Principality of Monaco: New Cigar Club Opens at the Yacht Club de Monaco

In the heart of the Principality of Monaco, the connection between luxury, tradition, and refined sociability is once again reinforced. Less than a year after the opening of the prestigious Cigar Club at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Société des Bains de Mer expands its exclusive offerings with a new space dedicated to cigar enthusiasts: the new Hemingway Cigar Lounge at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

The official inauguration, held on Wednesday 20 May under the presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, marks a new chapter in the evolution of Monaco’s “art de vivre,” where the cigar is not merely a symbol of luxury but a cultural, sensory, and social experience.

The cigar as a cultural experience in Monaco’s luxury lifestyle

In the unique context of the Principality, cigars have long represented a ritual of discreet and refined sociability. Rather than an expression of ostentation, they embody the identity of Monaco’s international elite, reflecting a concept of understated and conscious luxury.

The new Hemingway Cigar Lounge fully embraces this philosophy, offering a contemporary space designed for sharing, conversation, and aesthetic experience, in line with the exclusive tradition of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Contemporary design inspired by the sea

The architectural and interior design project is signed by Andrea Zanetti, a designer trained at Chelsea College of Arts in London and now based in Monaco with the Mov’In studio. The space has been conceived as a “port of call”: a bright, minimalist retreat where natural materials and clean lines reflect the maritime identity of the Club.

Warm cigar-toned hues blend with lighter shades inspired by the sea and Riviera light, creating a refined balance between tradition and modernity. Overlooking the marina and the Rock of Monaco, the lounge strengthens the dialogue between space and landscape.

The venue features 87 private lockers reserved for members and a curated selection of cigars from the world’s most prestigious manufacturers, ensuring a truly high-end experience.

An exclusive evening of music, art, and lifestyle

The inauguration event combined design and culture in an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. The musical performance featured violinist Daniel Lozakovich, playing a Stradivarius violin, and pianist Hélène Mercier, who performed pieces from their album Lost to the World, released in March 2026.

The evening perfectly embodied Monaco’s signature style: elegant, international, and deeply connected to high-end arts and lifestyle.

Monaco’s new luxury vision: tradition meets innovation

The renovation of the Cigar Lounge was promoted by Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco, with the support of Christophe Degoumois and Jahid Fazal-Karim. The project reflects a clear vision: preserving Monaco’s iconic rituals while reinterpreting them through a new generation of creatives.

The goal is to keep Monaco’s traditions alive by translating them into contemporary languages that engage with design, art, and cultural innovation.

The cigar as a symbol of Monaco’s Art de Vivre

With the opening of the new Hemingway Cigar Lounge, the Principality of Monaco further strengthens its position as an international capital of discreet luxury and timeless elegance. In this context, the cigar is no longer just a luxury object, but part of a broader experience of aesthetics, connection, and culture.

An evolution that reinforces Monaco’s image as a place where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony, defining once again the unique style of the “Art de Vivre la Mer.”