This winter, Blue Gin at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is taking its inspiration from the charm of an Alpine chalet and adding a Mediterranean twist. From now until 16th March 2025, this is the place to unwind by the fire or enjoy a festive drink with friends while soaking in the incredible sea views.
Blue Gin at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has been reimagined as a cosy Alpine chalet for the winter season and following its relaunch, Monaco Life went along to see how this unique blend of mountain charm and seaside surroundings has been brought to life.
The venue’s transformation is striking, with wood-paneled interiors, fur accents, and soft lighting creating an authentic high-altitude ambiance. As you step inside, the corridor leading to the terrace transports you into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a snowy landscape theme. Adding a playful touch, polar bear paw prints adorn the floor, guiding guests towards the terrace. At the end of the path, a striking polar bear statue awaits, offering a warm welcome to this Alpine-inspired retreat.
Guests can enjoy the warmth of a heated terrace while sipping festive, Alpine-inspired drinks above the Mediterranean. Photo by Monaco Life
The heated terrace enhances the experience, offering unobstructed views of the Mediterranean while enveloping guests in a cosy, warming ambiance. Plush fur accents invite you to sink into the sofas and relax, while playful touches like penguin statues and sledges scattered throughout the space add whimsical charm. This unique combination of a chalet atmosphere and the shimmering sea below creates an unparalleled setting in Monaco.
The winter menu has also been updated to include mountain-inspired cocktails, specially crafted for the occasion. These signature drinks are the ideal tonic for colder evenings and complement the snug setting perfectly.
Resident DJ Nicolas Saad will be bringing an upbeat energy to the chalet every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until mid-March, turning the bar space into a lively nightspot.
For those looking for a lively evening on New Year’s Eve, the pop-up bar will be hosting a party from 11pm, with a minimum table spend of €350 for two guests, including a bottle of champagne.
The Blue Gin Chalet is open daily from 6.30pm to 1.30am.
Music lovers are in for an enchanting evening this holiday season as the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra hosts a free concert under the masterful direction of Peter Szüts at the Église Saint-Charles in Monaco. Here are all the details.
Taking place on 14th December at 7pm, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra’s free Concert Spirituel promises an exquisite programme featuring the timeless works of baroque and classical masters.
Georg Friedrich Handel’s Ouverture in D Major will open the evening with its stately and majestic tones, followed by Heinrich Biber’s Sonata No. 5 in E minor and Sonata No. 10 in G minor from the Tam Aris Quam Aulis Servientes collection. The evening’s music will continue with Tomaso Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 9, a piece renowned for its lyrical beauty. It will be performed by the talented Matthieu Bloch. Matthias Persson will lend his brilliance on trumpet, complementing the night’s rich tapestry of sound.
A highlight of the programme is set to be Johann Sebastian Bach’s Gloria in excelsis Deo, BWV 191, a vibrant and festive choral work. The performance will include the triumphant Coro: Gloria in excelsis, the graceful Gloria Patri, and the resounding Coro: Sicut Erat in Principio.
Adding a festive flair to the event, Jean-Louis Luzignant’s Dix Noëls Européens, Suite will celebrate the spirit of Christmas through a collection of traditional European carols.
The Children’s Choir from the Académie Rainier III, expertly led by choirmaster Bruno Habert, and the Chœur 1732 will also deliver stirring vocal performances, making the evening truly unforgettable.
The combination of sacred music, baroque artistry and holiday cheer ensures an evening of inspiration and delight for all. For more information or to get tickets to this free event, click here.
Cryptocurrency exchange zondacrypto has hosted an elegant gala at the Private Cars Collection of Prince Albert II in Monaco, bringing together luxury, innovation, and a strong philanthropic spirit. The event marked the official launch of zondacrypto’s ZND token and featured a charity auction that raised €67,000 for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
The gala was held on 24th October, giving guests an opportunity to bid on exclusive items donated by top European football clubs, including Juventus, Atalanta, and Bologna FC. One of the most sought-after auction pieces was a private tour and lunch at the Juventus Museum with football icon Giorgio Chiellini, who attended the event as zondacrypto’s ambassador. Proceeds from the auction will support the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s mission to promote education and sporting values.
“This event was an important stage of our journey towards becoming the largest regulated cryptocurrency exchange in Europe,” said zondacrypto CEO Przemysław Kral. “Cryptocurrencies are the future of finance and launching our token in Monaco – a hub of innovation and luxury – was the perfect way to mark this milestone with our friends and partners. We are honoured to have been able to invite our partners to contribute to the local community in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The amount of money we raised together shows that our crypto family is strong – and that it has genuine impact on the world around it.”
