Cigar News: The First Cohiba Lounge in the US Debuts at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Cohiba handmade cigars are pleased to announce the debut of The Cohiba Experience at The Bacara, the first of its kind cigar lounge in the US.

Overlooking the resort’s sprawling grounds and offering breathtaking ocean views, The Cohiba Experience is outfitted with hand-painted murals, comfortable seating, firepits and a walk-in, cedar-lined humidor, set against the backdrop of the hotel’s Spanish Mission architecture. An array of masterfully-crafted cigars from Cohiba and other respected brands come together with curated cocktails and a connoisseur’s assortment of fine wine and spirits, to create the ultimate coastal cigar lounge.

Cohiba’s Brand Ambassador Sean Williams will host quarterly activations, to include cigar pairings, handmade cigar seminars, exclusive cigar release parties and other special events.

Christopher Tarr, vice president of marketing for Scandinavian Tobacco Group which owns the Cohiba brand in the US said:

“Cohiba has always been a brand that elevates tradition and our partnership with the Ritz-Carlton honors this commitment. Together, we have created a unique new take on the classic cigar lounge. By combining the utmost in ambience, indulgence and hospitality, The Cohiba Experience encourages the camaraderie of cigar smoking in an elegant and inclusive al fresco environment. This bespoke cigar lounge will provide memorable smoking occasions that cannot otherwise be replicated, and we are proud to mark this pivotal moment for Cohiba in partnership with Ritz-Carlton.”

Steven Janicek, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara added:

“We are incredibly pleased to launch the first permanent Cohiba Cigar Lounge in the US. In partnership with Cohiba, we have curated The Cohiba Experience to provide guests a glimpse into what makes Cohiba the finest handcrafted cigar brand on the market today. The mystique that surrounds Cohiba, and our signature, laid-back luxury vibe come together to create a rarefied experience for cigar connoisseurs and those who relish the good things in life.”

Meticulously handcrafted and proudly featuring the iconic red dot logo, Cohiba cigars are crafted by artisans who are passionately committed to producing cigars of the highest quality. Made from the finest, hand-selected, aged tobacco and blended to create rich, dimensional smoking experiences, Cohiba cigars have become synonymous with extravagant taste.

Just steps away from the Cohiba Cigar Lounge, guests and locals can enjoy some of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s most cherished dining venues. ‘O’ Bar + Kitchen offers a menu of coastal Californian comforts with fresh ingredients including fish pulled directly from the shores, and Latin flair that pays homage to the destination. Angel Oak–The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s fine dining concept–offers a dynamic menu that displays local flavors of Santa Barbara, featuring dishes complemented by herbs picked directly from the property’s gardens.

Admission to The Cohiba Experience cigar lounge is complimentary to guests at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara and to the public aged 21 and over. Reservations are strongly encouraged.


Launch Event Held August 11, 2023

Following the launch event held on August 11th, 2023, the Cohiba cigar lounge will be open to hotel guests, club members and the public, Wednesday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.