Casa de Campo, a luxury golf and beach resort near La Romana in the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, sees its fair share of celebrities. It most recently welcomed Bill Gates as he traveled aboard the world's largest yacht known as the 'Octopus.'
The yacht was built in 2003 and belongs to Paul Allen of Microsoft, who according to Forbes, is the third richest man in the United States and seventh in the world. Octopus cost Allen over $200 million and has a permanent crew of 60. On board are two helicopters, seven boats, a 10-man submarine and a remote-controlled vehicle for crawling on the ocean floor. It is reported that Gates toured the Casa de Campo residential complex by bicycle.
Casa de Campo was also the scene for Michael Jackson's wedding with Lisa Marie Presley in 1994. Many Dominicans are mourning the loss of the celebrity performer who tied the knot in a civil ceremony at La Vega near Casa de Campo and reportedly would not touch the pen offered by the judge to sign the documents opting instead to use his own (a sanitary practice for which he was known).
The 7,000 acre Casa de Campo resort has launched its new Web site to feature the facilities of this resort destination that outpaces most of the resorts in the area. There are 23 different restaurants and dining facilities, 12 bars, 54 shops and boutiques, plus the listing of major concerts coming to the Altos de Chavon amphitheatre. The site also features breathtaking images of the Pete Dye golf courses, the tennis, shooting & equestrian centers, polo and unique venues for weddings, group functions, and family adventures.
US citizens are discovering the pleasures of Casa de Campo that the celebrities have long known. Fares are low this summer as the economy struggles to return to normalcy and the heat keeps the cold-blooded away.
Comments
Ok, Michael Jackson did get married in the Dominican Republic, but not in Casa de Campo. He married in La Vega, a small town very far from La Romana, where the exclusive resort Casa de Campo is. Please people watch what you write.
Ok omar that is true, but remenber that the D.R
it's a small country compare with the USA, for that reason they think la vega it's near to Casa de Campo, to them all is near in this country.
you know what i mean?.
I read the judge said that MJ got married in La Vega and then he spent a few days in Casa de Campo. Remenber that he moved in Dom. Rep. in a helicopter, not in car.
Leo, I know DR (I'm Dominican) and to get from La Romana (Casa de Campo) to La Vega is a 3.5 hours drive more or less.
Thanks Omar, you're right. It is a 3.5 hour drive from La Vega to Casa de Campo, but this is more due to road/traffic conditions rather than geographical distance. Thanks so much for reading!
La Vega is one of the oldest cities in the new world. In La Vega the conquering Spanish began and ran the first bordello in the new world. They needed some R&R while decimating the native Indian population living on the island of Hispaniola.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!