Director of Operations
YOU’VE WORKED WITH MANY CELEBRITIES AND NOTABLES OVER YOUR TIME HERE. ANY TALES TO SHARE?
In April of 2015, Andrea Bocelli had a concert at Altos de Chavon and decided to arrive a couple of days earlier to spend some time at the resort. As we welcomed him to the villa, his son gave him a quick tour of the house and this villa happened to have a piano in it. When his son told him that there was a piano in the room, he quickly began playing it, and everyone who happened to be in the villa was treated to a private concert. Unbelievable and something that will stay with me forever.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF REGARDING THE EMPLOYEES AT CASA?
I am continuously humbled by the pride that many of our employees take in being employed by Casa de Campo. Our property is a like an institution in the city of La Romana and of the main sources of employment in the community, so people value the work they do and the service they are able to offer. This pride translates into ownership, attention to detail and many of the things that are so important in ensuring we are able to deliver they hospitality experience that we seek to provide.
HOW DID YOUR CASA DE CAMPO STORY BEGIN?
Initially, I worked for 2 years in New York for an economic consulting firm. The work was interesting but it was not something I was very passionate about. I returned to home to Portugal and obtained a post-graduate degree in International Hospitality Management. Eventually, after working in Europe for a while, I had the opportunity to work as a F&B Manager for one of the leading luxury resorts in Punta Cana. After nearly 2 years at the property, I started searching for opportunities back in Europe for a true luxury product but ended up finding the perfect opportunity only 45 minutes away here at Casa de Campo. I have been at the resort since December 2014, originally as F&B Director and took on the role of Director of Operations in December of 2018.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS?
We are constantly trying to find ways to improve the quality of our service and of the experiences we provide our guests. This is an on-going process, and during my time here, it’s been incredible to bring these ideas to life and turn them into solid realities for our guests’ and patrons’ enjoyment.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT CASA DE CAMPO?
I think people don’t realize that if they come to Casa de Campo once, they will always want to come back and visit us. There is nowhere in the world quite like it!
WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING RECENT DEVELOPMENT AT CASA, IN TERMS OF OPERATIONS?
I think the projects we’ve completed over the past 18 months at Minitas beach have completely transformed our guest’s experience. We have included a world-class restaurant, an adults-only beach club, a family pool experience as well as new retail spaces. The feedback has been outstanding!
A personal favorite of mine must be Chilango Taqueria, an authentic Mexican taqueria that we recently inaugurated in Altos de Chavon. With fresh handmade corn tortillas, the best pico de gallo, top notch tequilas and Mexican cervezas… It’s a very casual experience executed with the flair and quality of Casa de Campo.
