The Prince’s Palace has released an official photograph of the reigning Grimaldi family as part of National Day Celebrations.
The charming photograph was taken in the Salle des Gardes of the Prince’s Palace on Tuesday 19th November, the day Monaco officially celebrates its ruling family and the Principality’s long and proud history.
The Palace had earlier published official photographs of the ceremony, during which the Prince and Princess, together with their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella presented to the crowd through a window of the Palace, as is traditional on National Day. Media across the globe swooned over Prince Jacques traditional military attire and Princess Gabriella’s red beret.
The family photograph released on Friday includes Princess Stephanie and her son Louis Ducruet, Caroline Princess of Hanover, Andrea Casiraghi and his wife Tatiana Casiraghi with their children India and Alexandre Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi and his wife Beatrice.
In the background is the Grimaldi family coat of arms.
Photo was taken by the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Interview: Louis Starck, Hermitage Hotel General Manager
The Hermitage Hotel is boldly luxurious, impeccably elegant, and undeniably “Monte Carlo”. Ensuring the continuity of all this perfection is General Manager Louis Starck, who sat down with Monaco Life in the stunning Le Limùn forecourt to talk past, present and future of this Monegasque treasure.
Monaco Life: When did you decide that the hotel industry was your career of choice?
Louis Starck: My father was in charge of a textile company in the east of France and at one stage he had to rethink his career so he bought a small 11-bedroom hotel. At the time I was still a student doing commercial studies, but I couldn’t say it was my passion. So, he asked me to help out at the hotel and I liked it more and more, until one stage I thought: “Ok this is really what I want to do”.
So, I went to Strasbourg to do a master’s degree in hotel business and spent six months training at the Intercontinental Paris – Le Grand. I arrived at the property and I discovered this city within a city and I thought to myself, “forget the 11-bedroom hotel in the east of France, this is going to be my life!”
I returned to Le Grand after my studies and compulsory military service, and from there with Intercontinental I worked in London, the Middle East and Athens before returning to Paris, with positions in everything from duty manager to director of rooms.
Eventually, I was asked to take the position of Hotel Manager at the Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo and came with the idea that the position would last three years before I move on to the next country and challenge, like I had before. But the most difficult part about being in Monaco, is to leave Monaco, so that position lasted for 10 years. Then, 18 months ago I crossed the road and I came to the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.
It is such a broad skillset that you have gained. Is this necessary in your position as hotel manager?
I think historically, you could start in a hotel and climb your way up the ladder. But nowadays, with the complexity of the business and everything that you have to do, you need a broader management background, as well as academics. So yes, I use all the skills I have gained every day. Whether it is speaking with a journalist and doing an interview, talking with a steward washing the plates, or going to a suite to welcome a head of state. My days are extremely diverse.
Most of the general managers I speak to have all travelled the world and speak many different languages. How important is internationality in this position?
I speak French and English fluently, as well as a bit of German and Italian. But it is not only important for the language, it is important for the culture. It is vital in understanding the expectations of people in terms of respecting what their culture is, their background and their habits. What may seem peculiar, awkward or out of place here is perfectly normal in their country and culture, for example.
That’s why I think in our type of properties (Monte-Carlo SBM) it is important to have that background and openness to the world, because our clients are more diverse and you must be able to meet their expectations, anticipate their needs, and understand what they are willing to have, or not have.
The lobby of the Hôtel Hermitage, the Jardin d’Hiver with its cupola signed Gustave Eiffel
Can you tell us about your impression of the Hermitage Hotel?
I would call the Hermitage Hotel a Grande Dame. It is an historical property with so much history. Our teams have been engaged to serve our clients for many years and this brings authenticity and warmth that goes beyond the professionalism one would expect.
Unlike many properties or palaces in the world, all the updates, upgrades and renovations here have been respectful of the past, so when you move through the hotel you have different times and different types of architecture, but the essence is Belle Epoque, and you find that spirit and DNA throughout the entire property.
The Salle Belle Epoque at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
How is the Hermitage Hotel placed within the Monte-Carlo SBM family?
Within the SBM resort, you have four different properties – Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo Beach, the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo – and they all have their own positioning and branding, which is important. But if you look at the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage, they are the closest in this family. Not only are they physically close to each other, they are both palaces and leading hotels of the world, they are both historical and they bring with them a lot of ambiance. In saying that, when you want to “see and be seen”, the Hôtel de Paris is the stage. In many ways, its natural connection is with the Casino, overlooking it and reflecting the glamour and light that are associated to with Casino de Monte-Carlo. The Hermitage’s natural link is with the Thermes Marins. Even if we both have direct access to the spa, the Hermitage is synonymous with relaxing, hiding and pampering yourself. So, if we have to make a life parallel: when you stay at the Hermitage you have arrived but keep it to yourself.
