Fodor's Expert Review Casa de Campo

One of the country's oldest and most famous resorts, which set the benchmark for luxury travel in the Caribbean when it was built in the mid-1970s, is in the top tier of the Dominican Republic's luxury properties. The striking beauty of the minimalist design and decor utilizes rich woods and open spaces set off by splashes of jewel tones. Rooms and villas are outfitted with fine European linens, large flat-screen TVs, high-tech lighting, and fresh orchids; each comes with a golf cart, though there's also an efficient shuttle system. There are numerous restaurants and nightlife options, and there's an annual array of festivals and special events. The spa, with its private water-treatment section, is a pleasurable place to relax and revive. The Minetas family pool complex is near the beach, and there is also a golf learning center.