How would you describe Casa Kimball in a nutshell?
Casa Kimball is a Caribbean luxury villa rental for 18 guests near Playa Grande on the Dominican Republic's north coast. This private oceanfront villa is surrounded by almond trees and coco palms and is part of a gated community. Set onto a cliff, each of the eight suites has panoramic views of the roaring Atlantic Ocean. You'll love the 45-metre long infinity pool, the large windows and open plan layout, which break the boundaries between the inside and outside. During your entire stay Casa Kimball will be fully staffed with a villa manager, housekeepers, personal chefs and bartenders.
Casa Kimball looks amazing. Please tell us a bit about the architecture and interior design of the villa.
The villa has been designed in the modern architectural style. It’s a holistic approach with a distinct focus on blending structure, materials and purpose with the natural beauty of the location, most famously exemplified by Frank Lloyd Wright. The architect, Jasmit Rangr, of Rangr Studios in New York City, spent almost three years and close to 25 visits to the Dominican Republic to complete the design and construction. The villa’s interior naturally follows the palette of materials and textures used for the exterior: Brazilian hardwood ceilings in the same wood as the window and door frames, custom cabinetry, bars & dining table; and native, white Travertine walls and floors that flow seamlessly from the outside in.
What was your inspiration to rent out the villa as a vacation rental?
I built Casa Kimball in order to have a home in which I can go to relax by the pool any day of the year. However, heading south from New York City that many degrees of latitude requires time and so I enjoy perhaps 10 visits a year. The other 42 weeks the villa can be rented for weddings, family reunions, special birthdays, gatherings of friends, and corporate retreats. Having a full house is great for the villa and great for the staff.
Would you describe it as the house of your dreams?
Absolutely. It is truly a magical place and a one-of-a-kind property. Every time I’m there, the outside world, with its incessant demands and concerns, recedes to a comfortable distance. I’m able to relax and enjoy the beauty of the house and the Caribbean, and to really connect with the friends and family I’ve invited along for the trip.
What would you describe to be the spirit of Casa Kimball and your philosophy?
The guiding vision behind Casa Kimball is to provide elegant relaxation with an architectural structure that embraces the natural beauty of the setting. I remember very well sitting on the cliff edge with my architect over the year that we worked on the design. Facing a sweeping vista encompassing over 180 degrees of horizon, with the ocean breeze on our faces and the crash of the waves below, I asked him to replicate the feeling. And he did. Our wonderful staff completes the picture. They provide just the right balance of refined, professional service, mixed with a warm friendliness distinctive of Dominicans; you really are free to relax without a care in the world.
You are also offering a lot of different activities. What are some of the more popular among your vacation guests?
Definitely the local tour or the beach dinner with bonfire at Playa Grande.
On the local tour, guests enjoy a few hours sightseeing to our local waterfall, passing through our town park on the way to an oceanfront Bohemian bar to sample some Mama Juana. From there, continuing on to Laguna Du Du and Lago Azul to view beautiful natural spring fed lagoons decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, including a cliff jump or two into the fresh, crystal clear waters. Then moving on to frolic in the waves and enjoy a gorgeous vast stretch of Dominican beach at La Entrada. Cold beers and rum cocktails are available at the beach kiosks.
At Playa Grande, groups can enjoy a sunset shore dinner of fresh fish, seafood and other typical Dominican cuisine. A live Dominican merengue trio band kicks off the evening and the bonfire while guests either lounge on beach blankets and pillows or dance merengue while enjoying the sounds and atmosphere of the Caribbean.
How would you like your guests to remember their vacation?
I would like that our guests remember the diligent attention and friendliness of the staff, the excellent dining, and the seamless service. I would like that they remember deepening their friendships and strengthening family ties. And, I would hope that they remember their stay as a time spent apart from the cares of their daily lives, in a setting that photos simply do not do justice.
