If you love having cheeky peeks into other people’s spectacular homes, mark Saturday 6th July in your calendar.
The exterior of Villa Troglodyte. Photo credit: JB Pastor & Fils
Villa Troglodyte, a feat of engineering and energy efficiency built by JB Pastor & Fils, will open its doors for public viewing from 10am to 6pm. The 520 square metre villa is carved out of a giant stone boulder and laid out over five floors.
Located at 21 Hector Otto, the villa is accessed by a footpath from the street level and features an interior swimming pool dominated by the rock it lies within. The sitting area and three bedrooms are situated on the upper levels and can be reached by a glass lift.
The streamlined beauty of this house is but only one aspect of its appeal. The big news is how “green” it is. Utilising geothermal and solar energies for up to 40% lower consumption compared to other such buildings, and designed with a rainwater collection system, this site is being dubbed an “environmental laboratory”.
“More than just a house, Villa Troglodyte is for us an opportunity to reflect on space and energy,” said the company. “This project involves surveys and studies of what could be the house of tomorrow.”
In accordance with the mandate set forth by Prince Albert, the villa’s design is environmentally-friendly in terms of energy efficiency and carbon footprint control.
So take a break from the beach this Saturday and head to Villa Troglodyte. Entry is free.
More than 250 royals and dignitaries attended the anniversary of HSH Prince Albert II’s ascension as Sovereign Prince. The reception was held at the stunning art deco Villa Empain in Brussels on 27th June in the company of, to name but a few, HRH Princess Léa of Belgium, the Apostolic Nuncio, and Monaco’s Belgian Ambassador Sophie Thevenoux who, along with Marc Thevenoux, organised the event.
The morning of the celebration was business as usual, with the annual consular meeting covering news from the Monegasque Consuls of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The Director General of the Department of Finance and Economy Thierry Orsini also made a presentation of the Principality’s tax system, and Monaco’s international commitments in these regions.
Prince Albert came to the throne after the passing of his father, HSH Prince Rainier III, in 2005. He was well prepared, having assisted his father in affairs of state since 1984, and the transition was seamless.
Gelson Martins completes permanent move to AS Monaco
Former Atletico Madrid winger Gelson Martins has completed a permanent move to AS Monaco, just one year after joining the club from Sporting CP.
Gelson Martinis
The 24-year-old left the Portuguese club amid a player exodus last summer but failed to fit into Diego Simeone’s system, and was loaned out to Monaco in the second half of last season.
He impressed despite difficult circumstances, scoring four times and contributing four assists to help his new side avoid a disastrous relegation. Gelson has now committed for five seasons until June 2024.
“I am very happy to be able to join AS Monaco permanently and I am now very much looking forward to seeing the group again in preparation for the upcoming season,” said Gelson through a statement released by ASM. “Despite the difficult situation, we managed to show some good things last season and I will do everything to help the Club achieve its goals this season.”
Born on May 11, 1995 in Cape Verde, the winger trained at the Sporting Clube de Portugal where he played 140 matches in four seasons, including 26 in the European competitions at “Sportinguistas”. After winning a Portuguese Supercup (2015) and a League Cup (2018), he played at the start of last season at Atlético Madrid.
A regular member of the youth squads of Portugal, the explosive winger has 21 caps with the national team, with which he played in the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup.
“We are very pleased to announce that Gelson remains at AS Monaco,” said Oleg Petrov, AS Monaco Vice President and Chief Executive Officer. “In a few months, Gelson showed a lot of qualities. His skill, vivacity and energy have helped the team and will undoubtedly be valuable assets for the group in the future. We are confident that Gelson will continue to grow and continue to demonstrate his full potential.”
To celebrate the transfer, ASM is giving away a signed Gelson tshirt. Click here to enter.
The Grimaldi Forum Monaco will swing open the doors this week to its highly anticipated summer exhibition, showcasing the works and artistic processes of prominent Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí.
Following the presentation of other monolithic artists of the 20th century, including ‘SuperWarhol’ in 2003, ‘Monaco Celebrates Picasso’ in 2013 and, more recently, ‘Francis Bacon, Monaco and French Culture’ in 2016, the summer 2019 exhibition will be dedicated to ‘Dali, a History of Painting’, curated by Montse Aguer, Director of the Dali Museums.
The retrospective is being conducted in collaboration with the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation, a private cultural organisation.
It is a particularly significant year as 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the artist’s death (1904-1989). The Dali exhibition will be a history of painting and will offer the public an exceptional journey through Dali’s artistic production, allowing viewers to discover the different stages of the artist’s creative works.
It will not only offer a retrospective view of Dali’s work, but will also reveal how the painter has become enshrined in the history of 20th century painting. The public will therefore be able to discover the different steps of his creation and to recognise the imprint of the different painters who influenced him, and to whom he paid homage.
The selection includes approximately one hundred works including paintings, drawings and photographs, mostly from the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation in Figueres and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid.
‘Dali, a History of Painting’ will open on Saturday 6th July and run until 8th September. Entrance is 11€ for adults, or 9€ for students. There is free admission for children under 18 years of age.
It’s summer time at the port of Monaco and once again residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a host of seasonal installations including sports activities and temporary garden.
