My grandson Teddy will never forget where he lost his first tooth.
The whole family was following the progress of the tiny white nugget as it was tongue-twisted and cajoled, the main topic of conversation during our breakfast, lunch and dinner on our first day together at Villa Cantamar in the Dominican Republic.
We arrived at the sprawling private villa in good spirits and ready with our cabana wear and appetites. We were welcomed by the engaging staff of five who were with us all week, preparing and serving three full meals and healthy snacks daily, picking and carving coconuts for our happy hours, quietly working around the stunning cliff-side property and tidying up after us. It was luxury!
Perched on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, far from las turistas, the 10,000 square foot estate sleeps 16 in five en suite bedrooms, each opening to a common courtyard with a pool and covered terrace where we gathered for morning coffee, snacks, billiards and an hourly tooth report.
Our hostess, Kristy Petrillo, is a real estate developer and lifestyle trendsetter who splits her time between her homes and 14 luxury vacation properties in Blue Ridge, Georgia and the Dominican Republic. Her design aesthetic is boho but refined. The sunken living room at Villa Cantamar opens completely to the terrace, with a wet bar (kept full of your preferences, thanks to the stealth staff), soft lighting and deep white sectionals for lounging and cuddle puddles with the grandchildren.
Each bedroom suite has been decorated by Kristy, with local art and nods to the history of the island, designed with the guest’s utmost comfort in mind. “I believe a five-star experience starts with upscale furnishings and design. This isn’t like other vacation rentals. I design and furnish each home like I would my own,” says Kristy. “And I look for ways we can offer our guests enriching experiences and opportunities to make exceptional memories– like I do with my friends and with my sons.”
While we really had no reason to leave the grounds, we connected with Kristy’s Adventure Concierge, Josh Heisler who scooped us up for a nearby day trip to the Laguna Dudu where we ziplined out to the middle of a crystal clear cenote and dropped, screaming, 30-feet into the cold water. The park also has a bar and restaurant, and two lagoons with caves to swim into and various small craggy cliffs to jump from.
The next day, we followed Josh’s recommendation and posted up at Playa Grande, where we played in the waves, rented chairs and umbrellas and enjoyed fried chicken and frozen drinks served by the eager beach vendors.
Back at Villa Cantamar, smoothies awaited and we were informed dinner would be served in the garden overlooking the Atlantic (t-shirts and damp bathing suits welcomed). We toasted to Kristy and her staff’s vision and spectacular service and to the tooth fairy who finally visited us.
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