Monaco will welcome a new destination for cigar connoisseurs on May 28 as the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club opens its doors in the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The private club, a collaboration between Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) and luxury cigar retailer Dominique London, promises an experience rooted in exclusivity, craftsmanship, and refinement.

The space, formerly the office of SBM founder François Blanc, has been fully transformed into a 200 m² sanctuary for cigar lovers—complete with a sea-facing terrace, a walk-in humidor, and an extensive selection of premium cigars. The venue will be inaugurated on May 19 before opening to members and select hotel guests.

A Partnership Built on Expertise

While SBM is known for its legacy in luxury hospitality and gaming, Dominique London brings decades of deep expertise in the cigar and spirits world. Founded by Dominique Gyselinck and Frédéric Dechamps, Dominique London operates 29 boutiques across Europe and runs the best-known auction house for rare cigars.

Their role in the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club goes far beyond supplying cigars. As curators of the cigar selection, they’ve sourced more than 35,000 cigars from elite producers across Cuba, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru, and Costa Rica. The lineup includes brands like Cohiba, Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Partagas, Oliva, and Rocky Patel, catering to both classic tastes and those seeking rarer finds.

“This partnership is the fruition of our ongoing quest for elegance and refinement,” said Gyselinck. “We’re creating a space of discovery, experience, and wonder—true joie de vivre on the Riviera.”

Designed for Experience

SBM entrusted renowned architecture firm Moinard Bétaille to shape the space. The design features warm tobacco tones, Havana-inspired colors, and patinated leather throughout the smoking lounge, library, and bar. A long onyx counter anchors the bar area, which showcases a carefully curated spirits collection, including Cuban rums from the Iconica Havana Club line.

Personal cigar lockers, crafted in fine wood, offer members a place to store their cigars and spirits. The walk-in humidor, designed by Société DeArt, reflects the same attention to detail that defines the entire club.

Pairings, Service, and Setting

A team of cigar sommeliers will guide guests through pairings—matching cigars with teas, coffees, chocolates, aged rums, rare whiskies, and wines from the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’s cellars. A selection of light food, including club sandwiches and finger fare, will round out the offering.

The terrace, with its panoramic views of the Mediterranean and Monte-Carlo’s iconic avenue, provides a striking backdrop for members to unwind and enjoy their cigars.

Membership Details

Access to the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club is restricted to approved members and guests staying in SBM’s Diamond Suites. Visitors must be 18 or older, wear elegant attire, and observe the no-photo, no-video policy.

Albert Manzone, Deputy CEO of SBM, called the project “an ever more exclusive Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer experience,” emphasizing that the club reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to the Grand Art de Vivre.