The zondacrypto gala was held in the Prince’s Car Museum. Photo source: zondacrypto
Zondacrypto’s collaboration with the Foundation highlights a growing trend of cryptocurrency firms stepping into the realm of social responsibility. The partnership, first formalised at the 2023 Top Marques Monaco event, positions zondacrypto as the first cryptocurrency company to align with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. At the time, the company donated 1 ETH to the Foundation and launched a feature allowing users to make cryptocurrency donations through its app.
With its presence in Monaco growing, zondacrypto has also become the title sponsor of the prestigious Top Marques Monaco and the namer of AS Monaco Football Club’s Salon Honneur.
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has once again hosted the annual Christmas Tree Auction, which raised an incredible €122,000 for Action Innocence Monaco. The event was attended by Princess Charlene and was made extra special with Christmas carols sung by children from the International School of Monaco.
Each year, Christmas trees are donated and decorated by Monaco’s luxury brands, renowned artists, and businesses. Each tree is uniquely designed, often featuring extravagant decorations, gifts, or exclusive experiences tied to the donor.
As always, the auction on Wednesday 11th December was lively and competitive, as attendees bid on the trees, with all proceeds going directly to Action Innocence Monaco and it’s mission to protect children online by teaching safe internet use and raising awareness of digital dangers like cyberbullying and online predators.
Princess Charlene with the ISM choir at the Christmas Tree Auction. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Direction de la Communication
Founded in 2002 and now fully independent, with the Patronage of Princess Charlene, the association runs prevention sessions in schools, creates tools for safer online practices, and works with policymakers to keep up with new challenges in the digital world.
This festive fundraiser showed the community’s generosity, helping Action Innocence continue its vital work.
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas? You should find plenty of inspiration and ideas in Monaco Life‘s 2024 Gift Guide, which features a range of thoughtful and unique presents that capture the essence of the Principality. From luxurious gourmet treats to timeless jewellery and elegant home décor, you’ll be sure to find something that will make this festive season truly special for everyone on your shopping list.
With Christmas fast approaching, Monaco Life has toured the boutiques and shopping streets of the Principality in a bid to track down the finest gift options with a local link.
Gourmet Delights
Good food is high on everyone’s list at Christmas and you’ll find plenty of gourmet options at Classic Caspian Caviar, which offers a selection of premium caviar sourced from certified farms, such as Royal Beluga Caviar, the Asetra Caviar, or for a unique flavour profile, the Schenckii Royal Amur Caviar.
What Christmas table in Monaco could be without caviar? Photo source: Classic Caspian
La Chocolaterie de Monaco, a chocolate-maker established in 1920, is renowned for its handcrafted confections, with artisan chocolate boxes making an ideal festive gift.
A perfect pairing with chocolates would be tea, and Le Teashop offers fine teas and related accessories, perfect for tea enthusiasts. It offers over 130 varieties sourced from small producers in China, Japan, India, Taiwan and beyond. Their selection includes classic blends like Earl Grey and unique creations such as the Monaco black tea, inspired by the local fougasse biscuit.
Discover fine teas from around the world at Le Teashop. Photo source: Le Teashop
Spirited Gifts with a Monaco Twist
Monaco’s beverage industry also provides excellent gift options.
Monte Carlo Vermouth, crafted with rose petals from Monaco’s gardens and Moscato d’Asti grapes from Italy, makes a distinctive gift for cocktail lovers.
Meanwhile, Cave de Monaco, a well-known wine and spirits store on the Boulevard des Moulins, offers curated gift sets featuring rare and exclusive labels.
L’Orangerie de Monaco produces a premium bitter orange liqueur, L’Orangerie, crafted from hand-picked local oranges. This liqueur is best enjoyed chilled, over ice, or mixed with Prosecco for a refreshing Monaco Spritz. For gifting, they provide an elegant L’Orangerie Gift Box containing a large bottle.
The L’Orangerie’s bitter orange liqueur is a must-try. Photo source: L’Orangerie de Monaco
Then there’s La Distillerie de Monaco, which sells distinctive spirits reflecting the region’s essence. Their Gin Aux Agrumes is a London dry-style gin distilled with 11 locally sourced botanicals for a vibrant citrus bouquet. Another unique product is Carruba, a liqueur made from the carob fruit, Monaco’s national tree, featuring rich notes of chocolate, coffee and caramel.
