ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Ultimate Escapes, one of the world’s largest destination clubs, has finalized a reciprocity partnership agreement with Villa Castellamonte del Mare, an exclusive five-star ultra-luxury villa in the Dominican Republic. Through this strategic partnership, Ultimate Escapes members will have exclusive reciprocity access to this magnificent 15,000 sq. ft., fully-staffed villa located high atop a sea cliff in Cabrera, within the prestigious gated community of Orchid Bay Estates, on the Dominican Republic’s beautiful North Coast. Villa Castellamonte owners will also have reciprocal privileges to enjoy Ultimate Escapes’ fabulous residences in 45 resort destinations.

Villa Castellamonte del Mare, or “little castle on the hill by the sea,” has a unique beachfront location with sweeping 220-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to every luxury service and amenity the North Coast of the Dominican Republic has to offer. Villa Castellamonte is the most recent partner to participate in the Ultimate Escapes Reciprocity Program, which permits affiliated developers and owners in participating five-star resorts to commit weeks of use of their luxury residence in return for similar access to Ultimate Escapes’ destinations.

“We are excited to add yet another spectacular partner resort to the Ultimate Escapes Reciprocity Program,” states Jim Tousignant, CEO of Ultimate Escapes. “Partnerships such as Villa Castellamonte enhance the choice of destinations and residences available to our members, and additionally provide our partners with a great benefit for their owners.”

Designed to evoke “Tuscany in the Caribbean,” Villa Castellamonte provides the ideal setting for romantic destination weddings, large family gatherings or corporate retreats. A full-time staff of butlers, chef, maids, laundresses, gardeners and security and maintenance professionals ensure every detail is handled. The expansive property accommodates up to 16 adults and features eight air-conditioned suites with en suite bathrooms, hand-painted frescos and murals, state-of-the-art audio-video systems, custom-designed gaming tables (billiards, poker, shuffleboard, foosball and more) and a fully equipped fitness center. Spacious terraces directly overlook the private pool, the manicured tropical gardens and the Atlantic Ocean.

Outside, the “zero-entry” swimming pool has a sunning peninsula, swim-through tunnel and diving rock. Additionally the property includes a PGA-quality, four-hole putting and chipping green (a full game can be enjoyed at the nearby Playa Grande Golf Course) and a special spa kiosk where guests can enjoy top-of-the-line spa treatments. Within the town of Cabrera, Villa Castellamonte is conveniently located near popular tourist destinations such as Cabarete, Sosua, Puerto Plata and Samana Bay.

“We are confident Ultimate Escapes’ members will thoroughly enjoy access to Villa Castellamonte and our owners will love the flexibility and variety of Ultimate’s portfolio of other beautiful homes in 45 resort destinations,” states Jason Matthews, managing partner of Luxury Villa Collections, the owner of Villa Castellamonte. “We look forward to this being a very successful partnership for both parties.”

About Villa Castellamonte

Built in 2001, Villa Castellamonte is a private, 15,000 sq. ft., eight-bedroom / 10-bath, fully staffed ultra-luxury vacation villa destination located on the unspoiled, pristine north coast of the Dominican Republic near the town of Cabrera. Seen on MSNBC’s “On the Money” and cited by Fodor’s Guide as a Fodor’s Choice destination, Villa Castellamonte provides exclusive luxury vacation rentals throughout the year. Villa Castellamonte may be contacted at 866-VILLA10 (Int’l 1-610-429-9616), or found on the web at leading luxury villa rental listing sites worldwide or at http://www.villacastellamonte.com/.

> About Ultimate Escapes[R]

Founded in 2004, Ultimate Escapes is the largest luxury destination club as measured by number of club destinations, and the second-largest destination club as measured by number of members. Ultimate Escapes offers members flexible access to a growing collection of hundreds of multi-million dollar private residences and luxury hotels in more than 150 global club and affiliate destinations. Locations range from chic urban apartments to charming beach cottages, spacious five-bedroom homes to an 80-foot private yacht. Each trip is coordinated by experienced, knowledgeable staff, trained to handle every vacation detail. Additional information about Ultimate Escapes and its club and membership offerings can be found at http://www.ultimateescapes.com/.

