Monaco beyond the obvious
An insider’s guide to extraordinary experiences in the Principality, from the people you meet to the doors that are rarely opened.
Monaco is one of those extraordinary places that everyone thinks they know. The superyachts, the Ferraris, the Casino de Monte-Carlo and, of course, the Grand Prix have created an image of glamour that is recognised around the world. But having spent much of my professional life working between Monaco and the French Riviera, I’ve discovered that the Principality has another side, one that’s considerably more interesting than the obvious displays of wealth. For those fortunate enough to have access, Monaco offers a remarkable collection of experiences, people and places that make it one of the most exciting destinations in Europe.
The real Monaco is about access, not extravagance
Anyone can book a beautiful hotel suite or reserve a table at an expensive restaurant, but the truly memorable experiences tend to happen behind doors that aren’t normally open. It might be an intimate dinner with a celebrated winemaker, a private viewing of an exceptional collection, or an evening spent with a fascinating group of people who happen to be in town. I’ve always believed that the greatest luxury is access to experiences that money alone doesn’t necessarily buy. Monaco, with its extraordinary concentration of interesting and influential people, is particularly good at creating these opportunities.
Take to the water, but do it differently
Naturally, yachting is central to Monaco’s identity, and there’s something wonderful about leaving Port Hercule aboard a beautiful yacht and heading along the coast towards Cap Ferrat. But rather than simply spending the day anchored off a beach club, I love the idea of creating something more personal. Imagine a long lunch aboard a classic yacht, with a private chef preparing freshly caught Mediterranean seafood, accompanied by a selection of exceptional Provençal wines. Or an evening cruise along the coast, with a Champagne producer hosting an intimate tasting as the lights of Monaco begin to appear. These are experiences that combine the beauty of the Riviera with something genuinely special.
A remarkable destination for food and wine
The concentration of culinary talent in such a small area is astonishing, and the Principality provides access to some of Europe’s finest restaurants. But for me, the most interesting experiences often go beyond simply booking the best table. A private dinner built around rare vintages of Château d’Yquem, a Burgundy tasting hosted by a leading winemaker, or an evening exploring the great wines of Italy with the people who actually make them can transform dinner into something unforgettable. Wine has always been a wonderful way of bringing interesting people together, and Monaco provides the perfect stage for it.
There is so much more to motorsport here
Few sporting events in the world can compete with the atmosphere of Formula One in Monaco. Watching the cars race through streets that you might have walked along that morning is an extraordinary experience. However, for serious enthusiasts, I think the most exciting opportunities are often those that bring you closer to the people and machines behind the sport. A private driving experience with a professional racing driver, an exclusive collection visit, or a carefully organised journey through the great driving roads of the Riviera and northern Italy can be every bit as memorable as race weekend itself. Combine that with exceptional hotels, wonderful restaurants and perhaps a visit to Ferrari in Maranello, and you have the ingredients for a truly remarkable few days.
The culture most visitors overlook
Monaco has a fascinating cultural life that is sometimes overshadowed by its more glamorous reputation. The Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and the Oceanographic Museum are all extraordinary institutions. With the right arrangements, a private guided visit or an intimate cultural experience can provide a completely different perspective on the Principality. I particularly love the idea of combining an evening performance with a beautifully hosted private dinner, or bringing together a small group of guests for an event in one of Monaco’s historic venues. The contrast between Monaco’s heritage and its thoroughly modern international community is part of what makes the place so compelling.
What lies just beyond the border
One of Monaco’s greatest advantages is its position at the heart of the French Riviera, with Italy only a short journey away. Within an hour or two, you can find yourself in a completely different world. A private villa lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, a visit to a remarkable art collection, or a helicopter journey into the surrounding countryside can provide a wonderful escape from the energy of Monte-Carlo. Personally, I’m particularly drawn to experiences that combine beautiful places, exceptional food and interesting people. A long lunch in the hills above the Riviera, hosted by a brilliant chef and accompanied by wines from a great estate, is my idea of a perfect afternoon.
“True luxury isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing, only more expensively.”
The people you meet, the memories you create
Monaco is a place where extraordinary things can happen, often quite spontaneously, but the best experiences usually require a combination of imagination, relationships and careful planning. That thinking was a large part of why I founded ÅUREN. I wanted to create something that went beyond traditional luxury travel or concierge services: a private world built around remarkable experiences, genuine connections and access to people and places that make life more interesting. Monaco is the natural home for that philosophy. After all, true luxury isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing, only more expensively. It’s about doing something that very few people will ever have the opportunity to experience.