GOLD Magazine: Cigar Lounge – High End Luxury at the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich
Levels of Luxury No. 3: A retreat for connoisseurs and gourmets
The cigar lounge at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is considered high-end luxury because it is only accessible to a small, affluent target group. Strict membership rules, limited seating and a curated selection of rare premium cigars create a personalized, non-replicable experience. In an interview with Mr. Aleksandar Vujin, bar manager, we find out more about their exclusive target group and the matching service.
GC: “What does personal luxury mean to you in everyday life? Is there a small moment that you wouldn’t want to do without?”
A. Vuijin: For me, luxury in everyday life is when I can share an experience with someone, be it a special drink or a good cigar in a beautiful place. This moment becomes a luxury when it is personal and unique.
GC: “Is your lounge more of a place dof rest or networking?”
A. Vuijin: Both – during the day and during the week it is a place of retreat. In the evening or at the weekend, on the other hand, things get a little livelier and there are also networking moments. But it always remains discreet and stylish.
GC: “What kind of guests does your cigar lounge typically attract?”
A. Vuijin: Our guests are often entrepreneurs, self-employed people or simply people who are interested in high-quality products. The age structure ranges from around 35 to 70 years. The most important thing is a shared passion for cigars and a relaxed atmosphere.
GC: “Your lounge is based on clearly regulated access via memberships. How do you define exclusivity in this context?”
A. Vuijin: For us, exclusivity means that we specifically select who gets access to the lounge. Membership not only protects the atmosphere, but also our existing members. It’s not about letting in as many people as possible, but the right people.
GC: “Is membership linked to hotel status or is it independent?”
A. Vuijin: Hotel guests can also be granted access as long as occupancy permits. However, membership itself is independent of hotel status and is primarily aimed at external guests who visit regularly.
GC: “What distinguishesyour membership from a classic private social club?”
A. Vuijin: We deliberately don’t position ourselves as a social club, although that element certainly resonates. The cigar lounge is not a place for “being seen”, but for conscious enjoyment. Those who join us are looking for peace, quality and like-minded people.
GC: “How do you create a particularly exclusive atmosphere for your guests?”
A. Vuijin: Through small, personal gestures. For example, a guest who regularly drank a particular cognac received individually engraved crystal glasses with his name. Experiences like this are memorable – that’s what luxury is for us.
GC: “What can your guests expect when they enter the lounge?”
A. Vuijin: A select choice of the finest cigars. Some with a unit price of over €1,000. Plus excellent drinks that are individually matched to the cigar. And of course absolute discretion, also thanks to the architectural concept with special air circulation.
GC: “How do you communicate withe communicate with potential new members without losing exclusivity?”
A. Vuijin: We hardly ever actively promote the lounge. Space is limited and a lot of it works by word of mouth. Our regular guests bring friends with them and so a suitable community develops organically.
GC: “What values doe do you convey to the outside world?”
A. Vuijin: Privacy, expertise, individuality. It’s not about status symbols, but about authentic interest, enjoyment and quality. This is exactly what our members are looking for and exactly what we offer them.