From 12th July to 25th August, the city’s Animation Department is echoing the summer Dali exhibition organised by the Grimaldi Forum by decorating the Quai Albert I.
There are also a few new additions this year, including sports activities such as a padel court, a basketball court (from the end of July) and an electric kart circuit.
As in previous years, pergolas and vegetation will provide some welcome shading areas during the hot summer period.
A kiosk with terrace will also welcome visitors for a small gourmet break or refreshing drink.
A group of young Monaco residents are working hard to further the Principality’s values of wellness, sustainability and luxury in their innovative businesses. We spoke to the young founders about their experience living Monaco’s values and growing companies in a place that supports their vision.
Fashion by 209 Mare
Casual Luxury
Federico Uribe’s office had two racks of the upcoming season’s clothing, and a small pile of fabric samples that inspired the line. A mix of blazers, shirts, shorts and pants, it was clear that the young entrepreneur has a passion for fashion. Tan skin and green eyes, the native Colombian explained his family’s roots in the textile industry. His company, 209 Mare, values sustainability. Several of his pieces use materials from recycled plastics, like Seaqual or New Wave. The young CEO knows his segment, and explained why the 209 Mare brand has experienced recent growth:
“Even something like these shorts that are sporty are meant to be haute couture meets functionality. People in beach clubs, like in St. Tropez at Bagatelle Beach, want to stand out. Exclusivity isn’t only about price, it’s about having something others don’t. Our production numbers are small, so it’s very limited, although we sold in 82 countries last year.”
Brothers Gabriel and Federico Uribe
The brand focuses on menswear, although they did have a line of women’s blazers last year that sold out quickly. Two brothers came together three years ago to create 209 Mare. Federico and Gabriel Uribe, aged 32 and 25 respectively, are young entrepreneurs with a Monaco brand who, at its core, is high end fashion. 209 Mare, known for its towel fabric lined blazers, is perfect for a casual and cool setting, like yachting or a beach club. Their menswear line embodies Monaco’s identity of casual luxury.
Nutrition Delivered
When you meet Shanka Jayasinha, his commitment to health and nutrition is obvious and can be seen in his muscular physique. With family roots in Sri Lanka, he was born and raised in Monaco and recently started MC Nutrition after realising the current food delivery options didn’t meet his needs. He returned to Monaco three years ago after studying in Miami, saddened to realise that only pizza, pasta and salads could be delivered easily in the Principality. Shanka knew he could make a shift in the food delivery options available.
Shanka Jayasinha
Inspired by research and mentors from his Alma Mater, the University of Miami where he was mentored by nutritionists from the Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins, Shanka wanted healthy delivery options. His athletic background inspired MC Nutrition’s goal to help people feel better in their minds and bodies. He recognised the psychological effects of negative body image, and wanted to create a healthy way to ease into a new lifestyle. MC Nutrition is almost like having a private chef.
“For Monaco, it is new. In the US you have a lot of calorie counted meals, meal plans for high performance athletes, and vegan options. I want to change the landscape of food delivery in Monaco.”
Shanka’s company offers both one-off meals delivered in 45 minutes to an hour, and complete meal plans, based on goals and dietary restrictions. Science-backed and nutritionist monitored, the meal plans can help people lose or gain weight, improve athletic performance, or eat a specialised diet. It is essentially access to a private chef, if you want to try being vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, MC nutrition can help. Customers can have customised meals delivered as often as they’d like, wherever they are.
The website allows for making a customized meal plan, thanks to staff nutritionists who build the meal plans which are delivered to chefs, who prepare it for the customer. The company is committed to sustainability: 80% of their packaging is recyclable and they are working hard to have as low a carbon footprint as possible.
His advice for a young entrepreneur in Monaco is to plan ahead. Young people tend to have a know it all attitude, and he suggests calming the ego and preparing for the worst case scenario.
“Do it. If you have a good idea, plan it well, and just do it,” shared the 23-year-old entrepreneur.
Social Cycling
Cycling is a healthy and 100% pollution-free way to explore an area. An accessible sport, cycling is a big passion not just for cyclists. Some people are referring to cycling as the “new golf” when it comes to doing business. Veronica Larsson founded Velo Monaco as a way to start a new career after ending hers as a professional cyclist. Initially, friends were asking for her help as a coach.
“Monaco is a very good place to be for what we are doing. We created a company here because the system is very supportive. The efficiency of having a small company is welcoming and encouraging.”
Veronica Larsson
With an infectious smile and engaging presence, it is no wonder Velo Monaco has become a success. The Swedish native explained how her company grew from private sessions to what it is now. She frequently takes corporate groups out in the French Riviera, most recently a large tech company at the Cannes Lion. She emphasised how cycling is a good team building experience, where people can experience roads they might have never dreamed about. Additionally, she leads private holidays all around Europe, where she arranges hotels and a cycling itinerary for small groups. Cycling is a social, healthy, and carbon-free way to enjoy nature.
Her advice to other young people wanting to start a company in Monaco is to contact the Business Welcome Office. She described how helpful they were with filling out documents, giving guidance, and answering all her questions.
Are you a young person looking to start a company in Monaco? These entrepreneurs prove that anything is possible. All you need is a good idea, careful planning, and hard work.
All the headlines and highlights from Monaco, direct to you every morning
