A spectacular newcomer was welcomed at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. ‘This Is It’, a futuristic 43.5-meter catamaran, born from the vision of owner Tasos Papanastasiou, was one of the main attractions at the prestigious event.
Built by luxury yacht builder ‘The Italian Sea Group’, ‘This Is It’ embodies a striking blend of design and innovation. Tecnomar’s exterior design sets it apart, while the opulent interiors, curated by Mattia Piro and Gian Marco Campanino of ‘The Italian Sea Group’, offer a luxurious experience.
Photo source: The Italian Sea Group
Owner’s vision – turning dreams into reality
Owner Tasos Papanastasiou, known for establishing XM, one of the world’s largest financial forex platforms, envisioned ‘This Is It’ not as a concept study, but as a yacht to be built. The design, guided by aerodynamic principles, presents fluid lines and dynamic shapes inspired by the automotive world. Interior spaces are a mix of curved designs and exquisite materials, including leather, Alcantara suede fabrics, and metallic surfaces in bronze, platinum, and gold.
Photo source: The Italian Sea Group
A unique design
‘This Is It’ boasts impressive specs and amenities. It reaches a maximum speed of 19 knots and has a cruising speed of 17 knots, offering a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 10 knots. The yacht features six lavish cabins for 12 guests, including an owner’s cabin with a private balcony. Crew quarters accommodate 12 staff members.
The main lounge opens seamlessly to the exterior lounge area, complete with a swimming pool and sunbathing zone. A stunning dining area for 12 guests on the main deck merges indoor and outdoor spaces through floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper deck hosts a spa, a playroom or convertible cabin, and the sensorial shower, promising onboard relaxation.
Photo source: The Italian Sea Group
A passport to luxury yachting holidays
Set to be the world’s largest charter motor catamaran, ‘This Is It’ will be available for charter from April 2024 in Greece, offering ultra-luxurious yacht holidays in one of the most innovative vessels on the market.
In a rare gathering of global wealth, and under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, key decision makers of leading SWFs and UHNWI’s have come together in Monaco to discuss their leadership role in responsible investing.
Invited attendees at the closed meeting on 4th October were representing hundreds of billions of assets under management and included representation from EU, UK, Australasia and Gulf Countries (GCC). The meeting was organised by ZEL Business Advisory Group and supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2).
“It is unusual for such an influential group of investors – rather than NGOs – to come together to discuss impact investing and ocean conservation in the same sentence,” said Zsolt Lavotha, Executive Chariman of ZEL Business Advisory Group. “This reflects the high regard in which the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is held by sovereign wealth funds, as the Foundation has long been a pathfinder in ocean conservation before it became fashionable, and impact investing maybe even before the phrase was invented.”
Invited speakers included Olivier Wenden, CEO Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Honourable Lord William Cadogan of Cadogan Estates, among others.
It was the first roundtable of its kind in Monaco and, according to Zsolt Lavotha, resulted in a cross pollination of strategies and discussion of outcomes on impact investment made by different SWFs (Sovereign Wealth Funds) and large family offices, and expanded the knowledge base for all through hardcore examples of projects implemented and planned.
Another hot topic, revealed Lavotha, was “green washing”: “An intense debate around ‘green washing’ is taking place on a global basis. Our goal in this roundtable was to filter out nonsense and focus on the most important progress made by truly responsible investment initiatives. It is critical to leave the receivers/the audience with a better understanding of what impact investments do, why they are done and in what manner [responsible] the projects are carried out. It is not about ticking ‘politically correct’ boxes but rather have an in-depth discussion on what matters, what needs to be addressed and share our experiences in trying to do the right thing.”
Since 2006, Mayabay has set the benchmark for Asian cuisine in the Principality. Now, celebrating its 15th anniversary, we discover the secrets to its success while revealing bold plans to take Monaco’s Mayabay franchise to the rest of the world.
Mayabay began as a lobby in the Rocabella residence building on Avenue Princess Grace, then was transformed into a food and beverage service for the building’s residents. It wasn’t long before it evolved into an Asian restaurant with two options: Japanese or Thai. Year after year, Mayabay continued to evolve and expand, merging into one seamless restaurant with a menu that features a subtle balance between these two cuisines.
This year, Mayabay celebrates its 15th year, a milestone that few restaurants can boast. The secret to its success, says Richard Maria, General Director of the Maya Collection, is “the details, the passion, and the emotion”.
It is a winning formula that is now set to be rolled out to numerous locations across the globe.
The open Japanese kitchen in Mayabay Monte-Carlo
A full sensorial journey to Asia
Mayabay is a restaurant that aims to delight all of the senses. Visually stunning décor transitions from bold reds and blacks to comforting creams and rich gold tones, punctuated by cherry blossoms and sparkling chandeliers. Handcrafted wooden panelling, marble and crystal all add to this carefully curated expression of refined luxury.