What else is unique about the Hermitage Hôtel?
The Hermitage joined the SBM Group in 1924 and gradually added, amended and transformed the buildings to reach what it is today. Now, you have a 300-metre long hotel which has sea views, very tender colours, is a favourite among Middle Eastern customers, and is loved by families. Women adore this hotel, couples adore this hotel, kids can run but they can’t be heard. In many ways, it is more of a relaxed atmosphere at the Hermitage.
Can you tell us about the most glamorous suites in the hotel?
The suites were part of the new additions to the hotel and 12 of them are Diamond suites, with a combination of space, luxury and refinement. But it is more often understated luxury. It is something you can embrace very easily, and feel very much at ease. You have a view over the sea, the Palace, the Rock; you embrace Monaco life and you feel like you really belong.
The Diamond Presidential Suite at the Hôtel Hermitage
What would you say are the trends of 2019 luxury travel?
Guests have different time demands and different expectations now, so you need to be able to give them unique hideaways and experiences that fit the moment that they desire at that time.
We also want to provide a journey through their destination. For example, the concierges at the SBM have created a book with different itineraries for people to discover the city from different angles: shopping, gambling, a green tour of the city, a bike tour, walking tour, markets… connecting people to the real life of Monaco. One of the main things people are looking for is authenticity.
Sustainable development is also very important, including everything from what people eat to who our suppliers are and how we are giving back to the community.
And, of course they are very keen to be digitally connected to their busy lives at work or home.
But mainly, it is about personalising the experience for guests, and making sure that we are creating something unique for them. That requires a lot of anticipation, questioning, and getting to know their habits. Guests today are well informed, they are savvy. You cannot get away with telling them a rehearsed story.
Sustainability is an integral part of Monaco’s story. How do you incorporate that into the Hermitage?
We were one of the first hotels to sign up to the Mr. Goodfish programme and we have also established a garden in Beausoleil with Terre de Monaco where we grow our own vegetables for Le Vistamar restaurant.
We have been Green Globe certified since March 2019, embracing 300 more criteria pertaining to environment protection, taking care of and promoting our history and heritage and being a responsible economic actor in the local community.
Like a lot of hotels, we have a preservation program with regards to water, for example, and use non-toxic products.
We also try to give back to the community, so for example on 9th December we will be serving food to people in need in La Trinité. We will also participate more actively this year in No Finish Line. We have a team and our own gear, and we will celebrate with a pasta party at the end. Our goals is to reach 2,000 kilometres as a team.
Can you give us some statistics about the Hermitage?
We have 278 rooms and suits, and the number of staff we have fluctuates from 400 in the winter to 500 in the summer during the Grand Prix. Interestingly, we served 13,202 glasses of champagne in 2018.
We have Le Limùn restaurant, Le Vistamar restaurant, the Crystal Bar, and the Mezzanine for breakfast and brunch, functions and corporate events. But the Hermitage is a bit like the best kept secret in town and we want to make it more of a local destination for people.
So, we have been organising a Kid’s Club in the summer, which we will extend to Christmas, New Year and Easter. We have created a brunch that runs from October to March, during which parents can enjoy a chat and something to eat while the kids have fun at kid’s club. One of the diamond suits will be converted to a family suite and we will link it with special activities like the cinema, cooking classes with our chefs, a trip to the Oceanographic Museum to discover the turtles… creating a journey for kids to enjoy their stay and also discover the Principality.
Monte-Carlo SBM supports arts and, as an example, Hôtel Hermitage welcomes institutions and exhibitors. We want to establish a strong bond with operas, ballets and exhibitions, and we continue to develop partnerships to make Hôtel Hermitage a natural destination for arts lovers.
Rowers and fans of rowing, take note… details have been revealed for this year’s newly revamped Prince Albert II Challenge, and the focus has switched from regional to international racers, thus drawing the best from around the globe.
President Jean-Marc Giraldi made the announcement in the VIP Lounge of the Water Company, saying that the event, scheduled for 29th and 30th November and organised by the Nautical Society of Monaco, has already attracted the attention of some of the world’s best athletes.
European lightweight champion in 2018 and 2016 Rio Olympic veteran from Switzerland Michael Schmid will be competing, as well as Algerian three-time Olympian Amina Rouba, French star Mickaël Marteau, and Swiss 2016 Olympic champion Mario Gyr.
