A Riviera Reset: Day One in Monaco
There’s no easing into Monaco—it grabs you by the collar in the best way possible. From the moment we landed, I knew this was going to be a high-octane, high-luxury kind of weekend. We kicked things off at the legendary Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (Instagram), the grand dame of Monaco hospitality and a true cornerstone of Riviera glamour. The energy? Think Grace Kelly meets Formula 1—refined, but ready to party.
After checking into Hôtel de Paris, we made a quick little put stop at the newly opened Maona Monte-Carlo, a lively blend of Mykonos party vibes and Monegasque elegance. There was live music, DJ sets, and a menu that felt like summer on a plate—big Mediterranean energy and open-air revelry. It’s part of the new wave of spots pulling a younger, more carefree crowd to the Riviera.
Later, we strolled down to Em Sherif Monte-Carlo, the Lebanese fine-dining institution now holding court on the ground floor of Hôtel de Paris. The restaurant was packed, buzzing with diners and busy staff. I felt quietly proud, a homegrown concept thriving in one of Europe’s most elite corners. The food was exquisite, the ambience even better, and the whole experience top class.
Seafood and Shopping: A Decadent Second Day
After checking out of Hôtel de Paris, the day was devoted to classic Monte-Carlo pastimes: people watching, shopping and eating. Lunch was at Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, Yannick Alléno’s Michelin-starred gem tucked inside the elegant l’Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. If seafood is Monaco’s love language, then this place speaks it fluently. My blue lobster pasta was nothing short of divine.
After having dinner, we explored the city, visiting a vintage boutique called “Le Dressing.” If you’re in Monaco, you must visit this store to discover some of the best vintage Chanel ready-to-wear pieces in the world. I would not expect anything less for the Monaco-based woman.
That evening, we checked into our second hotel of the trip, the newly renovated Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel (Instagram). Nestled right on the sea, the property has undergone a bold transformation. Designed by Dorothée Delaye, the revamped Beach Club leans into striped textiles, sun-washed hues, and vintage Côte d’Azur flair. My room was on the ground floor, with a patio that looked out directly onto the water—pure serenity. A circular window in the bathroom framed the view perfectly, a gentle reminder that the Riviera never lets you forget where you are. Exploring the summer take over by Jacueqmus was a unique experience, and sitting under their yellow and black parasols while soaking in a little sun offered some much-needed time out.
Dinner was at Amazónico, set in the heart of Place du Casino. It’s a multisensory Amazon rainforest journey—lush interiors, vibrant flavours, and some of the best cocktails I’ve had in a while. That night, I called it early, too much fun had left me exhausted.
Caviar for Breakfast: Day Three at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel and Resort
The third day was dedicated to what Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel does best: ease, elegance, and indulgence. After a slow morning with an omelette (topped, naturally, with caviar), I headed to the Spa Clarins and myBlend at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. The 900 m² space is a sanctuary of calm, combining botanical care with futuristic tech. I had a massage that left me feeling like I’d dissolved into the Riviera air.
We returned to Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel for an afternoon of lounging under Jacquemus-striped parasols and yellow awnings. The cult label has completely taken over the Beach Club, transforming it into a sun-drenched runway of Provencal chic. An air of refinement blew across the pier and pool café, with curated Jacquemus boutiques offering everything from curated books to homey accents inspired by Matisse and Renoir. Lunch at Le Deck was a standout. I ordered the brown butter lemon caviar pasta. Creamy, briny, lemony perfection.
That afternoon, I couldn’t resist a second round at Le Dressing. This time, I scored a runway Bottega Veneta clutch and a pair of Celine leather shorts—both brand new, both too good to miss. Say what you will about Monaco’s exclusivity, but it delivers.
We wrapped the day with dinner at Jondal, nestled in the La Vigie Monte-Carlo overlooking the end of the Monte-Carlo Beach peninsula. This is one of my favourite restaurants from Ibiza, and seeing it arrive on Riviera shores felt like the crossover episode of my dreams. While I missed the padron peppers, the sea-view setting and refined Iberian dishes more than made up for it. Of course, I had caviar again. Possibly enough to populate a small aquarium, but who’s telling?
Monaco: A Playground Reimagined for the Now
My weekend at Hotel De Paris and Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel was a full immersion in a reimagined Riviera lifestyle. When it comes to the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, there’s something exhilarating about watching a place so steeped in legacy turn the page for a new generation. The fashion collab with Jacquemus, the conscious culinary push, and the renewed focus on wellness prove that Monaco isn’t just chasing trends—it’s curating the future.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. With the sea outside your window, caviar at breakfast, and vintage Chanel within reach, it’s not a question of “why,” but “when.”
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