The Dominican Republic continues to be an object of intrigue for international hedonists, who flock to this Caribbean paradise for colorful regional cuisine, languid, turquoise beaches, and a pulsating culture that, as a vibrant synthesis of European, African, and indigenous Tainos practices, literally defies borders. Itinerants travel in droves to experience the Dominicans expansive national parks and surreal beaches; coveted cigars and Bermudez rum; and intoxicating bachata and merengue sounds as they waft through the countrys intimate streets.

The month of February, however, presents this remarkable fusion in full swing: an entire month devoted to the celebration of all things Dominican. This month-long homage to Dominican culture, art, music, history, and cuisine culminates annually with the incendiary Carnaval de La Vega, when the Dominicans multifaceted roots and unbridled spirit emerge from the sleepy hollows of the serene La Vega Real valley.

Set in La Vega, 125 miles north of Santo Domingo, Carnaval de La Vega unites the effervescent country to commemorate and boisterously celebrate Domincans rich cultural tapestry and independence in 1844. For travelers, this is a prime time to travel throughout Dominican, as each and every region throughout the island participates in this colorful, country wide festival. Carnaval de La Vega, however, is perhaps the most ebullient, as it is considered the oldest and most spectacular festival among native Dominicans.

Colorful processions cleave through the streets every Saturday and Sunday during February in La Vega, where thousands of jubilant revelers gallivant around in ornate masks or grotesque devil costumes; paint their faces black to depict deep-seeded African lineage; prod unassuming tourists with inflated pig bladder vejigas; and rejoice in the resounding energy and vitality that accompanies such an enormous congregation. To witness Carnaval de La Vegas exuberant cultural display is to experience the Dominican Republic in its most animated and majestic state, to which many local Dominicans will most certainly attest.

The beautiful island nation of the Dominican Republic, on the larger island of Hispaniola, has always been an island destination for tourists. Visitors can take tours of the island by boat or by plane and enjoy the beautiful beaches and tropical weather from the comfort of their hotels. As well, the Dominican Republic has some of the best casinos in the world within its borders. With 31 casinos and gambling facilities spread throughout 12 Dominican cities, the Dominican Republic has a great variety of places to have fun and gamble.

The center of Dominican Republic casino culture is the capital city of Santo Domingo. With eight casinos spread throughout this beautiful city, visitors and natives to the island can enjoy fun at tables and slot machines. The king of Dominican Republic casinos is the Barcelo Gran Hotel Lina and Casino, which is a combination of beautiful casino space and impeccable hotel rooms. The Lina Casino, a renowned gaming facility in the Caribbean, features 45 machines and 16 tables for visitors’ gaming pleasure. The Lina Hotel features 217 rooms, with an extensive office service and updated spa and pool area. When gamblers and visitors want to get away from the roulette wheel or the poker table, they can sit down at one of two restaurants connected to the hotel for buffet style or international cuisine.

There are several other great Dominican casinos in Santo Domingo, including the quaint Hotel and Casino Naco and the versatile Occidental El Embajador Hotel and Casino. Both feature beautiful hotel rooms and comfortable gaming facilities with more than 40 machines and a dozen tables to keep you winning big all day long. For those who are at the El Embajador and want to get out of their room or away from the craps table, they can head over to El Jardin del Embajador, a restaurant with international cuisine, or Los Porches, a nice little coffee shop.

For those who want to find a casino in the Dominican Republic and venture away from the lights of Santo Domingo, there are plenty of options. The quaint charm of the Casino Playa Chiquita in Sosua is a quick fix for the gambler on the go. One of the best casinos in the Dominican Republic, the American Casino, is located outside of Santo Domingo at Puerto Plata. With a 40,000 square foot gaming room and hotel, 80 tables and machines, and a direct connection to the beautiful beach, the American Casino is a true treasure of the Dominican Republic casino scene.

“I assure your highnesses that these lands are the most fertile, temperate, level and beautiful countries in the world” – Christopher Columbus. The Dominican Republic is one of the most beautiful Caribbean destinations and is also one of the most exciting emerging property markets in the world. Government incentives to attract high quality sustainable tourism continue to successfully revitalise the countries economy and industry and there has never been a better time to buy a property in The Dominican Republic.
The market continues to grow at unprecedented rates resulting in steadily increasing real estate prices and solid rental returns. Guaranteed rental has become a buzzword within the property industry but few schemes could compare with the structure or yields offered by guaranteed rental schemes. Furthermore the government incentives offer 10 years of tax incentives, no tax on rental income, no capital gains tax and no property purchase tax (Normally 4.6%).

The most recent development is widely recognised as the largest dedicated leisure resort development in the world and perhaps the last investment opportunity. It is continually courted by premier international leisure resorts and understandable when 8% guaranteed rental yield (net of management fees) is available for the first 5 years and renewable. The Dominican Republic is approximately 600 miles South East from Florida, United States and approximately 4000 miles from the UK, With flying times of approximately 3 hours and 7 hours respectively and Punta Perla is fifteen minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. For leisure, opportunity and benefits The Dominican Republic is the off plan capital.

2700 acres of sculptured tropical paradise along with 3 signature Golf Courses plus academy. The development Golf Club is the synthesis of spectacular location with grand vision and it is destined to become one of the most prestigious international championship standard Golf retreats in the World.
The Dominican Republic enjoys a year round tropical maritime climate, a latitude of 17’36 – 19’58, places the Dominican Republic at the border of the tropical zone. Sea breezes refresh the insular territory, evening out temperature to average 23’C in the early mornings to 32’C at mid-day. There is little difference between winter and summer temperature with July averaging at 82’F (28’C) and January at 76’F (23’C).
The lowest temperatures occur in the mountain areas near Constanza, where temperatures have dropped to 0’C , and record highs have been registered at the frontier with Haiti , 39’C in the summer. The months of May to November are regarded as the rainy season and most rain falls in the northern and eastern regions. The Dominican Republic is similar in size to Scotland or the U.S. state of Maryland and is the second largest island in the Greater Antilles.

Named by its Spanish settlers “Hispaniola”, the island became the hub for the expansion of the Spanish empire into the new world. The city of Santo Domingo (originally named “La Isabela”) was founded in 1496, and soon became the seat of the first cathedral, hospital and university of America.
A year after gaining independence from Spain in 1821, the eastern part of the island was occupied by Haiti. This occupation ended on February 27, 1844 with the proclamation of the National Independence. Since 1966, ten democratic elections have been held, alternating the power between the three main political parties.

The Dominican Republic’s Latin style is a sharp contrast to the character of the many nearby islands, especially the British and French-influenced ones, and is reflected in both the local music and cuisine.