To add to the attraction of the event, a pot of €27,000 is up for grabs for winners from seven categories, with first prize crew members receiving €500 each, second prize crews get €400, third are awarded €300, fourth see €200 and fifth will collect €100 each.
Thursday 28th is set aside for crew and individual training and registration. Friday the qualifiers run from 8:30am to 6pm and on Saturday the finals go from 8:30am to 5pm, all taking place in the Bay of Monaco.
The competition will be broadcast live on YouTube and a big screen will be set up in the port. Four cameras, including one mounted to a drone, will follow every second of the action.
After the winners have been declared on Saturday, a prize ceremony will take place followed by a ‘Rower’s Evening’ of mixing, mingling and no doubt the telling of war stories from the day.
Monaco Economic Board takes on Russia’s second city
The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) made an exploratory trip to St. Petersburg earlier this month with the aim of expanding trade and creating opportunities for business between the Principality and the former Russian Imperial capital.
The Executive Director of the MEB, Guillaume Rose, and Diego Bonaventura, the Director of the Monaco Chamber of Commerce, took the opportunity to attend a performance of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo in St. Petersburg to meet with business leaders and the primary economic organisations of the city on 14th and 15thNovember.
Representatives from the St Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, the Leningrad regional Chamber of Commerce and Business Russia met with the Monegasque contingent to discuss future possibilities and plan strategies for the official upcoming economic mission taking place in June 2020 during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The delegation then invited their Russian counterparts to join them for an evening performance of the Monaco Ballet troupe who performed a magnificent tribute to Diaghilev, adding a cultural element showing the bonds already in place between the two places.
The reconnaissance trip forged many new ties and gave the Monaco delegation a vast selection of companies to introduce to members of the MEB in the coming weeks who could become mutually beneficial future partners when they meet at SPIEF.
SPIEF has been held annually since 1997 and from 2006 has been under the patronage of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. For over 20 years, the forum has been an excellent platform for business leaders to meet and discuss fiscal issues facing Russia, emerging markets and the world.
Monaco has launched an awareness campaign as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and it has attracted the support of a range of key sporting personalities in the Principality.
According to statistics group IMSEE, 26 cases of violence against women have been logged so far this year by the Monaco Public Security Department regarding people residing mainly in the Principality. In more than half of cases, the violence is physical, while a quarter of the incidents involved sexual violence.
As part of Monaco’s continued efforts to combat the crimes, Céline Cottalorda, Delegate for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, has introduced a video campaign on the theme ‘Confronting Violence Against Women, Let’s Act’.
The campaign was launched ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is being observed on Monday 25th November.
The video uses dance to metaphorically explain the suffering of women who are victims of physical, mental or sexual abuse and includes a hashtag, #ViolenceFemmeJagis, in an effort to help the video go viral. The dance was performed by Alessandra Tognoloni, soloist from the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and choreographed by Marguerite Ferreira Boffa.
The meeting was punctuated by the support of many illustrious residents including Isabelle Bonnal, Director of National Education for Youth and Sports, Karine Chatenet, President of the Soroptimist Club of Monaco, and Yakuba Ouattara of Roca Team.
Monaco’s sports community have also committed themselves to the cause, and personalities such as Saša Obradović, Roca Team Coach, AS Monaco Basketballers Dee Bost and Yakuba Ouattara, and Roca Team General Manager and Executive Director Oleksiy Yefimov participated in the campaign by recording a message of support in their native languages.
Additionally, two interactive theatre performances will be held on Monday at the Princess Grace Theatre. The first, organised by the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports, is for high school students and will speak about virtual meetings and is at 2:30pm. The second is at 6pm, is free and open to the general public covering the topic of domestic violence. Both presentations ask for audience participation, turning the public from passive viewers to “spect-acteurs”.
The Principality has long been associated with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and has been a defender of the rights of women through both government actions and the work of private organisations.
Monaco City Hall and the Monaco Sustainable Development Association (MC2D) will be collecting toys for underprivileged children in an effort to make the holiday season brighter for all.
Monaco Sustainable Development Association has been working hard to stop waste in the Principality. They’ve held past events which allow people to bring in unwanted appliances, books and food. Now, just in time for Christmas, they are asking people to donate unwanted toys.
Any toy that is clean, intact, functional and in good condition will be accepted and can be dropped off on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th December between 1pm and 6pm at the Espace Léo Ferré.
Scooters, bicycles, board games, dolls, plush toys, video games, and toy cars and trucks are some examples of the type of things that may be lying around the house no longer being used as the children have outgrown or don’t play with them anymore.
Monegasque organisation Mission Enfance and the Monaco Red Cross will be delighted to accept these items will find grateful homes for them, putting smiles on more than a few faces.
