Have Friends Will Travel – Destination: The Dominican Republic

One month ago to the day, I was in the middle of a 4 night getaway in 1 villa with 8 bedrooms and 17 people. If there had been cameras, they would have captured a blend of The Real World 30+ and an extended parody of the commercial for The Passages Malibu.

There was a big birthday, an even bigger surprise engagement, an infinity pool that even the Kardashians couldn’t top, and memories to last a lifetime. I probably drank my body weight in Patron Silver.

We flew into the Dominican Republic a day before one of this year’s massive snowstorms. And a day before the other guests. After a night at a hotel supposedly recommended by Cynthia Rowley in a Condé Nast publication (like NO), we took the main road through the small fishing town of Cabrera to Orchid Bay Estates. There, a friendly security guard provided further directions that would take us to Casa Kimball per the party invitation. When the gate to the house opened, my jaw hit the gravel driveway.

We were greeted immediately by Jennifer, the house manager and Shaw who we would later discover doubles as a private masseur. Marcel, an elegantly dressed server offered a tray of slim glasses filled with welcoming rum punch. Jennifer verified our names and provided a brief tour of the common areas. Marcel led us up a long stairway and out to our sleeping room, whose balcony overlooked a colorful garden and the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms had been pre-assigned by the hosts, so no weaves would be pulled.

The first thing I noticed was the enormous infinity pool with its indigo tiles overlooking the ocean. Mindblowingly gorgeous. There is a main house and a guest house that connect via an outdoor sitting area and one of two outdoor bar areas. Regardless of the room assigned, I could see there would be only a short walk to the bar.

 

At around 10 pm, the rest of our crew arrived after their delayed flights. I kissed the many familiar faces and shook new hands with people who would soon become friends at the very late dinner of traditional Dominican fare. The following morning, I had coffee with my Advil and enjoyed some organic dialogue.

 

Though Casa Kimball is nested on a cliff, there is a stunning white sand beach just a five minute walk away. There is a huge hot tub one level below the infinity pool, which also overlooks the ocean. Priceless after dark. Perfect for selfies.

 

Every waking moment at Casa Kimball was exquisite. The evening that topped the charts for me was the day of our friend and host, Phil’s, birthday. After surfing lessons at a nearby beach, we began the evening’s festivities with margaritas at the bar. Those were followed by a rooftop sit down, multi-course dinner, which ended with the largest, fluffiest chocolate cake by a fire pit on the edge of the cliff overlooking a perfectly moonlit Atlantic Ocean.

 

 

Toward the end of the after dinner toasts to the guests and to the birthday boy, the very confident Jim’s voice turned a little shaky. He capped what had already been a perfect evening with an honest and emotional “will you marry me?” #tear

 

We were treated to the getaway of our lives. We had a talented chef on staff preparing every exquisite meal, surfed on a picture perfect beach, on-site nail tech who gave us perfect mani/pedis, and a masseur.

 

While I miss the 90 degree days, the remarkable sea-scapes, and the delectable Barbie-size breakfast burritos that I’d order from the menu each day, it’s the no-pressure environment and constant laughter and fun I remember most. Group travel adventures can be tricky, especially when members of the group are new to one another. Cliquey even.

Our hosts did an incredible job selecting their guest list and they couldn’t have been more generous nor attentive. And to come clean, I also really miss popping bottles at 11 in the morning. Every. Single Day.

Feast your eyes, read the story behind it and start thinking whom you’re going to invite. The place is special. www.casakimball.com