Monaco
Cote d'AzurFor a day spent ashore, these are the places to be pampered, the sights to see, the shopping districts to delve into, the activities to indulge in, and the gourmet treats to discover.
Pampering
Monte-Carlo Thalasso
Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo, or the Monte-Carlo Thalasso, is the place to be pampered in Monaco. Centrally located on the Avenue De Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Thalasso is based on a new philosophy of thalassotherapy, designed to focus on renewed wellness, both physical and mental. Providing the ultimate relaxation after a day in the sun, the exclusive spa has treatments aimed at beauty, slimming, anti-aging, relaxation, sport and a specific course for men. The therapies are an exceptional mix of marine treatments, utilizing rejuvenating underwater showers with natural sea salts and essence massages, while personalized physical activity plans are encouraged.
Sights
Art Galleries
For the true art-lovers, Monaco is an absolute dream, with several galleries offering generous displays of great and contemporary artworks. The Marlborough gallery showcases works by modern greats such as Joan Miró and David Hockney, as well as up-and-comers, the Maretti Arte Monaco specializes in Italian artists, and Joel Girardi's Accademia Fine Art displays old masters of Russian Impressionism and French and Italian classics.
Shopping
Monaco has become an illustrious hub for designer wears, with the designer-filled strips of Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Avenue Monte Carlo offering top-end shopping to rival its French and Italian neighbours. Other main retail areas include Boulevard des Moulins and the Metropole Mall, where you will find the ultimate in glamorous goods and exclusive fashions. The Monégasque specialize in perfume, chocolates, ceramics, clothing, hosiery, shoes, books, jewellery and embroidery.
Activities
Golf
Playing the staggering beautiful 18-hole course at the Monte Carlo Golf Club (SBM) is the perfect way to spend a day on the land. International tournaments are regularly staged on the quality greens and the club is open year round, though non-members require a handicap. The Club also offers an inspired family day-out, with a miniature golf course for children to hit their first ball, and a bar and restaurant to relax in after a challenging day on the green.
Tennis
In April Monte Carlo plays home to one of the most exciting tournaments on the ATP schedule, hosting the Monte-Carlo masters where the best in the sport flock to the immaculate shores for a week of world-class tennis action.
Formula One Grand Prix
The biggest event on the Monaco calendar is undoubtedly the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, where the intensely popular racing sport comes to the city of Monte-Carlo for a four day program sporting glamour. The race itself is held on a Sunday toward the end of May, when the city is closed off as massively overpowered open-wheel cars scream around its tight bends, up and down its hills, and past the port, all to a packed crowd. Visitors often have to book accommodation in Monaco up to two years in advance to ensure they are present for this day-of-days, so having your own yacht to return to after each day’s festivities is a dream solution.
French Day Trips
Being located so close, or almost practically on top of, France and Italy means Monaco acts as the ultimate gateway to exploring these European treasures. Heli Air Monaco can arrange to pick you up and whisk you away to the breathtaking Alps or the Cote d’Azur for a day escape or perhaps a longer adventure. Depending on the season, you can spend a day skiing the beautiful French Alps before returning to dine in any one of Monaco’s sumptuous restaurants. Or for a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean coastline, enjoy a 10 to 40 minute panoramic flight guaranteed to inspire awe in even the most experienced jet-setter.
Bites
Joël Robuchon
Joël Robuchon, at the Hôtel Métropole, is enviably stylish and extremely fashionable with Monte-Carlo regulars. Famous for its decadent butter-packed mashed potatoes, this restaurant is an excellent lunching escape.