You’ve scrolled through page upon page of hotel listings and now believe every property has the same name and the same inclusions, and you’re completely confused by the offerings.

As you click on yet another results page, you step back and ask, “Do any of these offer the best value for our money and could we be getting more for our vacation dollar?”

If this sounds familiar, stop your endless online searching and focus your efforts to one hotel chain in particular: Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts.

Located in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts go hand-in-hand with vacations, value and variety. Offering outstanding properties spread over the most attractive tropical destinations, guests of Bahia Principe will experience first-rate quality and service. Choosing a Bahia as your vacation haven will treat you to:

An exclusive beachfront location that has been completely integrated into the spectacular natural surroundings

A room in a quaint, two- or three-storey building

A wide range of activities and facilities

A 24-hour-a-day all-inclusive system

Located in the exotic Riviera Maya, the Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya is the ideal prize for the traveller looking for the perfect balance of on-site activities and off-site excursions.

This sprawling vacation complex enjoys a beachfront location near the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tulum (the only oceanfront ruins in Mexico that are open to the public), a fantastic starting point for both land and water adventures.

Xel-Ha is close by, ideal for snorkellers of all levels and offering an interactive Dolphin Experience where you will be able to see these creatures first-hand in a specially designed natural aquarium. For those who prefer dry adventures, there are many opportunities for zip-lining in Mexico’s lush jungle nearby.

Renowned for its commitment to attentive service, the Bahia stands out for its ability to adapt to the wants and needs of all types of guests, from families and groups to wedding parties, honeymoons and more. And at more than 2,500 rooms, the Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya is a sprawling vacation oasis. (Don’t let the room count scare you — the resort is actually three sections combined, named Coba, Tulum and Akumal.)

Combined among the three resorts is a myriad of options, where your biggest worry will be which of the seven mega-sized pools you should lounge at each day. Beyond the pools you will find two pool-side Jacuzzis, a fitness centre, spa and beauty salon (charges do apply and reservations are required), five tennis courts, and a watersports centre equipped with catamarans, windsurfers, boogie boards, kayaks and snorkel and dive equipment.

If this doesn’t sound like enough to keep you amused for a week, there’s also table tennis, volleyball, soccer, a nearby 18-hole golf course, twice-weekly shuttle to Playa Del Carmen and an animation team that organizes games and activities from sunup to sundown.

With 15 restaurants to choose from, dining is anything but boring at the Bahia complex. You will be to select from a range of cuisines including Gourmet International, Seafood, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican and Brazilian. Of course, there’s also buffet style for those who can’t decide on just one type of culinary delight.

Evenings are just as busy as the days at the Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya, which offers a total of 22 bars plus an on-site disco and live shows every night.

When you do finally tire of the endless activities, bars and restaurants, a spacious and comfortable room awaits you. No matter what section of the resort your stay is in, your room will offer air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, in-room safe (charge may apply) and a private balcony or terrace to unwind on.

In addition to a beachfront location, spacious accommodations and all-inclusive meal and activities plan, your vacation prize includes round-trip airfare from Winnipeg Airport to Cancun International Airport and transfers to and from the resort.

“When I first looked down and saw it, I couldn’t believe everybody missed it for 300 years,” said an archaeologist. The ship has been aggressively sought by treasure hunters, and the team found evidence of looting. The university has been licensed to study the wreck and turn it into an underwater museum. Kidd was hanged in London in 1701.

William “Captain” Kidd (c. 1645 – May 23, 1701) was a Scottish sailor remembered for his trial and execution for piracy after returning from a voyage to the Indian Ocean. Some modern historians deem his piratical reputation unjust, as there is evidence that Kidd acted only as a privateer. Kidd’s fame springs largely from the sensational circumstances of his questioning before the English Parliament and the ensuing trial. His actual depredations on the high seas, whether piratical or not, were both less destructive and less lucrative than those of many other contemporary pirates and privateers.

Biography
Captain William Kidd was either one of the most notorious pirates in history, or one of its most unjustly vilified and prosecuted privateers in an age typified by the rationalization of empire. Despite the legends and fiction surrounding this character, his actual career was punctuated by only a handful of skirmishes followed by a desperate quest to clear his name.

