When it comes to European getaways, destinations with an ideal mix of city adventure and beach access tend to be the main qualifiers for an ideal trip. While many flock to popular spots in Italy or Greece, there’s another location that needs to be on your radar — Monaco. The sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera boasts the best of everything — from world class dining to luxurious stays, thanks to Monte-Carlo Societe Des Bains De Mer‘s collection of properties, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Casino de Monte-Carlo and Hôtel de Paris anchor “Casino square” — a central hub of the city lined with stores from every major luxury brand and top-tier dining options. The striking architecture of Casino de Monte-Carlo (made famous by James Bond movies) and Hôtel de Paris next store, sets the tone for the level of opulence in store.
Hôtel de Paris is a palace (yes, palace — breakfast is served in a gilded mirrored ballroom) built in 1864 delivers 5-star service whether staying at the elegantly-designed rooms or dining at the Michelin-starred venues on site. There are four different restaurants including the most prestigious, Le Louis XV- Alain Ducasse (located in said ballroom). Le Grill offers panoramic view of the Principality (it’s also notably a place where guests can see France, Monaco and Italy from one location). There’s a new trendy Lebanese cuisine restaurant at Em Sherif, plus the ultra-popular Café de Paris, where guests can enjoy the bustle of Casino Square at the brasserie. Off of the lobby there’s Bar Américain, a 1920s-style cozy spot with live music in the evenings that really sets the mood.
But that’s only one of Monte-Carlo Societe Des Bains De Mer’s four hotel properties. There’s Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo boasting belle-époque charm located right around the corner from Hôtel de Paris, and two waterfront options — Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort which has views of the Mediterranean and Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, a private beach club with Olympic-sized pool. No matter which property you’re staying in, a short bus ride will take guests to the beach club so a perfect mix of city stays and beach hangs await.
What makes the area ideal for a stop this summer is to visit two new restaurants that opened this month: Maona and Club La Vigie. Maona Monte-Carlo is an open-air cabaret that comes alive each night for an evening of music and dancing. It first opened in 1962, where stars like Josephine Baker and Liza Minnelli partied and the relaunch is keeping that sparkle of the ’60s alive with its retro soundtrack. The nights start with jazz lounge playlist by Bon Entendeur and live piano, then things get lively with an electro-disco DJ set. The food highlights Monogasque cuisine and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer actually asked staff members, parents and grandparents to collect family recipes for menu inspiration. Bar Sauvage also highlights local favorites, with an after-dinner drink made from Monaco oranges.
Club La Vigie is a private summer club and day lounge that’s accessible by boat where guests can enjoy live music, delicious food by two-starred Michelin chef Marcel Ravin and the full experience of Riviera living at the seaside oasis. Spend the afternoon tucked away in the “Love Nest” bungalows and take in the sunset with a cocktail in-hand.
Of course, memorable nights await in the city center too. Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo is a place to be scene and enjoy Thai and Japanese cuisine while dancing along to DJ sets. To really keep the night going, Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, which recently reopened, is the “temple of clubbing” where the world’s top DJs spin. Don’t miss another recently reopened spot, COYA Monte-Carlo, which immerses you in Latin American culture with tribal beats of COYA music.
So if you’re ready to book your ticket to Monaco, be sure to really arrive in style. The helicopter and seaplane company, Blade, expanded its service in Europe with a quick seven-minute ride from Nice airport to the heart of Monte-Carlo.
Whether spending time at the casino living your best James Bond life, dancing to the best DJs around or just want to relax seaside, there’s something to delight any mood you’re in. The perfect summer awaits in Monte-Carlo. Visit montecarlosbm.com.