Texturally, the richly woven haute couture fabrics and floral designs compliment beautifully polished tables and fine glassware, while an Asian-inspired musical ambience mixed with classic hits is carried throughout the restaurant.
The sweetness of Asia comes through in delicate scents, like the restaurant’s signature perfume based on fresh fig, which is subtle enough to not to influence the delicious spices that shine through each dish.
“At Mayabay, every detail is taken into consideration: the kitchen, the service, the decoration, the music, the fragrance… We want to evoke an emotion in our clients,” reveals Maria.
Guests are transported to Asia via a sensorial journey
The cuisine
The other secret to Mayabay’s success, says Maria, is a happy kitchen. Among the army of chefs here, headed by Executive Chef Christophe Dupuy, are natives of the Philippines, Thailand and Japan; authentic chefs who are treated “like family” and bring their tradition and passion to every plate. Many have been with Mayabay for the better part of 15 years. Chef Dupuy, for example, has been committed since the very beginning.
“The most important thing is that we want to please our clients,” Chef Dupuy tells Monaco Life. “I only ever worked in gastronomic restaurants before coming here, so when we opened Mayabay 15 years ago, I continued this custom of only working with beautiful produce and beautiful things, and the philosophy of pleasing customers.”
The menu boasts around 180 mouth-watering dishes
Traditional Asian cuisine
The menu features specialties rooted in traditional Asian cuisine and is presented as a stunning coffee table book, with details and photos of all of the approximately 180 dishes available.
I can highly recommend the delicate yellowtail sashimi and salmon dumplings, the chef’s colourful two-stage sashimi and sushi selection, crunchy shrimp spring rolls with spicy sweet chili sauce, and flavourful beef and vegetable noodle salad.
Mayabay’s signature dishes are not to be missed either, especially the ‘larmes du tigre’: melt-in-your-mouth slices of Charolais beef marinated and grilled, and served with a soy and honey sauce; and plump sautéed lobster with prick prao sauce.
A side of roti to soak up all the delicious juices is a must, as is the fried rice, and a great way to end the feast is with an entertaining mountain of candy floss, chocolate nems and fresh strawberry and custard tarts.
Signature cocktails embrace classic Asian ingredients, like this Wabi Sabi
Signature cocktails
The passion and attention to detail extends to the bar, where signature cocktails like the Lotus, Citronelli or eponymous Mayabay embrace classic Asian flavours of lychee, lemongrass or green tea; and specialty whiskeys intermingle on a menu with alcohol-free iced teas and the finest sakés.
“Mayabay Monaco is the laboratory where everything is tested, changed, and adapted according to the tastes of the client”
Drawing on 15 years of success in the hospitality industry, the Maya Collection is now on a mission to build an on-going bridge between sea and mountains in order to welcome its clientele during all four seasons.
With a number of Maya addresses already firmly established – Mayabay, Mayajah and Miamia in Monaco, and Maya Altitude in Meribel – the Maya Collection has now opened Mayabay Porto Montenegro and Mayabay Dubai which, within a year of opening, has already been deemed the best Asian restaurant by Time Out Dubai.
Attention to detail is the secret to Mayabay’s success
Taking the Maya Collection to the world
Within a matter of years, the Maya Collection plans to open restaurants in many of the world’s most popular locations – those frequented by its Monaco clientele. So, next up is Mayabay Mykonos, Mayabay Courcheval, Mayabay London and Mayajah Doha, all in 2024.
By 2025, reveals Maria, the Maya Collection, which has been passionately perfected in Monaco, will be rolled out to New York, Miami and Aspen, followed by Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong the following year.
It is an ambitious franchise rollout, one that has arguably never been attempted by a Monegasque hospitality company before.
Taking the Maya Collection to the world
Maintaining Maya Monaco standards
To continue the high standards that guests of the Maya Collection have come to expect, a comprehensive control system will be applied, explains the general director. A member of the team will visit each establishment every three months, while mystery shoppers armed with a check list of 110 points will be deployed every month. It’s a system that’s already proven successful.
“This brings us the guarantee that everything is being done as we want it, and together with our partners, we are able to deliver the best moments to our clients, and that is why we have been recognised as the best Asian restaurant in Dubai.”
Monaco is the “laboratory”
At the heart of every restaurant opening will be the story of Monaco as the epicentre of JV Pastor’s vision for hospitality. It is where the kitchen, the bar, the service and the ambience have been perfected for a discerning clientele who truly appreciate excellence, and where their comments and suggestions have helped the brand grow into what it is today.
It is a delicious success story, and one that is likely to last at least another 15 years.
