Choosing the "right" vacation for a family of five can sometimes be a little frustrating. We read about "The Caribbean's Most Complete Resort" on the Dominican Republic, which promised a 7,000-acre playground, with everything from the usual golf and fitness to sport shooting, horseback riding and polo, to a 16th-century replica Mediterranean village. The beaches looked nice, the kid's program sounded good, their water sports incomparable, but what about the prices? A little on the high side, but definitely worth a try, if what they had to offer really existed.

Traveling to the Dominican Republic from Arizona does not involve easy connections, but the fact that Casa de Campo has its own international airport at La Romana made it easier. Tired and on Arizona time, we were there within 20 minutes. There are 2, 3 or 4-BR private villa homes, and nice Oscar de la Renta-decorated hotel rooms, if space is not a necessity. We had selected an all-inclusive package at the Excel Club villas, supposedly the most luxuriously furnished. They also come with their own maid and butler (10 hours/day), which was a real luxury for mom! Included, among many amenities, were a full American breakfast cooked every morning and served on the patio, two golf carts (a must for getting around) and much more. The "all-inclusive" rate proved to be cost-effective for our family, as we wanted to experience everything Casa de Campo had to offer. The many restaurants provided something for everyone and the food was wonderful!

Anything we selected from their shopping list was picked up for us. The hospitality and incomparable service far surpassed anyplace we have ever experienced. There was so much to do, our family couldn't possibly do it all in five days. Our 10-year-old rode horses daily, our 12-year-old tried skeet shooting with his dad, plus all the water sports we could fit in. The 3-year-old loved the beach and being driven in the golf cart by his older brother and sister. Visiting "Altos de Chavon," the beautiful Mediterranean village replica built high over the Chavon River was not only educational for the kids, but fascinating for grown-ups, too. From talking to other guests at Casa de Campo, we learned the kid's supervised program (ages 3-12) was well done. Best of all, Mom relaxed, and waking up to the smell of select Dominican coffee and the sounds of breakfast being cooked was the best part of all! By the time we left, Augustine and Manual, our villa's maid and butler, were like part of our family.

We had some "challenges" in checking out (others did also) because there were a few mistakes in the bill, but they were corrected. All the employees we encountered were friendly and helpful. 

We have all experienced those trips that just don't go right (we've had more than our share), but fortunately there are trips like this, and places like Casa de Campo that get us back into that travel mode, so we're ready to go again! It really is "The Caribbean's Most Complete Resort."