Members of the Monaco Ambassadors Club have danced the night away under the stars at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel for their annual Summer Party, where both a new co-President and new ambassadors were announced.
The gardens of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel were transformed into a little Rio on 3rd July as the Monaco Ambassadors Club (MAC) hosted a fun and music-filled Brazilian-themed evening for a hundred guests.
Amongst the many highlights was the announcement that current club President, Christian Moore, will be sharing his duties with a new co-leader, Filippo Ghirelli. The appointment will be made formal at the Club’s next meeting.
Additionally, it was revealed the club was going to “focus on its future ambassadors”, namely children, whose education and mentoring will become a new and vibrant rallying point of the Club’s activities.
The Brazil-themed Summer Party was a hit with MAC members and guests
Finally, a fundraising event was announced for 2025, in conjunction with Prince Albert II and under the artistic direction of Francien Giraudi. All proceeds will benefit the Fondazione Veronesi, who are cancer research specialists.
Featuring a magnificent buffet of Brazilian cuisine, the Club was able to enjoy the richness of the gastronomic heritage of the region. Live entertainment was also provided, with professional musicians, dancers and DJs on hand, and a chance for partygoers to practice their samba, bossa nova and forró moves along with them.
Meanwhile, Plenia Travels took the opportunity to highlight its exclusive travel offers available within the MAC program, with a focus on the next exciting destination, Japan, in November.
In all, the night was deemed a huge success, and “perfectly illustrated the spirit of conviviality and sharing that characterises the Monaco Ambassadors Club”.
Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover have watched on as French rider Inès Joly secured a victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco.
The Longines Global Champions Tour took place from 4th to 6th July in Port Hercule, with Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover attending the awards ceremony on the evening of 6th July.
French rider Inès Joly delivered a stunning performance to win the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco. Riding Ambassador Z, Joly outperformed Austrian Max Kühner, the current Longines Global Champions Tour leader, in an unexpected victory.
Joly, ranked 294th in the world, secured her most significant career win on the 10-year-old gelding Ambassador Z, a horse she began riding only at the start of the year. This victory comes after the French rider’s performances earlier this year, including a sixth-place finish in Doha with Caliope de L’Abbaye.
The Grand Prix, offering a prize fund of €1.5 million, saw Joly taking home €495,000. In the jump-off, she faced Kühner, who was significantly ahead of time until a fault on the final obstacle cost him the win.
“It’s completely surreal to compete in such a challenging arena with a horse I’ve only known for a short time and against the best riders in the world is incredible,” said Joly after securing the win.
Longines Global Champions Tour. Photo by Monaco Life
Max Kühner, who recently triumphed in Saint-Tropez, remains at the top of the overall circuit standings, now holding a 16-point lead over Denmark’s Andreas Schou and a 46-point lead over Spain’s Eduardo Alvarez Aznar.
In the selective first round at Port Hercule, Joly and Kühner were the only riders to complete without faults. French rider Nina Mallevaey, on Dynastie de Beaufour, finished third. Jeanne Sadran, riding Dexter de Kerglenn, claimed the fourth place.
“Show jumping has earned its place among the major events of the Principality”
Diane Fissore, president of the competition and the Fédération Équestre de la Principauté de Monaco, said, “We were thrilled to see the stands filled and to witness high-level riders on the course, both in the 5-star and 2-star events.”
“In the National competition, we also had many young Monegasque riders, which is very encouraging for the future. Show jumping has earned its place among the major events of the Principality, with the princely family attending each evening,” Fissore continued.
Monaco Life was there! See more in our Instagram reel below…
The energy at Twiga Monte-Carlo is in full-swing, with a new cabaret show five nights a week and a series of performances by internationally renowned DJs every Friday. It’s the perfect time to head to this Monaco hotspot because, as we all know, dinner at Twiga is never just dinner at Twiga.
Twiga Monte-Carlo is renowned for its chic and eclectic ambience, with decor that seamlessly marries exotic African motifs with sleek, contemporary Italian design.
Plush seating, warm lighting and tasteful art create an inviting atmosphere that radiates sophistication and charm. The open-air terrace, meanwhile, is an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a lively gathering with friends.
