The pampering and relaxation ante for men is being raised at La Quinta Resort & Club, as the Californian desert retreat launches Havana Club, a new cigar lounge and barber shop, which recently opened adjacent to TWENTY6, the resort’s American bistro.
It’s run by cigar aficionado Anto Kamarian, whose motto is “a cigar is not just a cigar, it’s a tool of relaxation, atmosphere and pleasure.” Surely those who have the opportunity to savor selections from the 14 different lines of seasonal cigars crafted in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras ($9 to $54 per cigar)—either in the smoker’s lounge or al fresco on the patio lounge—will concur with this cigar pro’s motto. Kamarian owns two cigar spots in California, has spent years studying the art of the cigar, and will be pleased to special order requests from guests. There is a walk-in humidor and 12 cigar lockers available for aficionados at $500 per year; and cocktails are also offered to further enhance the experience.
Havana Club’s 580-sq.-ft. cigar lounge complete with 55-inch flat-screen HDTV for sports watching is well-appointed. Its interior features a copper leaf ceiling; a black-and-white porcelain tile checkerboard floor; rich, dark canvas walls with a “spilled cigars” design motif; wainscoting throughout; comfortable leather lounge chairs; and a chessboard. Adding to the decor is a 600-gallon fish tank.
The barber shop, meanwhile, offers haircuts ($20), shaves without or with facials ($20/$40), manicures ($20), neck/back massages (10 minutes/$25), and beard trims ($10)—all expertly administered by seasoned licensed barbers in a classic club atmosphere. The 600-sq.-ft. grooming destination—identified by a 31-inch revolving barber’s pole—has two stations made of dark walnut with 36-inch flat-screen TVs that can be hidden behind mirrors; and there’s even a 27-inch HDTV embedded in the ceiling, so clients never miss a moment of sports excitement while being groomed. You can complete the feel-great visit with an excellent shoeshine.
For more information, visit laquintaresort.com.