Charles Keusters arrived at Casa de Campo December 2014 following a four-year run with Meliá Hotels International. His assignments included management positions with Paradisus Palma Real; Paradisus Punta Cana; INNSIDE Madrid Hotels; and ME Madrid. Charles earned his Hospitality Administration/Management Diploma from Les Roches Marbella. In addition, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Haverford College.
Casa de Campo Brief
Casa de Campo set the benchmark for luxury travel in the Dominican Republic back in the 1970’s and continues to elevate the standard.
This elite “sporting life” property is situated on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, in the town of La Romana.
Luxury accommodations include 185 guest rooms, suites with private terraces, and over 50 villa homes some with private pools. Casa de Campos’s 7,000-acre property offers an abundance of recreational and relaxing activities, including: three award winning and truly spectacular golf courses “Teeth of the Dog”, “Dye Fore” and “The Links”, designed by award-winning designer Pete Dye; La Terraza Tennis Center; a 245 acre shooting center; polo and equestrian center; and variety of water sports. For relaxation and enjoying the sun, the spa and private beaches are a must. Six of the full-service restaurants provide International cuisine and wines all with breathtaking views. Casa de Campo has its own airport, heliport and marina; guests are welcome to arrive by air or by sea.
Liz Palmer
What Food and Beverage concepts have you implemented since your arrival?
Charles Keusters
My main objective is to give Casa de Campo villa owners and guests an experience they cannot find anywhere else – to make it a culinary destination.
The owners and guests have access to anything they want here. I like the culinary culture and always looking for new ideas – for my future plans, I’m looking to set up a riverboat where the chef will cook on the boat for guests. I’m also incorporating health and wellness into the menus and working with the chef to incorporate more indigenous vegetables and fruits into the menus along with local fresh fish, which is at our doorstep.
Liz Palmer
As Director of Food & Beverage of Casa De Campo, how do you manage your day and can your outline a typical workday for us?
Charles Keusters
It’s rarely the same every day for me.
I oversee private functions, all the restaurants, and catering for private yachts and planes.
Breakfast is usually at 7:30 am at Logo. Here I have breakfast and review my day. Then I do a-walk-around the property to see if everything is in order. 8:30 am there is usually a briefing with the General Manager. 9:00 am I have an executive committee meeting which includes the operations team where I review pricing and budging. After this meeting I walk around and oversee the various events around the property. Throughout the afternoon and evening I great guests and listen and respect their comments and suggestions.
Liz Palmer
What defines luxury to you?
Charles Keusters
Luxury is comfort, innovation, uniqueness, and anticipation, which are defining elements. Service also plays an important part.
Liz Palmer
Does Casa De Campo have a wine cellar? If so, how large is the inventory? Who maintains it? And who chooses the wines and prepares the wine list?
Charles Keusters
We have an 8,000 bottle cellar, with an inventory of French, Italian, Spanish, Chilean, Australian and New Zealand wines.
I manage and maintain the cellar and am currently reviewing the wine lists to make some future changes.
Liz Palmer
What is your favorite glass of wine to sip at the end of the day?
Charles Keusters
Wine is a personal experience – I like Italian and Spanish reds. Especially Cepa 21 from Spain.
Liz Palmer
Charles, how do you keep up on industry trends and cultural needs of global clients?
Charles Keusters
I’m personally interested in international industry trends. I read magazines, food blogs, and am constantly reviewing Instagram.When I travel I love to explore other cultures and their dishes.