Kidd was born in Scotland around 1645. Recent genealogical research suggests that he was born in Dundee,[2][3] despite his ‘death-row’ claim to be from Greenock.[4][5] However, both towns are seaports, so he could have had some familiarity with the nautical life from an early age. He is also said, in the book American Folklore and Legend, to be from a family of Cornish gold-miners. According to myth or other stories, his “father was thought to have been a Church of Scotland minister.”[6][7] After the death of his father, when he was five years old, Kidd moved to the colony of New York. It was here that he befriended many prominent colonial citizens, including three governors. There is some information that suggests he was a seaman’s apprentice on a pirate ship much earlier than his own more famous pirating.

The first records of his life date from 1689, when he was about 44 years old and a member of a French-English pirate crew that sailed in the Caribbean. Kidd and other members of the crew mutinied, ousted the captain of the ship, and sailed to the English colony of Nevis. There they renamed the ship the “Blessed William.” Kidd became captain, either the result of an election of the ship’s crew or because of appointment by Christopher Codrington, governor of the island of Nevis. Captain Kidd and the “Blessed William” became part of a small fleet assembled by Codrington to defend Nevis from the French, with whom the English were at war. In either case, he must have been an experienced leader and sailor by that time. As the governor did not want to pay the sailors for their defensive services, he told them they could take their pay from the French. Kidd and his men attacked the French island of Mariegalante, destroyed the only town, and looted the area, gathering for themselves something around 2,000 pounds Sterling. During the War of the Grand Alliance, on orders from the province of New York, Massachusetts, Kidd captured an enemy privateer, which duty he was commissioned to perform off of the New England coast. Shortly thereafter, Kidd was awarded £150 for successful privateering in the Caribbean. One year later, “Captain” Culliford, a notorious pirate, had stolen Kidd’s ship while he was ashore at Antigua in the West Indies. In 1695, William III of England replaced the corrupt governor Benjamin Fletcher, known for accepting bribes of one hundred dollars to allow illegal trading of pirate loot, with Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont. In New York City, Kidd was active in the building of Trinity Church, New York.

On May 16, 1691, Kidd married Sarah Bradley Cox Oort, an English woman in her early twenties, who had already been twice widowed and was one of the wealthiest women in New York, largely due to her inheritance from her first husband. Kidd thus became a member of New York’s wealthy elite at a stroke.

“When I first looked down and saw it, I couldn’t believe everybody missed it for 300 years,” said an archaeologist. The ship has been aggressively sought by treasure hunters, and the team found evidence of looting. The university has been licensed to study the wreck and turn it into an underwater museum. Kidd was hanged in London in 1701.

William “Captain” Kidd (c. 1645 – May 23, 1701) was a Scottish sailor remembered for his trial and execution for piracy after returning from a voyage to the Indian Ocean. Some modern historians deem his piratical reputation unjust, as there is evidence that Kidd acted only as a privateer. Kidd’s fame springs largely from the sensational circumstances of his questioning before the English Parliament and the ensuing trial. His actual depredations on the high seas, whether piratical or not, were both less destructive and less lucrative than those of many other contemporary pirates and privateers.

Biography
Captain William Kidd was either one of the most notorious pirates in history, or one of its most unjustly vilified and prosecuted privateers in an age typified by the rationalization of empire. Despite the legends and fiction surrounding this character, his actual career was punctuated by only a handful of skirmishes followed by a desperate quest to clear his name.

Kidd was born in Scotland around 1645. Recent genealogical research suggests that he was born in Dundee,[2][3] despite his ‘death-row’ claim to be from Greenock.[4][5] However, both towns are seaports, so he could have had some familiarity with the nautical life from an early age. He is also said, in the book American Folklore and Legend, to be from a family of Cornish gold-miners. According to myth or other stories, his “father was thought to have been a Church of Scotland minister.”[6][7] After the death of his father, when he was five years old, Kidd moved to the colony of New York. It was here that he befriended many prominent colonial citizens, including three governors. There is some information that suggests he was a seaman’s apprentice on a pirate ship much earlier than his own more famous pirating.