For gin enthusiasts, a bottle of Prince Explorer Gin, inspired by Monaco’s maritime heritage, is a perfect choice, especially as a portion of the proceeds go to conservation projects.
Timeless Pieces
Jewellery and accessories are always a timeless option for holiday gifting.
APM Monaco is known for its modern jewellery designs that combine contemporary aesthetics with a touch of Monegasque elegance. The brand offers a range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings that appeal to those seeking stylish yet timeless pieces. This year, Charles Leclerc, Monaco’s very own Formula 1 star, became the face of APM Monaco, perfectly capturing the brand’s Monegasque heritage. For the holiday season, APM Monaco has unveiled its latest collection, Hiver, which includes bold yet elegant designs that are perfect for gifting or adding a festive sparkle to any outfit.
Charlotte B. Jewellery, founded by gemologist Charlotte Barbotin, offers bespoke designs that blend elegance with bold creativity. Christmas gift options include the timeless La Bague Romance (€4,210), the vibrant Explorer Bi-Color Ring (€2,600) and the Passion Ring in rose gold (€1,500).
For those seeking something more vintage, Monte-Carlo Bijoux, established in 1968, specialises in vintage jewellery, offering a curated selection of unique pieces, each with its history. Their collection includes vintage-inspired designs, appealing to those seeking sophisticated accessories.
In the accessory section, Monoïkos 1297 sells heritage-inspired pieces crafted locally with eco-conscious practices. Gift options include the Les Monuments de la Principauté silk scarf, the Le Cirque pocket square celebrating Monaco’s circus tradition and the Le Jardin Exotique stole, inspired by the Exotic Garden. These items elegantly combine Monaco’s cultural heritage with modern design.
Les Monuments de la Principauté silk scarf from Monoïkos 1297. Photo source: Monoïkos 1297
For something more sportive, Akimba, a Monaco-based brand created by Serena Benedetti Roy, focuses on practical designs for active women. Its standout product, The Fresh Bra, is designed to prevent sweat and deodorant stains. Available exclusively online, this innovative piece combines functionality with simplicity, making it a useful gift option for the holiday season.
Elegant Essentials
For home gifts, the Segraeti Store in the Metropole Shopping Center presents a variety of luxurious home décor items, including linens and decorative accessories.
For a more souvenir-inspired gift, La Boutique du Rocher, established in 1966 by Princess Grace of Monaco, is located in Monaco’s Old Town. The shop offers a variety of handcrafted items, including baby clothing, household linens and decorative pieces, by some 150 different artisans. Proceeds support the Princess Grace Foundation, which aids children’s hospitals and cultural institutions. For holiday gifts, the boutique provides unique, locally made products that reflect Monegasque craftsmanship and heritage.
Thanks to the opening of a new easyJet route between Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and Rovaniemi, the capital of Finland’s world-famous Lapland, the “official” home of Father Christmas has never been easier to reach for passengers living on the Riviera.
The inaugural flight, which took off from Nice on 1st December, was celebrated with great fanfare by the airport, marking the opening of a new pathway to a region famed for its snow-covered forests, dazzling Northern Lights, and unforgettable holiday adventures.
Rovaniemi, nestled in the heart of Lapland, transforms into an authentic winter wonderland during the colder months.
It is well-known among families as the home of Father Christmas, who welcomes thousands of visitors to his grotto each year, but this city in Finland’s northernmost region has far more to offer than just festive cheer.
It’s a place of breathtaking Arctic charm, where families and adventurers alike can experience the magic of Lapland in countless ways. Visitors can embark on husky tours, gliding through frost-covered forests behind teams of eager sled dogs, or, for a more traditional experience, climb aboard a reindeer sleigh and embrace the tranquillity of the Arctic wilderness while learning about the indigenous Sámi culture.
For thrill-seekers, snowmobile safaris provide heart-pounding excitement, while those chasing natural wonders can marvel at the aurora borealis as it paints the Arctic sky in waves of green and purple.
There are also activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing, which offer serene encounters with Lapland’s untouched beauty and wildlife. For food lovers, plenty of gastronomic opportunities await, with local delicacies including reindeer stew, Arctic char, and cloudberries.
easyJet will be operating two flights per week — on Tuesdays and Saturdays — until February 2025. For schedules, prices, and more details, click here.
