Over the years, I’ve had the chance to smoke cigars in a variety of places, from luxurious five-star hotel lobbies to humble roadside spots at dawn. While these locations make for fascinating stories, I’ve come to understand that the true essence of a great cigar moment is less about where you are and more about who you’re with.

Epic Locations and Moments of Luxury

My cigar journey began in a place that could only be described as paradise: a tropical resort in Southeast Asia. Surrounded by lush greenery, I smoked my very first cigar, a Cohiba Siglo IV, poolside. That moment marked the beginning of my love affair with cigars. There was something inherently luxurious about it—the tranquillity, the lushness, and the high-quality cigar itself.

Photo by Greg Bulla on Unsplash

Since then, I’ve savoured cigars in many unforgettable spots. One standout experience was on a secluded island in Thailand, sipping fresh coconut juice with a Jas Sum Kral Red Knight in hand. It was an unspoiled setting, amplifying the rich flavours of the cigar and offering a truly immersive experience. Or lighting a League of Fat Bastards Serie O while on a small boat in the middle of the Java Sea after snorkelling with some friends.

Another memorable location was an upscale boutique hotel on Miami Beach. Although smoking by the pool wasn’t officially allowed, a bold manager encouraged us to buy a magnum of Moët & Chandon, promising we could then enjoy our cigars freely. True to our word, we jumped in the pool, cigars lit, celebrating life in a way that only Miami Beach can offer.

I’ve also experienced the height of cigar luxury at the Cohiba Atmosphere lounge in Kuala Lumpur. This lounge, a hidden gem in an industrial area, had all the hallmarks of opulence—an exceptional humidor, plush seating, and an air of exclusivity. Another unforgettable spot was a unique cigar lounge in Belgium, located in an old bank where the safe itself had been converted into a cosy cigar room. The novelty and elegance of the location made each puff feel like a small indulgence.

Humble Beginnings: Stripped-Down Cigar Sessions

Not every cigar experience has been wrapped in luxury. Some of my favourite memories involve finding a bit of shelter in unexpected places. One winter, I found myself lighting a cigar in a cold shed while escaping a blizzard, with nothing but a small electric heater for warmth. In another instance, I smoked under a metal roof in the jungle, where the smoke doubled as mosquito repellent.

There have been other stripped-down moments, too, like an early morning smoke by the roadside in Malaysia after a night out. It was 5 a.m., I had a Ramly burger in hand, and I was blissfully puffing away with a sense of freedom that no luxurious lounge could replicate.

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There have been other times where conditions have been far from ideal: a bitterly cold terrace near Brussels while waiting for a meeting, or a construction site room stripped bare during renovations. Each of these less-than-glamorous settings reminded me that a good cigar has the power to elevate almost any situation. And yet, even in these humble settings, the quality of company could turn these moments into something memorable.

Does Luxury Matter?

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realise that the quality of a cigar experience isn’t about the grandeur of the setting. I’ve smoked in all kinds of lounges, from high-end establishments in the United States equipped with big screens blasting news and sports, to small, unpretentious lounges with only a few seats. The level of comfort has ranged from ultra-luxurious to stripped-back, but time and again, the people I’m with make all the difference.

Given the choice, I’d much rather be sitting roadside in Malaysia with close friends, a Tiger Beer, and a mid-range cigar than in the most elite lounge, surrounded by posers sipping fine scotch with their noses in the air. The luxury of the surroundings fades into the background if you’re with the right people. A meaningful conversation with genuine company can elevate even the most modest smoke to something special.

Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash

Final Thoughts: Finding Joy in the People

Cigar smoking has given me the opportunity to explore diverse settings and situations, teaching me that while luxury adds to the experience, it’s not the defining factor. What truly matters is the people you share the moment with. A great cigar can be enjoyed anywhere, as long as you have good company by your side.

Header photo by Jailam Rashad on Unsplash