The first records of his life date from 1689, when he was about 44 years old and a member of a French-English pirate crew that sailed in the Caribbean. Kidd and other members of the crew mutinied, ousted the captain of the ship, and sailed to the English colony of Nevis. There they renamed the ship the “Blessed William.” Kidd became captain, either the result of an election of the ship’s crew or because of appointment by Christopher Codrington, governor of the island of Nevis. Captain Kidd and the “Blessed William” became part of a small fleet assembled by Codrington to defend Nevis from the French, with whom the English were at war. In either case, he must have been an experienced leader and sailor by that time. As the governor did not want to pay the sailors for their defensive services, he told them they could take their pay from the French. Kidd and his men attacked the French island of Mariegalante, destroyed the only town, and looted the area, gathering for themselves something around 2,000 pounds Sterling. During the War of the Grand Alliance, on orders from the province of New York, Massachusetts, Kidd captured an enemy privateer, which duty he was commissioned to perform off of the New England coast. Shortly thereafter, Kidd was awarded £150 for successful privateering in the Caribbean. One year later, “Captain” Culliford, a notorious pirate, had stolen Kidd’s ship while he was ashore at Antigua in the West Indies. In 1695, William III of England replaced the corrupt governor Benjamin Fletcher, known for accepting bribes of one hundred dollars to allow illegal trading of pirate loot, with Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont. In New York City, Kidd was active in the building of Trinity Church, New York.

On May 16, 1691, Kidd married Sarah Bradley Cox Oort, an English woman in her early twenties, who had already been twice widowed and was one of the wealthiest women in New York, largely due to her inheritance from her first husband. Kidd thus became a member of New York’s wealthy elite at a stroke.

The Hard Rock chain - known for a music memorabilia collection that includes an Eric Clapton guitar - runs hotel and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla. The 1,800-room Punta Cana resort will mark the chain’s 13th hotel.

Hard Rock International plans to target couples, bridal parties, families, music fans – and gamblers. Expect a major casino with 457 slots, 40 tables, and a high-limit poker room, according to the company’s press release.

Punta Cana.– Cap Cana and AM Resorts, an award-winning provider of resort sales, marketing and brand management services, today announced the opening of the Golden Bear Lodge & Spa at Cap Cana.

The announcement represents the latest milestone in Cap Cana’s present growth strategy of entering into and maintaining arrangements with leading luxury hotel operators, experienced private developers and world-renowned strategic business partners.

“We are excited to announce the formal opening of the first Nicklaus-brand Golden Bear Lodge, and welcome the addition of AM Resorts to our growing list of best-of-breed resort industry operators,” said Ricardo Hazoury, Cap Cana’s Chairman and President.

The Jack Nicklaus inspired 126-suite golf resort is AM Resorts’ first property under its new Zoetry Collection of resorts and is part of its exclusive Preferred Boutique and Preferred Golf groups. A personal haven for golf enthusiasts, guests of the Golden Bear Lodge & Spa will soon be able to choose between two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses –the world-ranked Punta Espada Golf Course, host of a popular stop on the PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour, or Las Iguanas, currently under construction.

“As our first property in The Zoetry Collection, we are excited to demonstrate the exceptional quality standards that will define the Golden Bear Lodge & Spa, from spectacular accommodations and fine dining, to devoted personal service and play at world-renowned golf courses such as Punta Espada,” said Alex Zozaya, CEO and President of AM Resorts.

Punta Cana.– Cap Cana and AM Resorts, an award-winning provider of resort sales, marketing and brand management services, today announced the opening of the Golden Bear Lodge & Spa at Cap Cana.

The announcement represents the latest milestone in Cap Cana’s present growth strategy of entering into and maintaining arrangements with leading luxury hotel operators, experienced private developers and world-renowned strategic business partners.

“We are excited to announce the formal opening of the first Nicklaus-brand Golden Bear Lodge, and welcome the addition of AM Resorts to our growing list of best-of-breed resort industry operators,” said Ricardo Hazoury, Cap Cana’s Chairman and President.

