From May 25-28th, Monaco
lures the eyes of the world to its annual Formula 1 Grand Prix de
Monaco that transforms its glittery streets into the world's most famous
speedway. But for the rest of summer the more famous beaches of
Saint-Tropez and inlets around Cap d'Antibes seem to devalue the
municipality as just a yacht-stop barely worth an overnight stay. But
with its vertical sprawl and chic urban beach vibe, Monaco is ready to
become the summer hotspot it was always meant to be.
To understand Monaco, it's best done as a local resident and to avoid
the main tourist areas around the harbor and directly around Hotel de Paris. For those visiting by boat, opt for a room at Hotel Metropole with its Grecian-inspired pool designed by Karl Lagerfeld or the newly refurbished Monte Carlo Beach.
As with all of the larger luxury hotels in Monaco, they're owned and
operated by the municipality with MCB offering the only private beach.
Interiors are by architect/designer India Mahdavi and offer a
deco-nautical glamour that extends to the property's LA Vigie beach club eatery, poolside cabana bar and Michelin-star Elsa
eatery. Next year, its Sea Lounge will alas reopen beyond its Formula 1
Weekend stint and once again become the be-seen beach club in the
municipality.
Dining in Monaco is equal parts foodie and showy, with epicurean spots like Le Monde de Joel Robuchon and Louis XV by Alain Ducasse leading with 2 and 3-stars Michelin respectively, but Cipriani and Beefbar still manage to snag our available nights with their dreamy carpaccio and glamorous vibes. This year Bagatelle joins the fray of international supper clubs in town, joining Nikki Beach at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo and stellar-installment of Buddha Bar. Le Sporting Summer Series
kicks-off this year with headliners Deep Purple and Pretenders on June
28th followed by Macklemore on July 15th, Joss Stone on July 24th and
Pink Martini on July 25th. Also look for the summer installment of Jimmy'z at Le Sporting to rule as well as Twiga that has quickly become the hottest summer nightclub on the French Riviera.
