So, you want "premium" cigars? Do you want real premium cigars or do you want fake premium cigars? There are plenty of fakes around the island, so be very careful. The Cigar Emporium, as mentioned above, is reliable and a full-time tobacconist. My advice is to avoid patronizing outfits that sell cigars as a sideline.

I do not know of any cigar store near a casino close to the airport and I have been buying cigars on the island since 1995. There is a relatively new store in Maho across from the drug store and also La Casa del Habano in Marigot. These three all have a wide selection of Cubans and cigars from other countries, as well. Formerly, there was a wonderful little shop in the Marina Port Royale in Marigot, but the owner passed away shortly before Hurricane Irma and the shop is now occupied by a clothing store.

Your best bet for quality cigars, properly stored, is from a full-time specialized tobacconist. There is a newsstand on Avenue des Plages, opposite Orient Village, that sells cigars, but only if you are desperate. The closest store to Orient is in Marigot.