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Month: September 2019

Interview: Manuel de Vasconcelos, General Manager of Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/09/2019

From Lisbon to Paris, Pittsburgh to San Paolo, Manuel de Vasconcelos has headed some of the largest hotels in many of the world’s most famous cities.

For the past seven years he has been General Manager of Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel and he spoke to Monaco Lifeabout the fine art of diplomacy in the world of luxury hospitality.

Manuel de Vasconcelos

Monaco Life: Manuel tell us where it all began for you…

Manuel: I started working in hotels as a breakfast waiter and night porter, and I didn’t see myself working in hotels all my life because I wanted to go into diplomacy. But there was a revolution at the time in Portugal and the universities were on strike, so I left for London and started working; then I carried on in Switzerland as a waiter and at reception. One day my father came to me and said: “Are you going to be a waiter all your life?” and while I was making good money with no responsibility, I thought perhaps he was right. So, I went to hotel school in Switzerland and then I joined Hilton for seven years, which took me to Columbia, Brazil and Pittsburgh. After that I worked for Sheraton in Portugal, San Paolo, Lisbon, and my first job as a general manager was in San Sebastian. Then I went to Paris for 10 years and moved here seven years ago.

How many languages do you speak?

Four fluently: Spanish, English, French and Portuguese, plus I can manage German and Italian.

Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel

Are you happy with the direction you took in life?

Yes, because this job is, in many ways, similar to diplomacy. Every time I have lived abroad, I have had good friends in embassies and consulates because they are all doing a job like me. In my career, I have to make things work; I must deal with situations and find ways to settle things, because I work through people. You are not only measured by your results but what you achieve through other people.

And you are dealing with hundreds of staff here, it’s like a little village…

Yes it is. In winter we have 290 staff members, in the summer it reaches as high as 550.

What is your favourite city you have worked in?

It is hard to say. Paris is fantastic, the life and culture, and all the new and exciting things they have there. Monaco is great, I love the auto racing, the beaches, everything. San Sebastian is wonderful because it is perhaps the best place to eat in Europe. Lisbon is a fantastic city. San Paolo in Brazil is amazing. Even Pittsburgh, it is in the centre of the United States but it is beautiful because it sits in the middle of three rivers. Colombia is also incredible.

Did you get the opportunity to go back to your father as a successful hotel general manager and say “Look where I am now!”?

Actually, he passed away before I was general manager but I was already number two at the Sheridan in my home city in Portugal. So that was nice.

View of the bay from Le Meridien

Le Meridien is competing against some incredibly famous institutions in Monaco like the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage. What sets this apart from the rest?

Our number one advantage is the fact we have our own private beach. Stepping out of the hotel and straight onto the sand is unique in Monaco. We also have three swimming pools, a heated one inside and two external pools.

Twiga beach at Le Meridien

Tell me about the best rooms you have in the hotel? What’s above floor number nine?

All of our suites are on floor 11. Then a few years ago we renovated the 10th floor and we added six more suites, so now guests can connect four different rooms. It’s great for big families and the like.

I hear there are private elevators in some suites?

There are two presidential suites on the 12th floor, one in each tower, and they each have a private elevator. The 360 degree view they have up there is wonderful.

A suite in Le Meridien

It is also a unique hotel because it is was built in the 1970s but still feels very contemporary…

It is part of the brand message: the hotel reflects what you can find in your destination. But we try to present things that people usually do not see all the time in Monaco. With the art, for example, we exhibit work that is different from others in the Principality. We are trying to create new things all the time, we don’t like to stand still. We like to create life and movement, for both the clients and staff.

Le Meridien features regular art exhibitions

What are some of the challenges you face being a hotel manager?

The most satisfaction I have is gained from personal contacts, which can also be the biggest challenge as well. There are some people who are more difficult than others, but it is part of the job, and I like that. Over the years, in the many countries I worked, I have learned that mentality can vary significantly, and that is nice.

So, what’s next for Le Meridien?

We just created a new kids club on the upper terrace for children in summer, which is very popular with families. Sometimes we have about 50 to 60 kids a day in August, so it’s a great option for parents who would like some rest.

After the summer we will start renovating the 11th floor. Then we will renovate our convention centre, which spans 3,000sqm and hosts many private and corporate events, especially during the winter.

Apart from that, everything else has been done!

 

 

Prince Albert to honour Robert Redford at Monte-Carlo Gala

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/09/2019

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It has been announced that world-renowned actor, activist, director and producer Robert Redford will be honoured at the third annual Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean this September. Redford will join previous honourees Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom in receiving the award.

