JB Lounge by Club Mareva opens at the Marmont Heritage Hotel in Split

In the heart of Split's historic center, JB Lounge by Club Mareva has opened, the city's first public cigar lounge designed exclusively for cigar lovers. The grand opening took place on April 25th, and the project was realized in partnership with Club Mareva and the iconic Marmont Heritage Hotel.

Located just steps away from the original Club Mareva, the new lounge represents an important step forward for the club and a new dimension to its internationally recognized cigar story. At the same time, the space carries a strong emotional value as it is dedicated to the legacy of the late Juroslav Buljubašić , owner of the Marmont Heritage Hotel, one of Croatia's most distinguished entrepreneurs and a great lover of cigar culture.

Long before Club Mareva and the Cigar Smoking World Championship gained international recognition, Juroslav Buljubašić was among the first supporters of the project. The lounge today bears his initials, JB, as a symbolic dedication to his character, lifestyle and lasting contribution to the community.

The space that today constitutes the JB Lounge by Club Mareva used to serve as a discreet lounge part of the hotel where friends, guests and cigar lovers gathered. Carefully redesigned while preserving the original spirit of the space, the lounge today offers an elegant and intimate environment designed for conversation, cigar enjoyment and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

After Juroslav's death, the Buljubašić family continued to nurture his vision and legacy. Inspired by his father's friendship with Club Mareva and support for his idea, Tomislav Buljubašić proposed converting the space into a new home for the growing international Mareva community.

“A beautiful space can be designed, but conveying the spirit and emotion is something else entirely. Tonight I believe we have successfully conveyed the spirit and emotion of Club Mareva to this space,” said Tomislav Buljubašić during the opening.

The opening of JB Lounge also marks an important development step for Club Mareva, which is now expanding its offer beyond the original private club. The new concept includes a public luxury cigar lounge , a partnership with the Marmont Heritage Hotel , and exclusive experiences for members associated with the yacht Seagull 2, owned by the late Juroslav Buljubašić.

Special benefits will be available to members and guests, including exclusive accommodation prices, private events, specially designed hospitality experiences and excursions around the Adriatic under customized membership terms.

Founder and president of the Mareva club, Marko Bilić, pointed out that the project gives the club a completely new dimension.

“Today, we can offer our members not just a club, but a complete hospitality and lifestyle experience. This also opens the door to future collaborations and partnerships with international cigar clubs, creating added value for our members.” - Marko Bilić

The grand opening was marked by an elegant black-tie event that brought together members, cigar enthusiasts and distinguished guests from around the world. The ribbon was cut by Honorary President Ivan Mažuranić, Tomislav Buljubašić and Vice President Ivan Žižić.

During the evening, Marko Bilić presented an honorary membership card number 007 to Enrico Maria Puglisi in recognition of his long-standing support of Club Mareva and the CSWC community. Also, Sarah Saunders, Chief Judge of the CSWC Association, presented a Hulecos device to Deputy Chief Judge Nataša Krešević in appreciation for her contribution and dedication to the Mareva and CSWC projects.

Today, JB Lounge by Club Mareva combines heritage, top hospitality and cigar culture, and additionally positions Split as a new Adriatic destination for exclusive cigar experiences.

The event was supported by numerous partners and sponsors, including Don Palamon Cigars, Hedonist Distribution, Chivas Regal, Camelot Cigars, ST Dupont, Casdagli Cigars and Cigar Journal magazine.

Photos: Club Mareva