ChanceSchmerr Posted March 8, 2010 Posted March 8, 2010 Hey everyone, I did a search for "Santa Maria" on the site but found little of use, so I thought I'd bring it up in a new topic! I've got a real close friend of mine heading to Cuba with his girl in a few weeks. He emailed me to let me know and to ask what Cigars I would like! Not having been to Cuba myself, I could still give him the basics like "Don't buy from guys on the beach" etc., But what I'm wondering is (in order to give him proper advice) 1. Is there any reputable LCDH's or Cigar shops on Cayo Santa Maria or at any of the resorts there? 2. If so, what kind of selection do they have, so I know what I can ask him to bring back? 3. Any other cigar-purchasing info for Cayo Santa Maria? Thanks very much for the help!
riderpride Posted March 8, 2010 Posted March 8, 2010 Chris, Got back from there a few weeks ago; I was planning on doing a write-up, but there have been a few family medical issues (a heart attack and two strokes) that have kept me distracted. There is no LCDH, but each hotel has a small selection. Which one is he staying at? The Sol has pretty much nothing, and the Las Dunas (where we stayed) has pretty much the entire R&J line, a few Cohibas, and very little else (no ELs), but it did have one full box of Sanchos in the middle shelf on the bottom row. The only thing I would touch at the airport would be the Siglo series tubos. Your best chance is if your friend is planning on a day trip to Santa Clara, or heading over to Cayo Coco. The trip to Santa Clara does stop at a small factory (I think it was in Remedios), but there is no shop on-site. To find an actual retailer, he will have to wait untill he gets some free time in Santa Clara; there is a small, but decently stocked shop a few blocks from the old bullet-ridden Hilton hotel, and accross the street from another cigar factory. The streets are narrow and the shop isn't marked well, so it would be best to get the guide to take him. There was a decent Partagas, Punch, VR, and Monte selection (I didn't spot any hidden gems) and the only EL was the Monte Sublimes. The lady there is super friendly; she was so happy to have someone there who knew something about cigars that a flood of Spanish came pouring out of her mouth - the fact that I knew little didn't slow her down for a second. She took us into the private lounge and ended up giving me a bunch of unbanded domestics from her own stash to boot! When leaving Cuba, make sure your buddy has a receipt (it's best if he takes his passport to the cigar shop) as I was stopped by airport security so they could inspect my sticks. Other notes: - I got the girlfriend drunk enough to say yes (gotta love all-inclusives). Best part? She wants to get married next Feb back in Cuba! - If it's raining, tell you buddy to take the trolly into 'town' if he wants to go bowling or something for a change of pace. - Cash conversion: just outside the airport terminal are two exchanges; turn left for credit cards, right for cash conversion. Otherwise, the hotel should provide this service as well. Let me know if I can be of any more help, and I hope your buddy has a great trip!
Habanos2000 Posted March 8, 2010 Posted March 8, 2010 Just curious at this point since there's no trip to Cuba in my near future. But is there any advantage at all to buying cigars down there as opposed to buying from a trusted source you might already have? It just seems so risky considering the amount of counterfeits I hear are out there.
riderpride Posted March 8, 2010 Posted March 8, 2010 Just curious at this point since there's no trip to Cuba in my near future. But is there any advantage at all to buying cigars down there as opposed to buying from a trusted source you might already have? It just seems so risky considering the amount of counterfeits I hear are out there. For us Canucks there is (if you know what you're doing). Tobacco tax here is about 190%, also customs is very aggressive, so any chance of avoiding them should be taken (I was busted 3 times in the first half of last year alone).
ChanceSchmerr Posted March 18, 2010 Author Posted March 18, 2010 Thanks for the advice, Riderpride! My friend is leaving tommorow, he told me he is staying at the Melia Cayo Santa Maria. I passed on your advice, as well as information about the Melia from the Marty Mix website. Any other last minute tips about the Melia Cayo Santa Maria than anyone can provide? I am asking for either a box of Party SDC #1 or 2, Party 898 or PSD4. This is on the assumption that they have a good selection of Partagas at the Melia. If anyone knows what else they have there, please let me know! Thanks everyone!
riderpride Posted March 19, 2010 Posted March 19, 2010 My pleasure; I hope the weather treats him well!
rckymtn22 Posted March 22, 2010 Posted March 22, 2010 I am interested in what your friend brings back as I have a buddy heading there in a couple weeks and will be giving him a list.
ChanceSchmerr Posted March 22, 2010 Author Posted March 22, 2010 I'll post when he comes back what he was able to get. My top 3 I asked him for were Party 898 Party SD4 Party SDC1
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