The Jack Nicklaus inspired 126-suite golf resort is AM Resorts’ first property under its new Zoetry Collection of resorts and is part of its exclusive Preferred Boutique and Preferred Golf groups. A personal haven for golf enthusiasts, guests of the Golden Bear Lodge & Spa will soon be able to choose between two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses –the world-ranked Punta Espada Golf Course, host of a popular stop on the PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour, or Las Iguanas, currently under construction.

“As our first property in The Zoetry Collection, we are excited to demonstrate the exceptional quality standards that will define the Golden Bear Lodge & Spa, from spectacular accommodations and fine dining, to devoted personal service and play at world-renowned golf courses such as Punta Espada,” said Alex Zozaya, CEO and President of AM Resorts.

“When I first looked down and saw it, I couldn’t believe everybody missed it for 300 years,” said an archaeologist. The ship has been aggressively sought by treasure hunters, and the team found evidence of looting. The university has been licensed to study the wreck and turn it into an underwater museum. Kidd was hanged in London in 1701.

William “Captain” Kidd (c. 1645 – May 23, 1701) was a Scottish sailor remembered for his trial and execution for piracy after returning from a voyage to the Indian Ocean. Some modern historians deem his piratical reputation unjust, as there is evidence that Kidd acted only as a privateer. Kidd’s fame springs largely from the sensational circumstances of his questioning before the English Parliament and the ensuing trial. His actual depredations on the high seas, whether piratical or not, were both less destructive and less lucrative than those of many other contemporary pirates and privateers.

Biography
Captain William Kidd was either one of the most notorious pirates in history, or one of its most unjustly vilified and prosecuted privateers in an age typified by the rationalization of empire. Despite the legends and fiction surrounding this character, his actual career was punctuated by only a handful of skirmishes followed by a desperate quest to clear his name.

Kidd was born in Scotland around 1645. Recent genealogical research suggests that he was born in Dundee,[2][3] despite his ‘death-row’ claim to be from Greenock.[4][5] However, both towns are seaports, so he could have had some familiarity with the nautical life from an early age. He is also said, in the book American Folklore and Legend, to be from a family of Cornish gold-miners. According to myth or other stories, his “father was thought to have been a Church of Scotland minister.”[6][7] After the death of his father, when he was five years old, Kidd moved to the colony of New York. It was here that he befriended many prominent colonial citizens, including three governors. There is some information that suggests he was a seaman’s apprentice on a pirate ship much earlier than his own more famous pirating.

The first records of his life date from 1689, when he was about 44 years old and a member of a French-English pirate crew that sailed in the Caribbean. Kidd and other members of the crew mutinied, ousted the captain of the ship, and sailed to the English colony of Nevis. There they renamed the ship the “Blessed William.” Kidd became captain, either the result of an election of the ship’s crew or because of appointment by Christopher Codrington, governor of the island of Nevis. Captain Kidd and the “Blessed William” became part of a small fleet assembled by Codrington to defend Nevis from the French, with whom the English were at war. In either case, he must have been an experienced leader and sailor by that time. As the governor did not want to pay the sailors for their defensive services, he told them they could take their pay from the French. Kidd and his men attacked the French island of Mariegalante, destroyed the only town, and looted the area, gathering for themselves something around 2,000 pounds Sterling. During the War of the Grand Alliance, on orders from the province of New York, Massachusetts, Kidd captured an enemy privateer, which duty he was commissioned to perform off of the New England coast. Shortly thereafter, Kidd was awarded £150 for successful privateering in the Caribbean. One year later, “Captain” Culliford, a notorious pirate, had stolen Kidd’s ship while he was ashore at Antigua in the West Indies. In 1695, William III of England replaced the corrupt governor Benjamin Fletcher, known for accepting bribes of one hundred dollars to allow illegal trading of pirate loot, with Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont. In New York City, Kidd was active in the building of Trinity Church, New York.

On May 16, 1691, Kidd married Sarah Bradley Cox Oort, an English woman in her early twenties, who had already been twice widowed and was one of the wealthiest women in New York, largely due to her inheritance from her first husband. Kidd thus became a member of New York’s wealthy elite at a stroke.

