The Spread:

Find the best rate at the: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic here.

Polo ponies in the paddocks, private yachts at the marina, golf carts that come with the rooms, plus villas, some with butlers, partially explain why Casa de Campo feels like a privileged retreat. Then there are the 7,000 acres with three golf courses, including the top-rated Teeth of the Dog, as well as the never-ending welter of things to do. Horseback ride, learn polo, shoot sporting clays, play tennis at the 13-court center, and browse the boutiques and art gallery at Altos de Chavon, the resort's faux 16th-century Mediterranean village that features an amphitheater for concerts under the stars. (Sting performed here in April 2006.) Along with 300 rooms, the resort features 150 two- to four-bedroom villas, perfect for families seeking added space plus all the comforts of home.

Why Families Love It:
Casa de Campo offers comprehensive year-round children's programs as well as family-focused activities. At Toddlers 'n' Casa, ages one to three listen to stories, do face painting, make crafts, and watch puppet shows. At Kidz 'n' Casa, four- to seven-year-olds swim, go on pony rides, tie dye T-shirts, and play tennis. Casa 'Tweens offers beach soccer, nature walks, martial arts, science experiments, horseback riding, and water games for ages eight to 12. These programs operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($25 half-day; $40 full day). Kidz' Night Out, for ages four to seven, and 'Tweens Night Out, for ages eight to 12, offers nightly dinner, movies, and games from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. ($47). What to do with your 13- to 17-year-olds at night? They'll be at Bonché4teens, a clubhouse with music, videos, and a pool table, open Friday to Sunday from 10 p.m. to midnight (free except for special activities).

Meanwhile, Nannies 'n' Casa provides daycare services for your kids from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (eight-hour maximum, $60). Nannies by Night provides babysitting in your room, available from 5 p.m. to midnight for $10 per hour (three-hour minimum).

Be sure to check out the beach's family "palapa," with scheduled activities including volleyball, bingo, and meringue lessons.

Special Events & Activities:
Tackle off-property adventures (for an extra fee) like a truck safari into the countryside, a speedboat ride to a snorkeling spot, or deep-sea fishing.