Robert Redford. Photo: World Travel & Tourism Council

Organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundationon the terraces of the Opera of Monaco, the Gala will conclude a week of activities dedicated to the health of the Ocean. In bringing together global policymakers, business leaders, scientists, and celebrities, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco will once again shine a light on solutions to the existential crisis facing the world’s Ocean and its connection with climate change.

“We are delighted to honour Robert Redford, who has highly contributed to raising awareness about the environmental challenges the world is facing,” said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “Mr. Redford is a long-time champion for climate change action, and it is our privilege to celebrate his life’s work.”

Monte Carlo Gala for the Ocean. Photo credit: TUFF

“I am honoured to be recognised by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and his Foundation,” said Robert Redford. “The Prince’s tireless leadership in the fight to preserve and protect our Ocean sets an example we all should follow. It’s our responsibility to work together to overcome the challenges before us in the fight to save our Ocean – and in turn, our planet.”

Mr. Redford has devoted his career to spurring meaningful change through the power of media. In his films, including All the President’s Men, The Candidate, Quiz Show, Out of Africa, and Truth, there has always been an underlying message of responsibility and advocacy, whether for the truth itself or for the preservation of the earth and those that inhabit it.

In 1981, Mr. Redford founded the Sundance Institute. The non-profit’s annual Sundance Film Festival is one of the largest and most respected of its kind, attracting a global audience to the work of emerging artists in independent film.

In 2005, Mr. Redford and his son, James Redford, established the Redford Centre, dedicated to harnessing the power of film, video, and new media to engage people through inspiring stories that galvanize environmental action.

And in December 2015, Mr. Redford delivered an inspiring message at the UN Assembly before the COP 21, on behalf of the National Resources Defence Council of which he has been a trustee for over 40 years.

Previously, the Foundation has honoured Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award for their work to protect and preserve the Ocean.

HSH Prince Albert II, HSH Princess Charlene, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry with a host of performers at the gala © Eric Mathon Palais Princier

All proceeds from the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean and its auction will support the Foundation’s Ocean initiatives, which make up 60 percent of its philanthropic portfolio and include the development of marine protected areas, the protection of threatened marine species, the mitigation of the impact of climate change and acidification on the ocean and the fight against plastic pollution.

In 13 years, the Foundation has supported over 470 projects around the world for a financial amount of more than 55 million euros.

Playing a key role in climate regulation, the Ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, produces 50 percent of the oxygen that we breathe and absorbs 25 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Overfishing, illegal fishing, rising temperatures and increased pollution are severely disrupting the Ocean’s balance.

This year’s gala will be the culminating event of a week of activities dedicated to saving the Ocean, including the launch of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest report on the Ocean and climate change in Monaco.

Sources: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

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New rules for post-Brexit travel with pets

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/09/2019

[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”reg,2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″]A no-deal Brexit will make travelling with furry friends to the EU a lot more complicated, according to the British government. With delays up to four months possible, entering the European Union with pets will now be subject to certain regulations, the same as those for someone entering with pets from outside the EU.

Photo: Pixabay

If the UK leaves without a deal the following rules will need to be followed in order for pets to gain entry.

  1. All pets will require a microchip.
  2. Pets must have a blood sample taken a minimum of 30 days after its most recent rabies vaccination (this goes for both vaccinations and boosters).
  3. A vet then needs to send the blood sample to an EU approved blood testing lab, which will check that your pet has a certain level of rabies antibodies in its blood. If the level is not high enough, then your pet will need a booster vaccine.
  4. You cannot travel until three months after a successful rabies test.
  5. 10 days or less before your departure date, it is necessary to obtain an animal health certificate from your vet. To get the certificate you will need to provide proof that your pet is microchipped, a complete vaccination history and a successful rabies test result. The certificate will only be accepted if it has been issued within 10 days of your date of travel and will be valid for four months from the date of issue.
  6. You do not need a new blood test every time you travel, but you will need a new health certificate if issuance was more than four months from the last one.

If the proper paperwork is not presented at the border, pets could be subject to quarantine up to four months, or in the case of sea travel, refused entry altogether. Charges accrued during the period of quarantine will be the responsibility of the pet owner.

The British government currently says it will still allow pets coming from the EU into the UK to enter on their existing passports, despite there being no reciprocity.

 

Sources: Thelocal.fr, Gov.uk

 

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Local school goes green

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

As part of the government’s ongoing energy transition policy, the École des Révoires was fitted with thermal solar panels over the summer, making the school’s hot water supply 100% self-sufficient.

PHOTO: Maintenance Service of Public Buildings, provided by Government of Monaco.

The project, undertaken by the Public Buildings Maintenance Department, produces upwards of 1,000 litres of hot water per day, enough for the daily requirements of the school.

