Let’s be honest. There are a lot of cigar events now. Some are great. Some are excuses to sell samplers. Some are just herfs with lighting only slightly better than your cousin’s shed (I mean “man cave”). 

Then something comes along that makes you stop and say, ok…this one might actually be different.

This Dominican Republic cigar event is designed as both a cigar industry gathering and a destination experience.

Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is launching Cigars in Paradise, along with a cigar and golf experience. The concept is almost suspiciously logical. Cigars. Rum. Golf. Warm weather. And a place where you can actually smoke without playing hide and seek with ashtrays or hotel workers.

I asked Jason Kycek, SVP & Chief of Marketing Officer at Casa de Campo, where this started.

“We have created two separate events this year, one that combines an immersive cigar experience along with golf, and the other is our dedicated, standalone Cigar & Rum Festival, which we are calling Cigars in Paradise. The genesis for the cigar festival evolved out of our passion for cigars and seeing a long-overlooked opportunity of holding a cigar event in the Dominican Republic for all to enjoy.”

Part of the appeal was how obvious the opportunity seemed.

“There was no one doing an event like this here or in any part of LATAM at the level we will be doing ours at.”

This was not a new idea either.

“When I first joined the company almost ten years ago, it was one of the first opportunities I recognized we had not only for Casa de Campo, but for the Dominican Republic.”

And the location checked all the boxes.

“We have the ideal place to host an event like this, combined with some of the best cigar brands in the world, and within a country that still allows and welcomes cigar smoking freely.”

Why Casa de Campo Works for Cigar Smokers

One thing became clear fast. This property was basically built for this type of experience. With 19 premium cigar brands already committed to Cigars in Paradise. That includes companies from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. This feels like a true global cigar festival, not just a local showcase…and this is the location to have it.

“Our 7000 acre private gated community combined with an array of world renowned activities, culinary outlets, spa, and luxury accommodations, provides the ideal setting for guests to enjoy world class golf combined with world class cigars.”

Then he got to the part cigar smokers really care about.

“The wide open spaces of Casa de Campo and the cigar smoking culture allow our guests to freely enjoy smoking cigars anywhere throughout the property.”

“Anywhere.” – That word matters to a lot of us. 

“Whether on the golf course, at lunch or after dinner, which truly makes for a unique guest experience in today’s world where cigar enthusiasts are unable to smoke virtually anywhere any longer.”

His summary was simple.

“We offer a welcomed safe haven for cigar and golf lovers alike to come and enjoy both passions together in a friendly & safe environment.”

First Impressions Hit Fast

Altos de Chavón is inspired by a 16th-century Mediterranean village in Casa de Campo

I asked what surprises people first. His answer was immediate. Size.

“The shear expanse of the property is what first surprises people. We are not your typical golf resort in the Caribbean, but rather our own little city.”

“It is a 7000 acre private gated community with over 2,500 luxury homes, which happens to have a resort within it.”

Then comes the part most people do not expect.

“In spite of the size, it is still intimate enough though to get around in a golf cart, which is another unique surprise our guests experience upon first arriving.”

Yes. Everyone gets one. Even your friend who probably shouldn’t. 

“Every room and villa comes with its own golf cart, and guests are able to freely drive throughout the property at their leisure.”

That combination is rare.

“I don’t know of another property in the world that offers so many world class facilities under one umbrella and is still small enough to get around in a golf cart.”

And it creates moments most resorts cannot.

“It makes for a very unique vacation experience for all guests alike to be able to play golf in the morning and in 5 minutes be at the beach or in the marina.”

Not Just A Golf Trip

They also clearly thought about the non-golfers.

“Part of what makes Casa de Campo special is that there is something for everyone here to enjoy. This makes it easy for golfers who want to bring their spouses and children to make a vacation out of it together.”

And if you do not golf?

“Non-golfers have an array of other activities to enjoy here, including our world-renowned Spa, Minitas Beach Club, Marina, Shooting Center, Equestrian Center, Tennis, Padel, and Pickleball Center, Altos de Chavon art and cultural village, and of course simply relaxing at the beach.”

Everyone can just do what they want…we will meet up later!

“The schedules allow for everyone to enjoy their individual stay and convene together throughout the day and in the evening for dinner.”

Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo

Cigars and Golf at Casa de Campo

If you know golf, you know Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore. Playing them while enjoying cigars is not something you get to do everywhere anymore.

“Exactly one of the many reasons, I saw the opportunity to bring two of the greatest golf courses in the world together with the best cigars in the world, and all within the world-class facilities of Casa de Campo.”