Monaco Boost has put out its latest call for native entrepreneurs who are looking to benefit from the business incubator’s resources, exclusive offices and work spaces.
Monaco has long been associated with luxury, but it’s also fast becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The Monaco Boost business incubator is one of the government-backed institutions that is at the forefront of this movement, providing valuable resources and support to emerging businesses.
A golden opportunity for Monaco nationals and spouses
If you’re a Monaco national with less than five years of professional experience or the spouse of a national starting a new business, this is your golden ticket. Monaco Boost is inviting you to apply for exclusive office space and shared workspaces.
Application details
Interested candidates must submit their applications by Friday 10th November at 12:00pm. A committee, led by the Minister of Finance and the Economy, and consisting of representatives from the National Council, the Administration, and S.A.M. Monaco Boost, will review the applications.
Successful applicants will not only gain access to tailor-made workspace solutions but also become part of the Monaco Boost community. Currently, this dynamic community encompasses 41 distinct activities, showcasing the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of Monaco.
Professional support for success
New occupants will also receive professional support starting in December 2023. Monaco Boost is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs during the critical stages of launching and developing their businesses. The incubator already has established partnerships with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Monaco Economic Board, ensuring entrepreneurs have access to valuable networking opportunities and resources.
After a long and much-anticipated wait, Monaco’s legendary Café de Paris will reopen its doors in mid-November, just in time for the holiday season.
The renovation project was originally scheduled to last a little over a year, but delays and unforeseen complications have added more than a few months to the original deadline.
Thankfully, fans of this timeless address won’t have to wait much longer as Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) CEO Stéphane Valeri has confirmed that the works will be completed imminently and that, in a matter of weeks, the refurbished Café de Paris will once again be serving customers at its prime location on the Place du Casino.
The brasserie on the ground level will be complemented by a cosy yet upmarket space on the first floor for patrons looking for a more intimate setting, and the menu has been expanded too. It will reportedly offer twice the number of dishes as the previous one, so guests have even more to choose from.
“It’s an impressive war machine to turn this iconic restaurant into a magical venue that absolutely has to be visited and is a must-do when people come to the Place du Casino,” said Valeri at a press conference on 27th September. “The deadlines we announced have been confirmed: the work will be completed by the end of October.”
At this point, the Café de Paris’ temporary sojourn in the Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris, just across the square in the Monte-Carlo neighbourhood, will come to an end. Staff will then be given two weeks to come up to speed with the new Café de Paris and its revised layout.
AMAZONICO AND SHOPS
But the Café de Paris isn’t the only awaited opening at this address. Amazonico, the restaurant that has made waves in Madrid, London and Dubai, is coming to the Principality, with an expected opening in April 2024. The eatery will feature a massive 1,000m2 terrace and Latin American-inspired cuisine.
“The restaurant will bring a very lively feel to the exceptional terraces, with an incredible, breath-taking view of the Place du Casino,” said Valeri of the soon-to-be-opened rooftop eatery.
There are also seven shops in the complex set to open periodically throughout 2024, with final construction works due to be finished in the spring, though some eager retailers will start receiving customers as early as January.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
Plans for Nice’s fifth and final tramway line between Nice and Drap via La Trinité have been revealed. Here’s what the public transport project will eventually look like.
When the first tramway line was commissioned at the end of 2007, it changed the way the people of Nice were able to get around.
The Ligne 1 was later followed by an east-west route that vastly improved cross-city travel, and then came the Saint Isidore tramline, the Ligne 3, which was completed in 2019 and helped to further connect once disparate parts of the city in a cohesive way.
The final two lines, 4 and 5, are now in the planning stages, and will round out the network.
Ligne 4 will sync Nice up with its neighbours in Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer via 7.1km of new tracks and over a dozen extra stations while Ligne 5 will take the public transport network up into the Paillon Valley, stopping off in Saint-André-de-la-Roche, La Trinité and Drap.
Images of what this latter route – a deadline for which has been set for the far-off year of 2040 – have recently been shared online by the mayor of the city, Christian Estrosi, and provide a clear picture of how the tramline will connect with these areas.
THE LINE
Ligne 5 will extend from the station of the future Palais des Arts et de la Culture, formerly the Palais des Expositions, in Nice to the Mairie de Drap, some 7.5km away. The proposed route came about as the result of public opinion surveys as well as careful consideration by urban planners.
The route will be able to transport 45,900 passengers daily, says Estrosi, via a system of trams that will be running every eight minutes.
Environmental concerns are high on the list of priorities for the planners, who have been asked to minimise negative impacts on the local environment wherever possible. As such, a “green corridor” measuring 28,000m2 will be planted along the route, as well as 1,400 trees. A cycling path will also run the length of the tramway.
