Amid a growing trend of partnerships between luxury brands and renowned names in hospitality, Monaco Life visited the Hôtel Hermitage to experience its latest collaboration: the pop-up Café Repossi.
The Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is celebrated for its seasonal pop-ups, which have traditionally been hosted by champagne house Veuve Clicquot. This year, however, the hotel is unveiling an entirely new collaboration, marking the first time a luxury jewellery brand has taken the spotlight.
Until 6th January 2025, Maison Repossi is bringing its avant-garde vision of luxury to life with the launch of Café Repossi, an elegant space in the Square Beaumarchais.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its signature Serti sur Vide collection, Repossi has transformed the Square Beaumarchais with dazzling decorations inspired by its iconic floating diamond. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this refined setting while enjoying a curated menu featuring seasonal delicacies such as oysters, smoked salmon, and caviar.
For those with a sweet tooth, the pop-up Café Repossi offers an enticing selection of desserts, including gingerbread cake, cheesecake, and brownies. Crepes and waffles are also available, but only served between 3pm and 6pm.
The Repossi brand has also made its presence felt inside the hotel’s lobby, where a display of Christmas trees beautifully reflects the partnership between Repossi’s innovative design and the timeless elegance of the Hôtel Hermitage.
Founded in 1920 in Turin, Repossi has been shaped by three generations of visionary leadership. Since taking over as Artistic and Creative Director at the age of 21, Gaia Repossi has reinvented the Maison’s approach to fine jewellery, introducing architectural designs and innovative techniques while preserving its artisanal heritage.
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a landmark resolution on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, marking a significant step forward in global efforts to protect the world’s oceans and marine resources. With overwhelming support, the resolution reaffirms the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems and equipping future generations with the tools to safeguard these vital natural resources. Monaco played a pivotal role in ensuring its success, with the Principality’s unwavering commitment to ocean conservation and its active advocacy at the UN serving as a catalyst for the resolution’s passage.
On 12th December, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted four new resolutions, including one entitled Oceans and the Law of the Sea. This resolution reaffirms the unified framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, highlights global efforts for ocean preservation and sets out strategies to empower future generations to safeguard marine biodiversity and natural resources.
The resolution passed with overwhelming support: 152 votes in favour, one against and two abstentions.
Monaco played a key role in championing this resolution, with Jérémie Adlerfligel, Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Monaco to the UN, addressing the General Assembly earlier in the week. In his remarks, Adlerfligel underscored the Principality’s enduring commitment to ocean conservation and highlighted several significant actions taken by Monaco during the course of 2024.
Among these efforts was Monaco’s ratification of the BBNJ Agreement in May—a crucial international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Adlerfligel’s speech also recognised the invaluable contributions of Monaco’s scientific and environmental organisations to ocean conservation, including the Monaco Scientific Centre, the Oceanographic Institute and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which have all been instrumental in advancing ocean preservation initiatives.
As preparations continue for the 3rd United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UNOC3), Monaco’s representatives to the UN have reiterated the Principality’s commitment to tackling the effects of global warming, rising sea levels and the retreat of the cryosphere.
Looking ahead, Monaco has also announced its plans to host the Forum on the Blue Economy and Finance in June 2024. This event aims to highlight the private sector’s pivotal role in financing a sustainable ocean economy.
By supporting the resolution and demonstrating concrete actions, Monaco has once again reaffirmed its leadership and dedication to protecting the world’s oceans, aligning with the growing global call for sustainable stewardship of marine resources.
With Christmas fast approaching, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene have honoured a beloved tradition in the Principality by spending the day visiting several establishments associated with the Monaco Red Cross. As President and Vice-President of the organisation, the couple dedicated their morning to engaging with beneficiaries young and old, and distributing gifts and festive packages collected by the charity.
The Princely Couple’s tour on Thursday 12th December began in Fontvieille at the Rosine Sanmori Daycare Centre, where the couple attended a children’s performance before handing out presents to the little ones. They then travelled to Rue Bellevue to visit the Foyer Princesse Charlène, where young residents of the centre enjoyed a meaningful encounter with the Prince and Princess.
The final stop of the day brought them together with Monaco Red Cross volunteers and around 50 senior citizens who receive support through the organisation’s social services. This year, the event, which is typically held at the Red Cross headquarters, was hosted in the Yacht Club de Monaco’s reception hall. During the gathering, the seniors had the opportunity to connect with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, as well as Camille Gottlieb, the Prince’s niece, who joined the couple in presenting gifts to the beneficiaries and handing out greeting cards made by the children at the Rosine Sanmori Daycare Centre.
In keeping with their seasonal efforts, the Monaco Red Cross has distributed 130 gifts and 247 parcels, including over 100 in nearby municipalities, to those in need. Holiday packages were also delivered to inmates at the Maison d’Arrêt.
The Monaco Red Cross’ festive activities are set to continue over the coming days, with visits planned for retirement homes across Monaco, the Princess Grace Hospital and the Rainier III Centre.
To see more photos from the day, click on the images below:
Monaco’s entrepreneurial spirit took centre stage at the 29th Concours de Création d’Entreprise, an event organised by the Jeune Chambre Économique de Monaco (JCI Monaco) that championed the young talents and standout start-up ventures that are chartering new paths and futures in the Principality.
On 10th December, Monaco Life attended the prestigious 29th edition of the Concours de Création d’Entreprise (CCE) at the Auditorium Rainier III.