Freedom again becomes the theme.

“The ability to be able to experience both together within a community that allows cigar smoking is an unforgettable experience.”

He even sees converts.

“Many of our first time visitors are always amazed when they first learn that they can smoke cigars anywhere. I meet many golfers that don’t even smoke cigars, but are lighting up on our golf courses because they can.”

That probably says everything.

“The freedom we have here to enjoy great cigars and golf at the same time is becoming a rare experience in the rest of the world.”

More Than Just Another Festival

This is not meant to be just another vacation package.

“Our primary objective is to establish an industry leading event in the world for the cigar industry and providing a world-class experience for the cigar industry and cigar aficianados alike. We have the ideal destination to combine both and provide a true cigar industry experience and vacation at the same time.”

And having everyone in one place matters.

“Our guests attending have everything within the confines of the property and are able to spend time with the top cigar brands and one another throughout the weekend.”

Why This One Might Stick

When asked what separates this from other festivals, three things came up.

Venue. Country. Culture.

“Several things set this cigar event apart from other events. Casa de Campo provides the ideal venue to hold an event like this with facilities ideally suited for a cigar event and hosting cigar smokers. Secondly, the DR is home to some of the best cigar brands in the world and the cigar industry is deeply imbedded within our country’s culture.”

And again, the obvious advantage…

“Lastly, the simple fact that you can still freely smoke here in the DR is a rare thing in our world today where most countries are banning smoking altogether.”

Just Show Up

One thing I like personally. Simplicity. This event takes the hassle out of, well, just about everything.

“Having an all-inclusive experience also makes this event unique from other events in the world. Knowing that all of your meals, drinks, entrance to the cigar & rum festival, and all of the festival’s activities are included, makes it easy for our guests to enjoy and not worry about anything else.”

Not Just Smoking and Drinking.

“Very important, we want to provide our guests with a forum that is not only fun but educational as well. Having some of the world’s best local rum distilleries and cigar brands in our backyard and being able to bring industry experts to share their knowledge and answer questions is a big part of the experience we want everyone to have when joining us.”

Ok, Fred, Who Should Actually Go?

Well, not just seasoned travelers. I asked Jason and his response was quick…

“This event is ideal for both novice and seasoned cigar travelers who like the finer things in life.”

And not just cigar smokers either…but, hey, those people might not be reading this to begin with. But, just case they are, Jason has you covered.

“The lifestyle experience our guests will have here have something for everyone. Even guests that don’t smoke cigars will still enjoy this event, which will combine great rum, food, Dominican coffees, cacao’s, and other culinary experiences unique to the Dominican Republic, combined with live music and lot’s of fun!”

Why First Year Events Are Always Different

Jason thinks this could become something big.

“I truly believe this will evolve into one of the world’s premier cigar and rum events. We have everything going for us, from the destination, the venue, and manufacturers of some of the world’s best cigars and rum, locally grown, on top of being able to smoke freely here yet. I truly don’t know of or can think of another destination in the world that has all of these elements combined that can host an event like this.”

And his advice if you are thinking about it?

“You won’t want to miss it! It’s history in the making as our 1st annual Cigars in Paradise Festival, and it is already shaping up to be a legendary event and the first of its kind ever held not only in Casa de Campo but the Dominican Republic. The first year is always the most exciting, and those not attending will regret missing it later on.”

Final Thought

There are cigar trips. Then there are trips where you come home wondering why more events are not built like this. For cigar travelers, this is the type of destination event that stands out.

Golf. Cigars. Rum. Dominican Republic. No smoking patrol.

Yeah…this one might be worth packing the travel humidor for. If you do I will see you there. I’m not missing this one.

The quick details about Cigars in Paradise…

What is Cigars in Paradise at Casa de Campo?

Cigars in Paradise is a luxury cigar festival in the Dominican Republic combining premium cigars, rum experiences, golf, and all-inclusive travel. Go to the Cigars in Paradise website to see all the details.

Where is Casa de Campo located?

Casa de Campo is a luxury resort community in the Dominican Republic known for golf, marina access, beaches, and cigar-friendly policies.

Who should attend Cigars in Paradise?

The event is designed for cigar enthusiasts, travelers, golfers, and anyone interested in premium cigar culture.

How do I get there?

There are three airports to choose from. Their own airport, located only 5 minutes outside the gates, called La Romana / LRM, which has daily non-stop service on American Airlines out of Miami. Additionally, Punta Cana / PUJ is located 45 minutes away, and Santo Domingo / SDQ is located 45 minutes away in the other direction.