Thanks to a flurry of new openings, takeovers and collaborations, Monaco is emerging with an infectious newfound energy that’s luring a spirited and smart young kind of traveller to its glittering monied shores.
The sunny, pocket-sized principality on the French Riviera is the epitome of high luxury, synonymous with over-the-top glamour, super-luxe hotels and high-end restaurants, often seen as a playground for the fusty rich. But old-school Monaco is in the throes of a renaissance.
Including a contemporary new fine-dining British restaurant, partnerships with renowned European party-isle day clubs, fashion collaborations, and a cutting-edge new eco neighbourhood, these are just some of the new, fun and exciting places to bookmark in Monaco this summer.
Jacquemus Takeover Monte-Carlo Beach Club
Set on a secluded rocky outcrop, this historic five-star hotel is on everyone’s minds this summer thanks to its hotly anticipated seasonal collaboration with playful luxury French brand, Jacquemus. The designer, known for his bold silhouettes, has transformed the hotel’s cabana-filled beach club and pier with his trademark yellow-and-black palette. Not only this, but he also has two pop-up boutiques at the hotel, one for clothing and another for accessories. Away from the beach club, the historic pool has been reimagined by the interior designer Dorothée Delaye, with lots of soothing green, while plush rooms have a nostalgic-contemporary décor and balconies with sea views. When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice at new restaurant Le Deck, the newly Michelin-starred Elsa, and Greek-inspired Maona.
The New British Restaurant
Marlow @Monte-Carlo SBM – Alexandre Tabaste
Monaco’s first British fine-dining restaurant, Marlow, has made its mark in the principality’s newest neighbourhood, Mareterra – Gen Z French love British food, apparently. Expect impeccable design, service and attention to detail at this 2025-opened spot. Waiters in white waistcoats and beige trousers buzz around catering to every whim. Just as sleek is the modern sepia-toned, wood-panelled dining room with a contemporary, old-school club feel. Menu wise, dishes go from light options like crab salads to more filling plates of Guinness and chicken pie. Neatly presented Full English breakfasts, and the dainty Scotch eggs prove stiff competition for classic British versions. Fans of English sparkling wine will find renowned Nyetimber from Sussex on the extensive list (€150 a bottle). In the summer, the floor-to-ceiling glass dining room doors fling open onto a table-filled terrace overlooking a water feature.
Pavyllon x Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Legendary French chef, Yannick Alléno – often referred to as the world’s best – brings innovative French haute cuisine from its home in Paris to Monte Carlo’s Hôtel Hermitage. The Pavyllon experience is, in his words, all about ‘serious food that doesn’t take itself too seriously’ and ‘fine dining without the formality’ – perfect for a younger crowd. Choose from several-course tasting menus or à la carte dishes, everything created with seasonal ingredients in mind and creatively presented. Grab a plush fern-green seat at the pass overlooking the open kitchen to watch the talented young team plate up these masterpiece dishes with focused ease. This year, on the 27 and 31 July plus the 3 and 7 August, Pavyllon is hosting private dinner-concerts in partnership with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Book here.
Amazónico Returns For Its Second Season
Theatrical vibes exist in abundance at Amazónico, a sprawling restaurant lounge-bar that opened last year. You’ll find it secreted away on top of Cafe de Paris brasserie on the elegant Place du Casino. Hailing from Madrid and with restaurants in London and Dubai, it’s known to attract a young crowd up for a good time. The décor is an exercise in maximalism and a riot of colour, from the nature-inspired artwork to the lush-green velvet banquets strewn with a rainbow of cushions embroidered with leaves. Just as bold is the food, a unique blend of tropical and Latin American cuisine with a dash of Asian flair. Think: maki rolls with prawn tempura, teriyaki sauce and achiote miso, langouste with green shiso butter, Chilean wagyu beef fillet, all beautifully presented on colourful tableware. Ordering an ‘amazonegroni’ cocktail is a must. It’s laced with pineapple gin, and comes served in a porcelain jaguar skull.
The New Eco-District
David from Washington, DC, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Hovering above the Mediterranean is Mareterra, Monte Carlo’s ambitious new 15-acre eco district, a polished community of residential, recreational and cultural spaces. It stands out for two gargantuan apartment blocks by architectural giants, Renzo Piano and Norman Foster, home to Monaco’s most expensive real estate and overlooking the sea. Appreciate these gleaming surroundings on a walk along the 800-metre windswept Promenade Prince Jacques. It sweeps around its sea-facing perimeter, taking you through landscaped gardens dotted with bronze statues, water features, exercise points and even a meditation room. Created by Vietnamese artist Tia-Thủy Nguyễn, it encourages contemplation and is decorated entirely in white, pink and mauve quartz, and bathed in natural light.
Ibiza’s Casa Jondal Arrives
A big-hitting day-time club from Ibiza is landing in Monaco this summer – big news for the principality. Popping up at the idyllic La Pointe de la Vigie at Monte Carlo Beach is Ibiza’s Casa Jondal, popular with the jetset on Ibiza’s southwest coast. Come night, discover Selva beneath Amazónico, a darkened cavernous space, thrumming with heavy Latino beats and heady jazz.
Lead image credit: JACQUEMUS X MONTE-CARLO BEACH – Photography by Yoann & Marco
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