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The inaugural Cigars in Paradise Festival welcomed cigar enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and industry leaders to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas for four unforgettable days celebrating premium cigars, rum, golf, and Caribbean hospitality. From educational seminars and exclusive tastings to the official Dominican Republic qualifier of the Cigar Smoking World Championship, the event established itself as one of the Caribbean’s newest luxury lifestyle experiences. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made the first edition a remarkable success.
The Dominican Republic has a long cigar-making tradition. Household names such as Arturo Fuente, La Flor Dominicana, Romeo y Julieta, and La Aurora are enjoyed around the world. Visiting the renowned Tabacalera de García to watch skilled artisans hand-roll cigars is a popular activity for Casa de Campo Resort & Villas’ guests. And of course, there’s nothing like savoring your first puff in one of the resort’s picture-perfect settings.
For these reasons and more, we hosted the first Casa de Campo Cigars in Paradise® festival from June 25–27, 2026. The exclusive three-day event celebrated the ritual of fine cigars with premium pairings of world-class rum and spirits, seminars and interactive sessions, as well as a slow-smoking tournament held under the Cigar Smoking World Championship banner. Attendees included young entrepreneurs, industry veterans, celebrities such as Roselyn Sánchez, Eric Winter, and Mekhi Phifer, lifestyle content creators, and cigar aficionados from around the globe.
The Cigars in Paradise Festival was created to celebrate the craftsmanship, heritage, and culture surrounding premium cigars and fine rum in one of the Caribbean’s most iconic luxury destinations.
Hosted at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, the four-day experience brought together internationally recognized cigar brands from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras alongside premium rum producers, creating an immersive event for seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Marina, guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated program that blended education, entertainment, exceptional dining, and luxury hospitality. The beautiful Marina Riverside Center brought cigar culture to life with 28 premium cigar stands, Dominican rum labels, and luxury partners, plus an exclusive Palm Republic rum tasting. Guests chose their preferred cigars, paired them with a drink, and sat down with friends to enjoy a leisurely smoke under the Caribbean night.
In a fast-paced world, cigars invite us to slow down, connect with kindred spirits, and appreciate life’s finer pleasures—a natural complement to the Casa de Campo lifestyle. The Cigars in Paradise® festival looks set to become an anticipated annual highlight, the first edition of many more to come.
The festival officially began with an exclusive Welcome Cocktail Reception, where guests, brand representatives, media, and special invitees gathered to celebrate the start of the inaugural edition.
One of the festival’s defining features was its educational programming.
Throughout the event, guests attended engaging seminars led by respected master blenders, cigar makers, and industry experts. Topics explored included tobacco cultivation, cigar construction, blending techniques, aging, and the traditions that have shaped premium cigar production across the Caribbean and Central America.
These conversations gave attendees a deeper appreciation for the artistry and heritage behind every cigar.
The festival proudly hosted the official Dominican Republic Qualifier for the Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC), one of the cigar industry’s most respected international competitions.
Participants competed to demonstrate patience, consistency, and technique while earning the opportunity to represent the Dominican Republic at the CSWC World Championship.
The competition became one of the weekend’s most anticipated experiences, attracting competitors and spectators alike.
The heart of Cigars in Paradise came alive during two spectacular festival nights at Casa de Campo’s Marina.
Guests explored premium cigar experiences presented by renowned brands from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras while enjoying curated rum tastings, gourmet culinary offerings, live entertainment, and elegant waterfront lounges.
Beyond the tastings, the festival fostered meaningful conversations between guests, brand representatives, and industry professionals, creating an atmosphere where craftsmanship and luxury naturally converged.
The inaugural festival concluded with a successful Silent Auction featuring exclusive collectibles, premium products, and unique experiences generously donated by participating brands and partners.
The auction not only allowed guests to acquire exceptional items but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration and community that defined the event.
Today’s luxury travelers increasingly seek experiences that combine authenticity, culture, and exclusivity.
Cigars in Paradise delivers exactly that by bringing together premium cigars, world-class hospitality, golf, fine dining, and the natural beauty of the Caribbean in a single destination.
With its inaugural edition now complete, the festival has established a strong foundation to become an anticipated annual event for cigar enthusiasts and luxury travelers from around the world. We look forward to welcoming you back as this exciting new tradition continues to grow.
See you at Cigars in Paradise, May 20-23, 2027
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