The evening celebrated the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Principality, with Charly Nestor as Master of Ceremonies and musical performances by Les Archets d’Ingres adding a vibrant touch to the event.
Clément Maréchal, President of JCI Monaco in 2024, opened the awards by reflecting on the organisation’s efforts to support entrepreneurship and innovation in the Principality, saying, “This year has been one of progress and achievement, as the JCI has established itself as a key player in supporting Monaco’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
This year, JCI Monaco demonstrated its continued progress with the launch of two new initiatives, Monaco Inspire and the Start-Up Meeting. Both programmes are designed to support entrepreneurs in the Principality, with the aim of becoming annual fixtures that further solidify JCI’s role as a driving force for innovation and business development in Monaco.
Minister of State Didier Guillaume followed, addressing Monaco’s dedication to supporting youth, entrepreneurship and innovation—values championed by Prince Albert II.
“The Principality will always stand behind its entrepreneurs,” he said. “You can be assured of our unwavering support as you pursue your ideas and ambitions.”
Minister of State Didier Guillaume addresses the large audience that turned out for the awards ceremony. Photo source: JCI Monaco
Winners of CCE 2024
The evening showcased innovative projects through the Graine d’Entrepreneur 2024 presentations before transitioning to the main event, the Concours de Création d’Entreprise awards.
The Prix du Gouvernement Princier was awarded to ExcelloCenter, a company founded by Romain Le Rouge and Alexis Lanari. ExcelloCenter supports primary and secondary school students through personalised tutoring services, flexible schedules and holiday workshops. Their centre, located near the FANB school, operates into the evenings and on Saturday mornings, providing educational support to students outside of the school environment.
The Prix de la Jeune Chambre Économique de Monaco was given to Drones for Yachts, a venture led by Pierre Deyris and Marta Migliorero. Their innovative project involves a marketplace accessible through an app or website that enables yacht owners and crew members to order and receive goods via Beluga drones while docked near participating marinas.
Sianatech, represented by Yacine Bayar, received the Prix Coup de Cœur du Jury for its innovative approach to technical management and maintenance. By combining specialised expertise with performance optimisation, Sianatech is transforming the way maintenance processes are handled.
The winners of the competition received significant financial prizes, with €40,000 awarded for first place and €21,000 for second place, providing vital resources to support the development of their ventures.
The Concours de Création d’Entreprise is supported by the Monaco Government, the Department of Economic Expansion and a variety of private sponsors. Over the years, it has facilitated the success of numerous businesses, including Carlo App and Le Teashop, and remains an essential initiative for encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in Monaco.
Looking ahead, Maréchal added, “For 2025, we already have clear objectives and strategies in place to continue building on this momentum.”
Monaco has advanced its fight against financial crime with a cooperation agreement enhancing asset seizure and management. Paired with an upgraded Moneyval rating, the move boosts AML/CTF compliance.
On 11th December 2024, Monaco took another step in combating financial crime with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Richard Dubant, Director of Monaco’s Asset Management Service, and Eric Arella, Director of Public Security. The agreement focuses on enhancing collaboration in the seizure and management of criminal assets, supporting the Principality’s compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards.
This partnership aligns with recent developments noted in Moneyval’s 2024 Follow-Up Report, which upgraded Monaco’s compliance rating on Recommendation 4 (Confiscation and Provisional Measures) from “Partially Compliant” to “Largely Compliant”. The improvement reflects the Principality’s progress in addressing deficiencies highlighted in 2022. These included limited mechanisms for confiscating third-party property, gaps in provisional measures for certain predicate offences, and a lack of robust frameworks for managing seized or confiscated assets.
The newly signed agreement provides a structured framework for early identification, tracing, and preservation of assets during criminal investigations. It also facilitates the enforcement of judicial decisions and promotes best practices through training programs, aligning with recent legislative reforms under Article 12 of the Criminal Code and Article 596-1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. These provisions allow for comprehensive asset seizure, including property held by third parties, proceeds of money laundering, and assets linked to terrorist financing.
Moneyval’s report noted Monaco’s enhanced ability to protect the rights of bona fide third parties during seizures and confiscations, a critical improvement in aligning with international standards. The establishment of the Asset Management Office ensures effective oversight of frozen and confiscated assets, further addressing previous gaps.
Photo: Eric Arella, Director of Public Security (left), and Richard Dubant, Director of Monaco’s Asset Management Service (right). Credit: Direction de la Sûreté publique
ISM to present ‘Songs of the Season’ at annual Christmas concert
The International School of Monaco is inviting the public along to its highly anticipated annual Christmas concert, Songs of the Season, which will feature over 80 talented students alongside staff and guest performers for an evening of festive song and holiday merriment.
Set to take place at 7pm on Monday 16th December in the Grand Salon of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, the concert by the International School of Monaco (ISM) will be held under the direction of the esteemed Colette Marx-Nielsen.
Students from Year 2 and upwards will be participating alongside the beloved adult choir Choir Belles and ISM staff. Spanning generations, the event promises a heartwarming showcase of talent, community and festive cheer.
Attendees will be treated to a one-hour programme filled with enchanting performances that highlight the musical gifts of ISM’s students and staff. Whether there to support a loved one or simply to enjoy the festive atmosphere, this concert is sure to be a memorable experience.
Tickets are €50 for adults and €25 for children, with a portion of the proceeds going to ISM’s Philanthropy Club charities: Mothers of Africa, Mission Enfance and the Monegasque Red Cross.
To get tickets for the Songs of the Season concert, click here.
