Iconic Resort Teams Up with Prestigious Handmade Cigar Brand to Introduce The Cohiba Experience – A World-Class Al Fresco Cigar Lounge
SANTA BARBARA, CA (August 14, 2023) – A groundbreaking collaboration between The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Cohiba handmade cigars has given birth to an exceptional venture – The Cohiba Experience at The Bacara, marking the debut of the very first cigar lounge of its kind in the United States.
After a momentous launch event on August 11th, 2023, the Cohiba cigar lounge is set to welcome hotel guests, club members, and the public from Wednesday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Cohiba Experience offers a truly unparalleled ambiance. Nestled amidst the lush surroundings of the resort and offering sweeping ocean vistas, the lounge is adorned with meticulously hand-painted murals, plush seating, inviting firepits, and a walk-in cedar-lined humidor. Against the backdrop of the hotel’s enchanting Spanish Mission architecture, this unique setting forms the perfect stage for an exquisite collection of masterfully-crafted cigars from Cohiba and other esteemed brands. The cigars harmoniously pair with meticulously curated cocktails, and a connoisseur’s selection of fine wines and spirits, culminating in the ultimate coastal cigar lounge experience.
Leading the charge, Cohiba’s Brand Ambassador, Sean Williams, will host quarterly activations. These will include engaging cigar pairings, enlightening handmade cigar seminars, exclusive unveilings of new cigar releases, and an array of other special events that are bound to tantalize aficionados and novices alike.
Commenting on the partnership, Christopher Tarr, Vice President of Marketing for Scandinavian Tobacco Group, the proprietor of Cohiba in the US, stated, “Cohiba has always epitomized tradition, and our collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton pays homage to this heritage. Together, we have reimagined the classic cigar lounge, infusing it with an atmosphere of opulence, indulgence, and hospitality. The Cohiba Experience fosters the camaraderie of cigar enthusiasts within an elegant and all-embracing al fresco space. This bespoke lounge promises unforgettable moments, underscoring a monumental milestone for Cohiba, celebrated in synergy with The Ritz-Carlton.”
Steven Janicek, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the first permanent Cohiba Cigar Lounge in the US. With Cohiba as our collaborator, The Cohiba Experience offers guests a window into the essence that makes Cohiba the epitome of artisanal cigar craftsmanship. The enigma surrounding Cohiba and our trademark laid-back luxury atmosphere seamlessly blend to create an exclusive encounter for cigar enthusiasts and those who savor life’s finest pleasures.”
The laboriously handcrafted Cohiba cigars proudly bear the iconic red dot logo. Crafted by dedicated artisans who embody an unwavering commitment to producing cigars of the utmost quality, these cigars are meticulously fashioned from hand-selected, aged tobacco blends. The result is an indulgent, multi-dimensional smoking journey that has become synonymous with opulence.
Mere steps from the Cohiba Cigar Lounge, patrons, and locals alike can relish in The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s cherished dining venues. ‘O’ Bar + Kitchen tantalizes with a menu that melds coastal Californian comforts, showcasing ingredients plucked fresh from the ocean’s bounty and infusing Latin influences that pay homage to the locale. Angel Oak, the resort’s fine dining haven, entices with a dynamic menu spotlighting Santa Barbara’s local flavors, accompanied by herbs sourced directly from the property’s gardens.
Admission to The Cohiba Experience cigar lounge is extended to both Ritz-Carlton Bacara guests and the public aged 21 and over, with reservations highly recommended.
About The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Nestled against the backdrop of sun-kissed beaches and verdant mountains, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodies the allure, elegance, and vitality of the Mediterranean, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara. This iconic Central California haven sprawls across 78 acres, encompassing 358 guest rooms and suites, two pristine beaches, lush gardens, and a medley of amenities including a 42,000 square-foot spa and wellness haven, three saltwater infinity pools, six distinct culinary venues – Angel Oak, housing a remarkable 12,000-bottle wine collection, and a rich tapestry of activities suitable for all ages. Boasting 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the resort stands nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, granting convenient access to the region’s premier vineyards while being mere minutes from the charming historic heart of Santa Barbara.
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
Part of Marriott International, Inc., The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is based in Chevy Chase, MD, and currently oversees a portfolio of over 100 hotels and more than 45 residential properties across 30 countries and territories. For the latest updates and reservations, visit www.ritzcarlton.com, or engage in the live conversation by following #RCMemories on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. stands as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is a proud participant in Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s travel program successor to Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). This program presents members with an extraordinary range of global brands, Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences, and unparalleled benefits, including the accrual of points toward complimentary hotel stays and progression towards Elite status recognition. For more details or to enroll for free, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
About Cohiba Cigars
Crafted with care in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the U.S., Cohiba cigars have garnered critical acclaim for their impeccable construction and the refined smoking encounters they offer. Adorned with their iconic white box and red dot emblem, Cohiba’s core brand is complemented by premium collections that extend luxurious and memorable smoking experiences to connoisseurs: Cohiba Black, Cohiba Blue, Cohiba Connecticut, Cohiba Royale, Cohiba Nicaragua, Cohiba Riviera, and Cohiba Macassar. Beyond these, Cohiba artisans craft limited edition expressions that showcase proprietary tobaccos, released in highly exclusive quantities, such as Cohiba Spectre and Cohiba Serie M. For more information, visit Cohiba.com or follow Cohiba on Facebook @Cohiba, Instagram @CohibaCigars, and Twitter @Cohiba.