A way to keep everyone happy and still come out a hero is to choose a hotel with an extremely lavish pool; one that mimics something from Indiana Jones; with multiple tiers and palm trees covering the sky, branches fluttering with the breeze. The pools of Punta Cana truly leave nothing to be desired, so that’s why winnowing the best from the rest may seem like just the solution to keeping your kids at bay and smiles on their faces.

The pool at Paradisus Puna Cana is not really a pool; more of a secret lagoon buried in a jungle, which just so happens to be buried in a sprawling luxury resort.

It features a blanket of blue shimmering water interrupted only by large rock clusters, fountains, and swim-up tiki-bars. Lounge beneath thick fans of Dominican jungle flora and unwind to the soothing tune of rushing water and Punta Cana’s wildlife.

The pool at Club Med is seemingly larger than Paradisus’, and much more oblong, snaking alongside bushels of Palm and huts of thatched roofing.

We came to the conclusion that, although an otherwise dazzling presentation, the pool at Club Med is certainly geared more towards children as its depth is, for the most part, shallow and its location, not as secluded.

A TripAdvisor.com consensus named Iberostar Bavaro a top budget hotel in Punta Cana; no wonder, then, that their pool is epic in size, with only a prominent bouquet of trees and foliage at its center.

Similar to Paradisus Punta Cana, the pool of Iberostar Bavaro is portal to a tropical oasis, teeming with lush vegetation; developing into a setting perfect for lounging under the shade or basking in the sun.

These three pools are products not of trendno gimmicks to mindlessly entertain herebut instead, blend leafy jungle aesthetics into warm, tranquil waters. If not to keep the kids entertained, these pools will have you out of the room and in the sun all day, as they did us.

A glimpse upon manufacturing of premium Cigars
?At first tobacco leaves pass through curing process and it takes approximately 25 to 45 days which depends upon climatic condition and construction of sheds or barns used to store harvested tobacco as well.
?After curing, second process is fermentation. Under this process, major characteristics like flavor, burning, and aroma are primarily brought out in the leaf.
?Once after properly being aged, leaves are used as filler. Under this process, these are continuously moistened and ensured proper utilization each leaf as per the quality.
?Few premium brands cigars (viz. Acid Cigars, Padron Cigars, Ashton Cigars, Dominican Cigars) use special varieties of tobacco. For instance, long leaves are thoroughly used in long filler cigars which are supposed as higher quality of cigar.
?For long term storage of cigar, lower storage temperature viz. 40C/400F is recommended. There are special storage boxes available in the market like wooden box or humidor. Such containers carefully control ideal conditions for longer period.

Packaging of cigars
?The outermost portion or wrapper comes from the widest part of the plant and its color in itself speaks a lot about character and flavor of cigar. There is also a myth prevailing in the cigar market that the darker the wrapper, the fuller the flavor. One must keep in the mind that darkness refers to sweetness on the other hand light one means dryness to the taste.
?Fillers are available in two forms either short or long. Recently an addition has been made of medium filler cigars. There is a special category of filler known as sandwich or Cuban sandwich. It is made by rolling short leaf inside long outer leaf.
?Cigars are prominently categorized on the basis of shape and size and all together known as vitola. Few names under this category are Parejo, Figurado and little cigars.

After the development of printing industry, cigar got more vibrant looks and cigar companies prominently focused on branding of their products. During World War I, there was fall down in its popularity. But, it was remained for the very short span.

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.

