http://www.dominicanrepublic.com/ .From presidents and royalty to actors and tycoons, the Dominican Republic is attracting the rich and famous from around the world

  Forget Hollywood. The Dominican Republic is fast becoming one of the world's top destinations for star-sightings. In recent months, this Caribbean country has become the retreat of choice for a host of celebrities looking for a wide variety of leisure activities. From golfing to scuba diving, gambling to hiking, the world's most well-known residents are finding that the Dominican Republic has countless amenities in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

Most recently, former U.S. president George H. Bush visited the Dominican Republic. For the second year in a row, the president and his family stayed in a private villa at Casa de Campo in La Romana on the country's southeast side. When asked why he chose to return to the Dominican Republic, the president expressed his fondness for the country's climate and biodiversity. During his stay President Bush participated in a range of activities, including the "Challenge Cup" golf tournament where he cheerfully spoke with local Dominican and American participants.

 Other recent visitors to the country include Bill Gates, Vanessa Williams, George Hamilton, Chris Tucker, Gloria Trevi and the King of Morocco, his Majesty Mohammad IV. Celebrating New Year's Eve in the Dominican Republic, Mohammad IV held an exclusive party featuring 300 guests of his Court.

Already, countless celebrities have made plans to visit the Dominican Republic during the upcoming months. They join more than 3.4 million tourists who have made the country one of the world's top Caribbean destinations. With the rapid growth of tourism in the Dominican Republic, the country has aggressive plans to continue adding new attractions and hotels without spoiling the natural beauty that has made it so popular.

Rich in history, the Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then, it has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors. At 10,000 feet, the Dominican Republic is home to the highest point in the Caribbean. It also features some of the best golf courses and beaches in the world, the largest marina in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families.