Dominican Today: “Casa de Campo’s First Cigars in Paradise Festival Draws International Visitors”

What Were the Biggest Highlights of the Cigars in Paradise Festival?

A quick look at what made this inaugural festival unforgettable:

• A curated blend of cigar culture, rum craftsmanship, golf, and luxury resort experiences
• Access to 28 premium cigar brands and hands‑on learning with industry experts
• A mix of daytime exploration and elevated evening celebrations
• Celebrity attendance that added excitement without overshadowing the event’s authenticity
• A festival atmosphere that felt both intimate and internationally significant

A New Era of Casa de Campo Events: Inside the 2026 Cigars in Paradise Festival

There’s a special kind of energy that settles over Casa de Campo in La Romana when a new tradition begins, and the inaugural Cigars in Paradise festival felt exactly like that. From June 25–27, cigar lovers, industry leaders, and international guests gathered at the resort for three days of premium tobacco, luxury spirits, and the unmistakable warmth of the Dominican Republic.

For a destination already known for world‑class hospitality and iconic Dominican Republic events, this festival added something new, a celebration that blends craftsmanship, culture, and the relaxed elegance that defines Casa de Campo.

A Festival Rooted in Dominican Craftsmanship

The Dominican Republic produces more premium hand‑rolled cigars than any country in the world, and Casa de Campo sits at the heart of that legacy. The festival showcased more than 25 renowned cigar brands, including Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Montecristo, La Aurora, Plasencia, and Rocky Patel, offering guests rare access to master blenders, educational seminars, and curated tastings. 

Evenings unfolded along the Marina, where rum tastings, live music, and waterfront celebrations created a setting that felt both elevated and effortlessly Caribbean. Celebrity guests like Roselyn Sánchez, Eric Winter, and Mekhi Phifer added a touch of glamour, but the real star was the atmosphere, relaxed, luxurious, and full of shared passion for Dominican tobacco.

What Experiences Did Guests Enjoy Beyond the Festival Programming?

One of the things that makes Casa de Campo  such a standout vacation resort in the Dominican Republic is how seamlessly experiences blend together. During the festival, guests were able to enjoy our resort amenities including:

• Golf at the legendary Teeth of the Dog
• A tour of the Casa Brugal distillery
• Our award winning spa and wellness center 
• Afternoons and strolls through Altos de Chavón

It wasn’t just a festival, it was a full Casa de Campo experience wrapped into three unforgettable days.

Why Is the Cigar Smoking World Championship Significant to Dominican Republic Events?

The festival also hosted the fifth edition of the Cigar Smoking World Championship, drawing competitors from around the world. Rafael Solano Portoreal took first place with an impressive smoking time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 23 seconds,  a moment that underscored the Dominican Republic’s influence in the global cigar community.

With guests arriving from around the world and an overwhelmingly positive response throughout the three‑day celebration, organizers have already confirmed that the festival will return next year, adding a beautiful new tradition to Casa de Campo’s calendar of iconic resort events. Explore the full Dominican Today article to explore how this event brought together cigar lovers, industry leaders, and international guests in a way that felt both elevated and effortlessly Caribbean.

From cigar tastings to waterfront evenings and quiet moments on the beach, Casa de Campo sets the stage for a stay you’ll remember long after the festival ends. Let our vacation planners help you design a personalized escape that captures the best of La Romana.

Helpful Answers for Planning Your Cigars in Paradise Stay 

• Who can attend the festival?
  • The event welcomes cigar enthusiasts, rum aficionados, golfers, collectors, luxury travelers, and industry professionals seeking an immersive Caribbean experience. 
• Can guests extend their stay before or after the festival to enjoy more of Casa de Campo?
  • Absolutely. Many guests choose to arrive early or stay longer to make the most of everything Casa de Campo offers beyond the Cigars in Paradise festival. Extending your stay gives you time to enjoy the resort’s world‑class amenities
• Are rum experiences part of the festival?
  • Yes. Guests enjoy curated rum pairings, evening tastings, and a private tour of the Casa Brugal distillery.
• Does Casa de Campo offer dining experiences that pair well with cigar or rum tastings?
  • Yes. Casa de Campo offers several dining experiences that complement the cigar and rum culture celebrated during the Cigars in Paradise festival. Guests can enjoy waterfront meals at La Casita in the Marina, Mediterranean‑inspired dishes at Minitas Beach Club, and refined dining at La Caña Restaurant & Lounge, all of which offer menus that pair beautifully with premium cigars and Dominican rum.