Monaco’s Newest, Ultra-Exclusive Cigar Lounge
The glamor and allure of the French Riviera are undeniable. Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice: Each of these breathtaking Mediterranean escapes rightfully draw millions of tourists per year. But just nearby, in a territory that occupies only a three-quarter-mile area and just over 500 acres, sits one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the world. The Principality of Monaco is the world’s second smallest country, only behind Vatican City, but it punches well above its weight class. The city-state is the living embodiment of luxury, affluence and exclusivity, and it just got a new cigar lounge to match. The new Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which opens this month, is aiming to be the most prestigious cigar lounge in the world—and it’s making a fair case.
The Cigar Club is located in the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a mecca in the world of gambling and entertainment that opened in 1865. Its size and facade are more reminiscent of a humble, classical art museum than that of the mega-casinos in Las Vegas. There are specific rules for entry, in regards to the price of ission, age, forms of identity and dress code. But perhaps the most surprising stipulation is who isn’t allowed in—the 39,000 citizens of Monaco. The local population has been forbidden from entering the gaming rooms since the Casino’s earliest days. The idea then, which sustains today, is that the casino is meant for foreigners and that the small city-state cannot afford its limited population to gamble away its money.
The casino is located in Monte-Carlo, the most famous district in Monaco. Outsiders tend to confuse the district with the principality’s namesake, but the two aren’t interchangeable. Monte-Carlo is home to many of the small country’s biggest attractions, such as the casino, the opera house, prestigious hotels, shops and restaurants that serve the ultrawealthy and famous. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is owned and operated by the Société des Bains de Mer, or SBM, a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling royal family have a majority stake. The latter, the Grimaldi family, has ruled Monaco for eight centuries, and is Europe's longest-ruling royal family. The reigning prince is Albert II, who took the throne in 2005. Beyond the casino, SBM also owns and operates numerous hotels, restaurants, residential buildings and more throughout the city-state. SBM is also the leading force behind the new Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which the group created alongside Dominique London, a company that owns and operates a large portfolio of high-end cigar shops around Europe, including several La Casa del Habano cigar stores.
The Cigar Club is located on the east side of the casino in the former office of François Blanc, the founder of SBM and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The club is roughly 2,150 square feet. It was designed by world-renowned architectural designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, of the Parisian firm Moinard Bétaille. The duo has worked with SBM before on creating One Monte-Carlo, a high-end residential building, and on a project revamping the wine cellar of the legendary Hôtel de Paris. The high-class, lavish temperament of the lounge, which matches the masterful architecture of the casino, is immediately apparent upon entering the smoky escape. The reception area alone has no shortage of character. The walls are a rich, tobacco-colored brown, accentuated by tall glass s that allow visitors to peer into the smoking lounge and bar area.
Inside the lounge, the atmosphere is refined yet welcoming. The space has the spirit of a peaceful, elegant library or study room but with an intimate layout of tables and brown leather chairs conducive for camaraderie. Natural light beautifully flows through tall window panes that lead to a terrace overlooking the sea, accentuating the rich colors in the room. On the same wall of the windows, one is transported to the vibrantly-colored streets of Havana. A wall of open compartments, with an assortment of books and cigar boxes, are colored in light pinks, blues, reds and bronze, like those common in parts of Cuba or in old towns along the French Riviera. The vibrant colors are meant to contrast with the darker interior, which includes various shades of brown, yellow and green, meant to reflect the entire chromatic range of tobacco.
On other sides of the wall, one can vaguely glimpse into the bar area through clear glass s that flank mounted cigar lockers, which can be accessed via a member’s key. In the center of this display, a grand locker stands out from the rest, designated specifically for Prince Albert II. Just on the other side of this wall, a long onyx bar is surrounded by brown leather stools and an impressive collection of spirits. An exceptional wine menu is also available, supplied by the prestigious cellars of the Hôtel de Paris (also run by SBM). Flanking the wall of spirits are two large, vertical columns finished in dark brown leather, meant to resemble cigars. Both can slide open to reveal glass displays holding precious bottles of spirits.
One of the real gems of this space, adjacent to the lounge and bar, is the sizable outdoor terrace. The gorgeous spot, complete with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and greenery, offers remarkable views of the Mediterranean Sea and Monaco. The facade of the Hôtel de Paris looms just nearby, giving a city-like, Parisian feel while the sea commands the horizon.
The Cigar Club certainly does not disappoint when it comes to cigars themselves. You can access the walk-in humidor by entering a room just by the entrance. The humidor was built by Italian fine furniture and humidor specialists DeArt. Inside, there’s a remarkable collection of some of the finest cigars in the world—35,000 in total. The physical space is accented by a gold and bronze-like hue that gives it an almost heavenly, distinguished feel. Frédéric Dechamps, CEO of Dominique London, says the finest collection of Cuban cigars you can find are on-hand, including Cohiba Behikes (52s through 56s), Bolivar Belicoso Finos, all of the recent Edición Limitadas, the new regional editions for and so much more. But this high-end collection is not limited to just Cuban cigars. Dechamps says they have Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Oliva and Rocky Patel cigars, just to name a select few. “We want to offer what the market offers,” he says, noting they wanted to reflect evolving international tastes that have given more credence to non-Cuban smokes in recent years.
This past Monday, on May 19, the club had its official inauguration. Prince Albert II was in attendance along with an exclusive, VIP group of roughly 100. The club, however, won’t be fully open to until May 28. It has to close down for the remainder of this week as arguably the biggest event of the year is rolling into Monaco, the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.
Practice will go on the rest of the week before race day on Sunday, May 25. Given the Casino’s immediate proximity to what will soon be a full-fledged race track, the closure makes logistical sense. Plus, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous and historic races in the world, with races on the 'Circuit de Monaco’ track extending back more than 100 years. In a place known for high-profile events and attractions, this race typically takes the top spot.
Dechamps believes the club will be in the same league as the Gran Prix. “We believe we created the number one cigar club in the world,” he says. Its exclusivity cannot be denied. There will be no walk-ins here. The only way to gain entry without knowing people who know some people is to become a Platinum My Monte-Carlo member, which is the highest level of the My Monte-Carlo loyalty program, only achievable by spending 100,000 euros at the Monte-Carlo Resort. Dechamps says there is already a waiting list. There are presently around 50 founding , and it’s unclear how much that number may or may not grow as time goes on. Annual hip fees are undisclosed.
For future ission, individuals will need to have two sponsors, who will vouch for them. Plus, the group is adamant about including who are legitimate cigar connoisseurs who will be present in the club. They don’t want “ghost ” who but are never actually there enjoying cigars. We concur. No real cigar aficionado would belong to a club of this magnitude and not rightfully bask in the cigar spoils on a consistent basis.
Just take a look inside the astounding walk-in humidor:
