Long overshadowed by a troubled image, the Principality of Monaco has successfully turned things around in the last 20 years with a new emphasis on glamour and environmental commitment. And figureheads in the form of the new Place du Casino and the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo - regaining its place as one of the world’s most enviable luxury hotels.
Monaco. The stuff of dreams. The promise of the good life in an entrancing setting on the shores of the Mediterranean, under the almost endless sun. A picture-postcard that is, in fact, not that far removed from reality, and which in no way detracts from the environmental and oceanographic commitments of this city-state that is striving not only to keep pace with change but be out on the cutting-edge. The major undertakings initiated under the impetus of Prince Albert II in this constantly evolving principality certainly deserve closer attention, including Mareterra, the ambitious offshore extension project to reclaim 15 acres of land bookmarked to become the Anse du Portier eco-district in 2025. Protecting the environment and maritime biodiversity was the key priority assigned to star architects Renzo Piano and Denis Valode as part of this real estate development that just so happens to be one of the most exclusive (and expensive!) launched since the turn of the 21st century.
Its villas, houses and apartments are already something to aspire to for the world's wealthiest individuals (if you want to be one of the happy few, make sure to get in touch with the BARNES Monaco, office recently opened at the heart of the principality).
Another flagship project is the Place du Casino, which underwent a makeover in 2020 to bring back all the elegance and charm exuded back at its creation in 1850. Freed from clutter, the beige flagstone esplanade accentuates the Belle Epoque buildings of the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris and the Casino. Anish Kapoor’s Sky Mirror is thankfully still glimmering in its central position, much to the delight of its admirers:
And because Monaco wouldn't be Monaco without the Hôtel de Paris, the legendary luxury hotel built in 1864 undertook four years of renovations between 2014 and 2018, without ever closing its doors. On the books: new suites unveiled little by little (including the Princess Grace suite, spanning two floors and 10,580 sq ft including over 5,380 sq ft of terraces and a heated infinity pool), the modernisation of its Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant and VIP access to the Thermes Marins, the casino and the haute couture boutiques at One Monte-Carlo. Tempting, to say the least!
Still not convinced? We’ll have you know that as this article goes to press, the principality has succeeded in keeping its restaurants and casino open during the day, under strict heath rules, of course. Even though a room service dinner at the Hôtel de Paris (among others) could hardly be considered a punishment, we may just have found THE destination to make the most of early spring... and maybe more!
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Sun's Palace, 4 rue RP Louis-Frolla, Monaco, 98000 Principauté de Monaco / Tél. : +377 93 30 85 85
Photos @MontecarloSBM / @Valode & Pistre / @MC.clic
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