Salt-crusted baked seabass at Twiga Monte-Carlo
Dinner: a journey across the continents
The restaurant presents a playful menu that blends Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of Asian flair. Practically a must is the guacamole prepared table side and served with delectable plantain chips. This pairs perfectly with one of the signature cocktails, which are as whimsical as the menu itself: Pink Elephant, Scirocco Kiss, Roiboos Ritual… Each is crafted with premium spirits and served theatrically in quirky glassware.
Among the must-share starters are the Angus beef tacos, prawn and black cod gyoza, and lobster bao. However, guests will find delight in ordering anything from this eclectic menu.
The mains cater to all tastes and appetites, from salt-crusted baked seabass and lobster Catalana to a large selection of grilled meats including Black Angus ribeye and Pluma Iberico, and fresh truffle pasta.
Sushi platters, meanwhile, meld Italian and New-Asian flavours, and are a perfect fit for the festive atmosphere.
To conclude the meal, the dessert platter is a stroke of genius, featuring an imaginative array of desserts and fresh fruits elegantly displayed on a colossal rotating bowl of ice.
The exceptional service at Twiga, infused with Italian warmth and friendliness, elevates the unique experience at this restaurant nightspot.
Alessandro Ristori and the Portofinos performing at Twiga Monte-Carlo
The entertainment
As the evening progresses, Twiga Monte-Carlo transforms into a dynamic club with entertainment that makes for a really fun night out. Starting this week, the venue is offering a dazzling cabaret show every night except Monday and Saturday, with talented performers that light up the stage and interact with members of the crowd, much to everyone’s amusement.
From 5th July, Twiga Club swoops in with renowned international DJs spinning a mix of beats every Friday, setting the perfect backdrop for a night of dancing and celebration.
During the rest of the week, guests can groove to the beats spun by Twiga’s resident DJs such as DJ Cruz, Magnum, Nicolas Monier and Francis Key.
So, get ready to mark your calendars for a summer brimming with lively performances, electrifying music and an ambience like no other at Twiga Monte-Carlo.
Step into Monaco’s cultural spotlight with artmonte-carlo this weekend at the Grimaldi Forum, where elegance meets artistic excellence. Ambassador Safia El Malqui explains more about the event’s exclusive collaborations and meticulous selection process.
The 8th edition of the esteemed annual art event artmonte-carlo will open to the public this Friday at the Grimaldi Forum. Organised under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event aligns with the Monaco Art Week, running from 2nd to 7th July.
Notably, Charlotte Diwan, who assumed the role of Director of artgeneve at the start of 2024 following the unexpected departure of Thomas Hug, leads the artmonte-carlo exhibition. Both art fairs mutually enhance each other’s standing, consolidating the Principality’s position as a pivotal hub for the arts.
The art fair known as artmonte-carlo is closely associated with artgeneve. People from Switzerland often travel to Monaco for this event because of the strong connections between the two European art centres, home to numerous art galleries and enthusiasts. The events complement each other due to their seasonality—artgeneve in winter and artmonte-carlo during the summer—as well as regional focus. The smaller nature of boutique fairs, like those in Geneva and Monaco, also encourages more interaction between exhibitors and attendees.
artmonte-carlo 2024
Considered a pinnacle of artistic excellence, artmonte-carlo is a leading platform for ancient, modern, and contemporary art in Monaco and the French Riviera. A select group of 27 leading international galleries is showcased in meticulously designed scenography, and a significantly enriched program of special exhibitions fosters dialogue between the art market, collectors, and the institutional world, offering a unique and exclusive experience.
Monaco Life recently spoke with Safia El Malqui, a Monaco resident and passionate art collector who also serves as the ambassador for artmonte-carlo. In our interview, she highlights the critical role of the fair in the Principality’s art scene, reveals exciting new collaborations, delves into the meticulous selection process for participating galleries, and sheds light on the latest additions and innovations.
Monaco Life: How significant is artmonte-carlo for the Principality art scene?
Safia El Malqui: The artmonte-carlo exhibition holds significant importance for the Principality as a thriving hub in the contemporary art market. It stands out due to its unique format and exclusive clientele, which are explicitly tailored for art enthusiasts and collectors in the region.
We aim to foster crucial relationships with key institutional and art market stakeholders. One notable collaboration is with the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) through initiatives like the artmonte-carlo F.P.Journe Prize. Sponsored by Watch Manufacture F.P.Journe, this initiative involves acquiring artwork at the fair, which is then donated to enrich the museum’s collection, directly impacting Monaco’s cultural landscape.
We believe artmonte-carlo is a dynamic platform that aspires to promote meaningful local and regional partnerships that benefit local institutions and external sponsors. This approach also strengthens Monaco’s position as a vibrant centre for art and culture.
artmonte-carlo 2024
What is the pursuit of this art fair?
The mission of artmonte-carlo is to unite the diverse ecosystem of the art market and institutions. It aims to serve as a significant regional and international platform, a unifying meeting point, and a key event for the global art community.
How has artmonte-carlo evolved since its inception?
Since its inception in 2016, the fair has seen significant growth and evolution, culminating in what we believe is the ideal setup for the 8th edition: 27 galleries, committed partners who believe in the project, and numerous collaborations with regional institutions. Alongside the fair, a rich program of events is organised, promising an exciting and dynamic experience for all attendees.
Today, the fair encompasses everything expected from such an event: a high-quality program of international galleries, events outside the Grimaldi Forum, and visits to institutional collections as part of our VIP program.
“This setting encourages visitors to make spontaneous purchases driven by passion and immediate connection rather than focusing solely on well-known artists.”
What would you say is the DNA of artmonte-carlo that distinguishes it from other art fairs?
I believe artmonte-carlo is characterised by its intimate and elegant format, offering a diverse array of high-quality artworks. This carefully curated environment creates a unique atmosphere, encouraging meaningful interactions among collectors, galleries, artists, and institutional actors, making the audience feel intrigued and excited about the event.
Unlike larger art fairs, artmonte-carlo allows blue-chip international and local galleries to present exclusive, rather diverse artworks that differ from their typical artist roster. This setting encourages visitors to make spontaneous purchases driven by passion and immediate connection rather than focusing solely on well-known artists.
artmonte-carlo 2024
Is there a group within artmonte-carlo who decides on the participating art galleries?
Yes, this year, we have a selection committee representing three different regions: Italy, France, and Switzerland. The primary criterion for selection is the excellence of the artworks presented by the galleries.
A committee of professionals in the art market is crucial to guarantee an unbiased selection process. It is essential to have a panel of professionals independent of the organisation to guarantee an impartial selection process. This impartiality ensures that only the most compelling galleries are chosen to exhibit, reflecting the high standard of artmonte-carlo. The committee also closely examines the authenticity and provenance of the artworks, ensuring that the art fair upholds the highest standards of quality and credibility, making the audience feel confident in the quality of the exhibited artworks.
Who is the typical attendee of artmonte-carlo?
The archetypal attendees are art lovers, buyers, and collectors with a strong affinity for aesthetics and a significant purchasing power. These individuals are often seasoned collectors, connoisseurs, and influential figures in the art world who seek out the finest artworks to add to their collections. They are always on the lookout for unique and captivating pieces.
What is the make-up of the standard buyer?
The average buyer is typically a local Monaco resident who has a deep appreciation for fine art and the means to invest in high-quality pieces. Additionally, we attract an international clientele drawn to Monaco’s unique environment, which blends local sophistication with global appeal.
This year, we focus on expanding our reach to collectors from surrounding regions such as the south of France and northern Italy. We also aim to attract tourists visiting Monaco and the Côte d’Azur, leveraging Monaco’s position as part of the Riviera, with specific attention to areas like Cannes, Nice, and Saint Tropez.
artmonte-carlo 2024
Is there a wide range of prices for pieces exhibited?
We are proud to present a diverse gamut of artworks, ranging from €50,000 to several million euros, ensuring that there is something for every art lover, from seasoned collectors to those just beginning their journey in the art world.
What are the novelties for this 8th edition?
