Un'esperienza di viaggio straordinaria a MontecarloEdoardo Alaimo

My trip to Monte Carlo was a true immersion style. It’s hard to describe in words the emotion I experienced in the luxurious Monaco. Remembered for the great Princess Grace, style icon and woman, of timeless allure, center of high society and of international jet set, this elegant city still maintains the primacy as a destination of excellence journey.

The famous Casino de Monte-Carlo , the historic Cafè de Paris, the Monte-Carlo Beach (known vip seaside resort overlooking the Mediterranean sea), are just a few of the main locations that are the background to the trip of many exponents of fashion, politics and social in this iconic kingdom.

  Host of the Societè de Bains de Mer, historical monegasque company founded 150 years ago and holder of the most important activities in Monte Carlo, I stayed at the Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, one of the most important hotels in Monaco, whose large volumes and the unique architecture in full style art nuveau, contribute to its building status.  

This hotel from the obvious elegance, was built in the early 20th century by the architect Jean Marquet and then detected in 1928 right from the Societè de Bains de Mer, which has strengthened its style and implemented the core activities of monegasque “saivoir recevoir “.   The 278 rooms and 88 suites characterized by all the comfort and by an exceptional view of Montecarlo, show a sense of absolute modern and cosmopolitan luxury.

Though extremely elegant, nothing here is ostentatious, shouted.  The starred restaurant Le Vistamar (1 Michelin star), signed by the chef Benoît Witz and focused on the foundation of Mediterranean cuisine, is one of the jewels of the structure. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the port of Monte Carlo, it was for me one of the most pleasant places to spend convivial lunches of tasty seafood (the fish comes from the last true monegasque fisherman ), and French champagne.   In the afternoon, the hotel comes alive with the break of the of 5 P.M. (Strictly served with Ladurée macarons) in its elegant lobby decorated with friezes and chandeliers nuveau art style, while already from 19.00 is likely to find beautiful women and elegant monsieurs at Crystal Bar, a true jewel of Hotel Hermitage , where sipping cocktails surrounded by works , vases and sculptures signed by the most known fashion houses of artistic glassware in the world; including: Baccarat, Lalique, Saint Louis, just to name a few.  

The hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo offers its guests exclusive access to one of the most beautiful spa of ‘Europe, Les Thermes de Marins , (fully renovated in 2014) stand in a 3-storey structure really unique for both spaces for wellness services, where guests feel welcomed into a vortex of well-being that, when the stay ends, they can hardly do without. If you’re curious about which treatments I tried at the SPA, you can read my latest article for Glamour Italy HERE.   Besides the hotel Hermitage, the experiences and the places that I recommend if you find in the Principality of Monaco there are certainly:  

The Café de Paris; Monte Carlo historic brasserie perfect for a coffee, a drink or a very casual dinner with friends;  

The Blue Bay restaurant signed by Marcel Ravin chef; inside the famous Blue Bay hotel is real pearl for the ‘haute cuisine, founded on a concept of combination beetwen Ethnic cuisine and European cuisine – I can certainly say that was one of the gourmet experiences the most interesting of my life; I recommend especially to try the 8-course tasting menu so you fully understand the philosophy of this chef who is very different from that of other Europeans starred chef. Divine are the “carbonara” with foie gras and ramen shrimp of Mediterranean;   

– The buddha bar; absolutely a place to visit after 19.00 or for an aperitif or for a strictly dinner of sushi and oriental cuisine. The cocktails, here, are very good, really glamorous the space. Black paneling of wood, XL size crystal chandeliers and a total black Giant Buddha statue, will impress you already from the entrance. Besides the excellent music and a selected customers, in this place they are alternating the most famous contemporary DJs from all over the world;

   -The ELSA Restaurant; The Monte-Carlo Beach is the house of this’ other star restaurant (1 Michelin star) entirely focused on the theme of nature and seasonality. This was certainly the culinary place I most loved in Monte Carlo and I feel strongly advise you. Tasting menus from 50 € (drinks not included) make this temple of taste easily accessible, both for a casual lunch that taste for a ‘special occasion with your partner, enjoying an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant, decorated in 70s style, with tapestries, chairs and colors focusing on various shades of blue and light blue, is absolutely contemporary, putting immediately at ease its guests, while maintaining an unmistakable class.   

Before leaving for the small but refined Principality of Monaco, remember to provide adequate clothing and accessories. In Monaco it is nice to rediscover the tradition for stylish clothing from daytime walking for shopping to evening visits in casino, for you, ladies, at least it will be necessary a promenade dress, a cocktail dress and a long dress. Manolo Blanhik heels and Chanel ballerinas; then remember to pack at least two bags and a carrè that will customize your look. The jewels here are never too many (There is always an Arab princess around ready to unleash a larger stone of yours) so don’t bother to fill your personal beauty case of sparkling magics ;-)For men I strongly recommend to bring at least one tuxedo (preferably in velvet) for the night life or the casino, a full (jacket and pants) by day, a more casual evening dress. Dark tie and a fantasy tie (to be varied depending on time and location), a pair of leather loafers and comfortable sneakers for long walks on the rock of Monte Carlo (where stands the cathedral and the royal palace).  

Rediscover the taste of savoir vivre in Monte Carlo, the “place to be international” where cultivating the beautiful, between shopping, relaxation and unparalleled gourmet moments …  

Have a good week,  

Edoardo