The additional fittings complement the photovoltaic solar panels installed at the end of 2018 which provide 20% of the school’s electricity needs.

Both of these endeavours are in compliance with the Prince’s Energy Transition Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in the Principality by 2030, and to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. The three-prong approach is directed at the biggest emission culprits, namely road transportation, public waste and energy used by homes and offices. These three alone account for roughly 90% of Monaco’s emissions.

To this end, the Public Buildings Maintenance Department will also be installing almost 500m2 of photovoltaic panels on the Fontvieille Fire Station before the end of 2019, producing 88,000KWh of electricity and reducing 7.2 tons of CO2 emissions every year.

 

 

Top 5 boat launches at the MYS

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

The Monaco Yacht Show is renowned for launching the world’s finest super yachts, but this year’s show is set to unveil some of the biggest, most exciting superyachts yet.

Monaco Life’s yachting expert Patrick Coote has put together his top five picks from the impressive list of new yachts appearing at this year’s show.

Tis

Tis

At 111 metres, Tis is one of the biggest launches this year. It is the latest boat by Lürssen and features a stunning interior design by Andrew Winch. It features two helicopter pads, a 12-metre swimming pool, a resort-inspired spa in the aft of the vessel and palatial staircases. Her tender garage can accommodate two 13 metre tenders and an abundant selection of other water toys. In addition to a massive private owner’s deck, eight other guest staterooms can accommodate 16 additional guests in absolute comfort. She cruises at 13.0 kn and reaches a top speed of 18.0 kn.

Excellence. Photo: @TomVanOossanen

Excellence

This 80-metre has been built by Abeking & Rasmussen for experienced yacht owner Herb Chambers from the US. It’s modern exterior and interior is also by Winch Design. It’s unique design is characterised by a sharp plumb bow and striking multi-level reflective windows that give the yacht a unique signature as her surroundings change. Inside luxuries include a large swimming pool on the main deck, a jacuzzi on the owner’s deck aft and a large water-level tender garage where the yacht’s limousine tenders are kept.

Bold

Bold

Bold from Silver Yachts was designed by Monaco-based company Espen Øino. The 85-metre yacht “embodies the current trend for utilitarian styling, bordering on a military look and feel, and clearly retains some of the DNA from SKAT (71m) albeit much earlier in Øino’s career,” says yachting expert Patrick Coote. Her top speed is 24.0kn and she can accommodate up to 18 people and 21 crew members. The interior design was created by Vain Interiors.

Artefact

Artefact

This 80-metre hybrid superyacht is being displayed by Nobiskrug. “A truly avant garde exterior design by Gregory C. Marshall and another stunning interior by London-based Reymond Langton,” comments Mr Coote. The interior design is remaining under wraps though until its reveal at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Syzygy 818

Syzygy 818  (77m) has been a highly confidential project at Feadship, but will soon be available for all to see. “She is truly stunning and the first ever superyacht created by famous Finnish designer Jarkko Jamsen,” says Mr Coote. Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design were responsible for the interior spaces on board. The word syzygy refers to the alignment of three celestial bodies such as lunar and solar exlpises, while the numbers in the name are considered prosperous in Chinese numerology.

 

The Monaco Yacht Show will be held from 25th to 28th September.

 

 

First residents move back in Jardins d’Apolline

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2019

Residents of Jardins d’Apolline’s Block D are now invited to move back into their newly renovated flats. The remaining blocks are due for completion in 2020.

Photo: Manuel Vitali Communication Directorate

After a myriad of problemsbesetting the apartment complex located in the Condamine district, tenants of the Jardins d’Apolline have finally received good news. As of Wednesday, they were told they could start moving back in, weeks ahead of schedule.

On hand for the occasion were several notable and interested parties, including Minister of Finance and the Economy Jean Castellini, President of the National Council Housing Commission Franck Lobono, Head of the Mission for the Minister of State Albert Croesi, and President of the Jardins d’Apolline Resident’s Association Céline Lubert.

“In the summer of 2017, the Prince’s Government pledged to redo all the apartments of the Jardins d’Apolline as new as soon as possible,” said Mr Castellani. “To this end, the State services mobilised with the support of Mr. Albert Croési, whose involvement was total and daily.”

Jardins d’Apolline is a State-owned building that primarily houses Monegasque nationals.

“The good management of the site by the company mandated has allowed the reintegration of residents in their homes in advance compared to the estimated time,” he continued. “The reinstatements of block D should be completed at the end of January 2020 and those of block B at the beginning of April 2020. Then follow blocks C and A. I wish to underline the constructive exchanges that took place with the National Council on this very sensitive issue. The role of the Association of Residents and Traders of the Jardins d’Apolline is also to be welcomed.”