The Dominican Republic's Best-Kept Secret

Even novice travelers can boast at least one passport stamp to the Dominican Republic, but the Caribbean gem also holds a secret hideaway for celebrities. Tucked away on the island’s gleaming southern coast in La Romana lies Casa de Campo, a private city totally ideal for your winter girls getaway. Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Rihanna and the Kardashians annually frequent this well-guarded property. Michael Jordan held his bachelor party here and Drake even filmed his “Started From the Bottom” video one of the million-dollar villas of Punta Minitas, Casa de Campo’s unofficial A-list neighborhood. Villas boasting four bedrooms and two bathrooms start as low as $600 a night, so the price-point is perfect for a relaxing—and economical—long weekend with friends!WHERE TO EATCasa de Campo offers a variety of mouth-watering taste experiences for even the pickiest palates. Dine al-fresco at the five-star Beach Club by Le Cirque if you’re in the mood for waterfront Caribbean and international-infused Chilean sea bass or bacon-wrapped loin of lamb with herb ravioli. The staff will also help pair your entrée with the perfect wine. La Casita Restaurant, on CDC’s world-class marina, indulges you with authentic Spanish and Dominican cuisine, as well as seafood entrées like salmon fresco a la pimienta. But La Cana Restaurant & Lounge by Il Circo is where the action is. Overlooking an expansive pool terrace, La Cana offers indoor and outdoor dining specialties such as curried jumbo shrimp with mango chutney, and marinated beef carpaccio with goat cheese and arugula.WHAT TO DORemember: You’re at Casa de Campo to relax so consider starting with a sail to the pristine shores of Catalina Island, just five miles south of La Romana. The six square miles of sugar-sand beaches and crystal clear Caribbean waters will make you wish you were stranded. Feeling competitive? Grab a racquet and challenge your girlfriends at La Terraza Tennis Center. Overlooking the sea, it's considered the “Wimbledon of the Caribbean,” complete with a team of ball boys in crisp white tennis attire to chase down your errant shots. Then, for a truly flossed-out evening, visit Altos de Chavon, a 16-century Mediterranean village on a plateau high above the Chavon River. You’ll love the architectural grandeur while strolling along cobblestone paths and vine-draped gardens past museums and fine restaurants. And no weekend getaway is complete without pampering, so visit The Spa at Casa de Campo for a blend of ancient and modern healing therapies.WHERE TO PARTYCDC isn’t Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, so don’t expect raucous nightclubs and bars. But the aforementioned lounge and bar at La Cana is very active after dinner with guests socializing over live music and colorful cocktails. Still feel the urge to turn up? Well, you do have your own villa, so you and the girls can party privately all you want. Just remember where you are and don’t get too crazy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RubBzkZzpUACasa de CampoLa Romana, Dominican Republic1-800-877-3643 or (305) 856-5405-Joel Randell