The 8th edition of artmonte-carlo will feature an exciting lineup of new local and international exhibitors. Renowned galleries based in the Principality, such as Almine Rech, Hauser & Wirth, Retelet, Moretti Fine Art, and Opera Gallery, will also be part of the fair’s program. They will be joined by esteemed newcomers, including Lisson Gallery, Lelong & Co. Georges-Philippe & Nathalie Vallois, Larkin Erdmann Fine Art, ML Fine Art, Semiose and Wilde. These additions promise to enhance the diversity and richness of the fair, offering attendees a fresh and dynamic experience.
The fair will have a different, more harmonised layout. It will feature a new lounge area designed by Ruinart and Roche Bobois, including a selection of art publishers such as Cahiers d’art and We Do Not Work Alone.
This year, artmonte-carlo will further strengthen its presence in the Principality by establishing new collaborations, notably with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Théâtre Princesse Grace, and Pavillon Bosio.
All artmonte-carlo 2024 photos by Niki Borisova for Monaco Life. Main photo of Safia El Malqui artmonte-carlo ambassador, and art collector, credit: SEM
With the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour in full swing in Port Hercule, a number of parking and traffic restrictions have been put in place along the Quai des États-Unis, Route de la Piscine and Quai Antoine Ier.
These restrictions, though frustrating for some residents and visitors, ensure the safety and security of the many fans to turn out each year to witness this incredible event, as well as the competitors.
As such, traffic is entirely prohibited on the Quai des États-Unis, Route de la Piscine and Darse Sud until 11pm on Friday 5th July and from 8am on Saturday 6th July until 2am the following morning.
Once the event is over, a one-way traffic lane will be set up between the Quai des États-Unis and the intersection of the Route de la Piscine with Quai Antoine Ier. This will remain in place until noon on Friday 12th July. It should be noted, however, that the Quai Albert Ier will remain out-of-bounds to drivers until 6pm on Thursday 11th July.
Parking will also be off limits in much of the port area until midnight on Tuesday 9th July. The Quai Antoine Ier and Esplanade des Pêcheurs will be affected by these parking restrictions, but only until 6pm on Monday 8th July.
Road access to the Louis Chiron carpark will remain open throughout the event.
For detailed, live information on the traffic disruptions linked to the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo event, click here.
Agility, endurance, innovation and sustainability are the key themes of this year’s Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, an event designed as a laboratory and showcase for the most creative concepts and uses of marine technology.
With the 11th edition well underway at the Yacht Club de Monaco, Niki Borisova of Monaco Life headed down to the quays on Thursday 4th July to meet with the student teams from around the world who have come to the Principality to showcase and test out their innovative designs that feature the latest technologies, materials and eco-conscious propulsion systems.
Though the competition is split into three distinct classes – the Energy Class; the Solar Class, where participants design boats that rely exclusively on solar power; and the Open Sea Class, which includes vessels that are already on or are about to enter the market – all were present for the manoeuvrability trials on Thursday.
Participants headed out of the harbour to make their attempts in a race that was ultimately won by a Greek team in the Energy Class with their Oceanos boat.
Another vessel that stood out was an Energy Class boat by Tameo Ensta, a French team representing Ensta Paris, which partnered with Monaco Marine. The boat featured a sleek design and geometric aesthetic, as well as three motors.
“We chose to run with three motors this year: two are at the front of the boat and one is at the back. They will be retractable and more agile,” explained a member of the team.
Other highlights from the event thus far have included the newly introduced YCM E-Boat Rally, which took place on Wednesday 3rd July and saw participants embark on a 21-nautical mile round trip between Monaco and Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia, and the Sea Lab, a platform for demonstrating innovative solutions and discussing the future of sustainable yachting. A networking and jobs forum has also proved popular with the international teams.
The final day of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, Saturday 6th July, will revolve around the prize-giving ceremony. Up for grabs are awards recognising the outstanding achievements of the participants, with categories such as the Innovation Prize, Eco-Conception Prize, Best Tech Talk, New Generation Prize and the new Sustainable Technology Award.
To watch some of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge action, check out the Monaco Life Instagram reel below:
