes later when we reached the lobby. You know that scene in Jurassic Park where the gates open to the park and all of the mouths are agape? That was my expression when I entered the gated paradise of Casa de Campo. From horseback riding along the Chavon River to shooting at the Safari Club, from boat tours to Catalina Island to couples massages at the spa, Casa de Campo activities read like a life’s bucket list rather than resort options. Everyday at Casa de Campo was filled with new adventures and luxurious experiences.
Our scenic horseback ride led us through the picturesque resort, along famed golf courses, and through luscious green fields with views of the Caribbean Sea and Dominican mountains. We had opportunities to walk, trot, and canter on the horses and bask in the golden Caribbean sun. The two hour duration really gave us a feel for horses and built up our confidence to give cantering a try.
Casa de Campo is home to a 245-acre Shooting Club nestled in the dense foliage of the Dominican jungle. The club offers more than 200 stations for trap, skeet, and sporting clays, as well as pigeon rings and an open-air Safari Club Bar with artifacts. The first station we experienced projected clay targets away from us as shooters to stimulate a bird in flight, fleeing from a predator. Next up was sporting clays that provided a realistic hunting simulation of rabbits. All clays moved at different heights and speeds to test our range of skill. While I have zero desire to shoot actual animals, the skeet shooting adventure was one of my favorite all-inclusive experiences.
I loved skeet shooting but I feel most at home on the water. The Catalina Island Day trip allowed us to experience six-square miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and island services including drinks and food. On the catamaran ride over, we relaxed on a spacious sundeck and chatted with another family from California. My only regret was that I didn’t reapply enough sunscreen, leaving me with a red nose to remember my day.
After shooting, horseback riding, and water adventures, an afternoon at the spa was a heavenly treat. Casa de Campo Spa pampers guests with complete Caribbean tranquility. Our couples massage allowed us to indulge in a little me time while being pampered together. I left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. It was the ideal ending to my sporting life experience.
Casa de Campo focuses on the sporting life. I left feeling refreshed and excited about all of my new, unique experiences. Rather than just relaxing at the pool or hanging out on the beach, Casa de Campo gets you out of the chair and into your list. Don’t get me wrong, though, the pools and beaches are worthy places to relax and rejuvenate and it’s easy to find a balance between adventure and relaxation.
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