Purchasing souvenirs for oneself (whether intentional or inadvertent) is one thing; purchasing items for someone else is another matter altogether. Its much harder to accommodate the discerning tastes of others, who may find that Ireland shot glass rather distasteful, or that Munchen beer stein inconducive to, say, their alcohol rehabilitation program. No matter how thoughtful the memento, no friend, significant other, or family member desires something ordinary or kitsch; and though your girlfriend may welcome that gyrating hula dancer or orange Jamaica T-shirt with a tepid smile, more likely than not shes astounded by your lack of taste and judgment, and would have preferred you return empty-handed.
Luckily for you, a trip to the Dominican Republic will generate no puzzled countenances or decorous gratitude, as the country brims with exquisite souvenirs, including high quality cigars and rum (perfect for more hedonistic friends). For the more subdued recipient, however, the Dominican offers up an abundance of unique gemstones, which have become increasingly popular souvenirs among jewelry lovers and aficionados. The most notable two are Larimar and Amber, two native stones that are beautiful and affordable, and make for indelible memories.
Larimar—Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is mined in southern regions of the country, and is valued for its nuanced turquoise blue, white, and less common green hues. First discovered in the Caribbean in the 1970s, Larimar has become a staple of the Dominican Republic, and is often set in sterling silver and used for charming necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Volcanic blue Larimar is by far the most highly regarded and expensive, as its striking deep blue color reflects the azure palette of the Caribbean sky and sea.
Amber—Another widely acclaimed stone in the Dominican Republic, Amber is a golden or honey-colored fossil resin sold throughout the country in specialty jewelry or gift shops. Inclusions are the most popular, as they boast vestiges of small plants or insects. Like Larimar, Amber is often set in sterling silver, and makes for stunning additions to any jewelry collection.

So next time you visit the Dominican Republic, and your darling coquettishly requests something special, think twice before investing in that tourist t-shirt or fluorescent pink beach sarong. Most likely your girlfriend isnt requesting a new wardrobe&msdash;especially one emblazoned with tacky tropical logos, slogans, and/or foreign country names. Instead, opt for a beautiful piece of Larimar or Amber jewelry, a souvenir that will award you warm embraces and kisses, rather than the cold-shoulder.

Purchasing souvenirs for oneself (whether intentional or inadvertent) is one thing; purchasing items for someone else is another matter altogether. Its much harder to accommodate the discerning tastes of others, who may find that Ireland shot glass rather distasteful, or that Munchen beer stein inconducive to, say, their alcohol rehabilitation program. No matter how thoughtful the memento, no friend, significant other, or family member desires something ordinary or kitsch; and though your girlfriend may welcome that gyrating hula dancer or orange Jamaica T-shirt with a tepid smile, more likely than not shes astounded by your lack of taste and judgment, and would have preferred you return empty-handed.
Luckily for you, a trip to the Dominican Republic will generate no puzzled countenances or decorous gratitude, as the country brims with exquisite souvenirs, including high quality cigars and rum (perfect for more hedonistic friends). For the more subdued recipient, however, the Dominican offers up an abundance of unique gemstones, which have become increasingly popular souvenirs among jewelry lovers and aficionados. The most notable two are Larimar and Amber, two native stones that are beautiful and affordable, and make for indelible memories.
Larimar—Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is mined in southern regions of the country, and is valued for its nuanced turquoise blue, white, and less common green hues. First discovered in the Caribbean in the 1970s, Larimar has become a staple of the Dominican Republic, and is often set in sterling silver and used for charming necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Volcanic blue Larimar is by far the most highly regarded and expensive, as its striking deep blue color reflects the azure palette of the Caribbean sky and sea.
Amber—Another widely acclaimed stone in the Dominican Republic, Amber is a golden or honey-colored fossil resin sold throughout the country in specialty jewelry or gift shops. Inclusions are the most popular, as they boast vestiges of small plants or insects. Like Larimar, Amber is often set in sterling silver, and makes for stunning additions to any jewelry collection.

So next time you visit the Dominican Republic, and your darling coquettishly requests something special, think twice before investing in that tourist t-shirt or fluorescent pink beach sarong. Most likely your girlfriend isnt requesting a new wardrobe&msdash;especially one emblazoned with tacky tropical logos, slogans, and/or foreign country names. Instead, opt for a beautiful piece of Larimar or Amber jewelry, a souvenir that will award you warm embraces and kisses, rather than the cold-shoulder.

The Hard Rock chain - known for a music memorabilia collection that includes an Eric Clapton guitar - runs hotel and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla. The 1,800-room Punta Cana resort will mark the chain’s 13th hotel.

Hard Rock International plans to target couples, bridal parties, families, music fans – and gamblers. Expect a major casino with 457 slots, 40 tables, and a high-limit poker room, according to the company’s press release.