Princess Stéphanie, the younger sister of Prince Albert II of Monaco, brought holiday cheer to the elderly patients at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace’s (CHPG) Rainier III Centre earlier this week before meeting up with the Hospital Assistance section and volunteers from the Monaco Red Cross, joining them on their rounds to hand out gifts to patients.
On Wednesday 17th December, Princess Stéphanie visited the hospital’s dedicated geriatric care unit, the Rainier III Centre, as part of a Christmastime initiative led by the Monaco Red Cross. During her time at the facility, which provides care and support to elderly residents of the Principality, the Princess handed out gifts to in-patients and attended a special concert performed by students from the Académie Rainier III.
Accompanied by Professor Bruno Taillan, Head of Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology at the CHPG, Princess Stéphanie then visited the Hospital Assistance section to distribute boxes of chocolates to other in-patients receiving treatment at the hospital.
Before concluding her visit, the Princess took time to meet with Monaco Red Cross volunteers, expressing her gratitude for their dedication and hard work.
The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) has marked the end of the year with its Winter Cocktail, where the prestigious UBS Trophy was awarded. Under the presidency of Prince Albert II, the event celebrated sporting achievements and the Club’s growing role in sustainability and innovation.
Graeme Peterson was named YCM Sailor of the Year 2024, earning the UBS Trophy for his outstanding performance as World ClubSwan50 Vice-Champion. Peterson called the award “an honour and source of pride” for his team and family. Among younger sailors, Océane Schroeder claimed recognition for her victory in the girls’ category at the International Spring Cup in La Rochelle. The promising sailor expressed her ambition to excel in mixed categories moving forward.
A year of exceptional performances
The ceremony on 18th December reflected on 2024’s standout moments, including YCM members reaching the America’s Cup finals for the first time. Ineos Britannia, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, won the Louis Vuitton Cup, while Emirates Team New Zealand, with Matteo de Nora at the helm, defended their title for a third consecutive year. Offshore racing also saw success, with Tomaso Polli claiming the Offshore World Champion title.
Adventurer Boris Herrmann, currently competing in the Vendée Globe aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer, sent a video update from the Southern Ocean, where he battles intense conditions. The clip ended with a spirited Daghe Munegu! (Go Monaco!), drawing applause from the audience.
Innovation and sustainability initiatives
YCM’s commitment to sustainability was a key theme of the evening. The Club highlighted projects like the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which focuses on AI in marine technology, and the SEA Index, a tool measuring the carbon footprint of yachts. Already adopted in 15 harbours across the Mediterranean and Seychelles, the index now includes metrics for fuel cells and noise pollution.
Looking ahead to 2025
As YCM’s flagship vessel Tuiga approaches its 30th anniversary, the Club announced plans to compete in the Admiral’s Cup, returning after a 22-year hiatus. Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison will lead the charge, with Prince Albert II calling the venture “an inspiring challenge.”
Photo from left to right: Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, Prince Charles de Bourbon-Siciles, Océane Schroeder, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Graeme Peterson; Alejandro Velez (Country Head for UBS Monaco, Spain and Italy), Benoît de Froidmont, Vladimir Prosikhin, and Kostia Belkin. Courtesy YCM
Mairie de Monaco adopts Code of Ethics for elected officials
Monaco’s municipal council has adopted a new ethics charter for elected officials, setting clear rules on conduct, gifts, and conflicts of interest, with plans to strengthen governance in 2025 through internal regulations.
During a public session on Tuesday 17th December, Monaco’s municipal council unanimously adopted a new ‘Charter of Ethics for Elected Officials’. This document outlines ethical principles to guide council members in fulfilling their duties.
The charter, developed by the Commission for Ethics and Internal Regulations, sets clear standards for conduct, including rules on invitations, gifts, and conflicts of interest. It also aims to detect and prevent breaches of integrity, reinforcing accountability among elected officials.
The charter states that failing to adhere to these ethical obligations could lead to criminal liability. In 2025, the Commission will focus on drafting a comprehensive set of internal regulations for the municipal council, further solidifying the framework for good governance.
Ahead of Christmas and New Year, Monaco Life‘s Niki Borisova has travelled out to José Ignacio, a quaint former fishing village near Uruguay’s uber-cool Punta del Este. This is a place where wild natural beauty and breathtaking views meld with exclusive parties and a lively atmosphere; it is a locale that is gaining a reputation as the new Saint Tropez of South America, and even has a Monaco connection.
Join Monaco Life as we travel to José Ignacio, a resort town or balneario in the Maldonado department of southeastern Uruguay. This once sleepy enclave is building a new reputation among international visitors, who are captivated by its seamless blend of rustic charm and upscale sophistication, making it the ultimate hotspot for discerning travellers.
Where to stay
Let’s start with the Vik establishments, created by Alex and Carrie Vik, prominent Monaco residents celebrated for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to art and design. The couple has developed a collection of luxury retreats in and around José Ignacio that blend contemporary architecture, curated art collections and unparalleled hospitality.
Set on 4,000 acres of rolling countryside, Estancia Vik is a luxurious Spanish colonial-style retreat with individually designed suites adorned with contemporary Uruguayan art. Guests at Estancia Vik can indulge in a variety of activities, from horseback riding to canoeing and even polo lessons on the estate’s private field. The property also features El Asador, a traditional Uruguayan asado restaurant where guests can savour authentic local barbecue in a rustic setting.
In a special collaboration, Estancia Vik will host Chef Mauro Colagreco of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur for a series of exclusive dining experiences from 1st to 5th January 2025. This event, part of the Mirazur Beyond Borders initiative, will showcase a fusion of French and Uruguayan flavours, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and Colagreco’s innovative culinary philosophy. For more information, click here.
Located on Playa Mansa, Bahia Vik offers beachfront bungalows and suites with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The property’s contemporary design, combined with its integration into the natural landscape, provides a serene and luxurious experience. Guests can also enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets in the region from here. Adding to its allure is the lobby’s unique astrology-inspired ceiling, an artistic masterpiece that captures the beauty of the cosmos and creates a magical ambience.
Don’t forget to cast your eyes up as you enter Bahia Vik. Photo by Monaco Life
Just a short distance from Bahia Vik, Playa Vik overlooks the serene Playa Mansa and is known for its bold, contemporary design and impressive art collection. Its infinity pool, which juts out dramatically toward the ocean, creates the illusion of merging with the horizon—offering a view that’s hard to forget. The on-site restaurant adds to the experience, serving fresh, local dishes in a relaxed setting perfect for soaking in the beautiful sunsets.
The incredible infinity pool at Playa Vik. Photo by Monaco Life
For those seeking a boutique experience, Casa Suaya provides a tranquil retreat with elegantly designed rooms and private terraces. Its proximity to the beach and personalised service make it a favoured choice among travellers.
Located in La Barra, just outside José Ignacio, Hotel Fasano Las Piedras is part of Brazil’s most renowned luxury hotel chain. Set on a sprawling estate surrounded by rolling hills, the hotel blends modern comfort with the beauty of its natural surroundings, offering a spa, golf course and a private beach club. Fasano is also a go-to spot for its legendary New Year’s Eve parties, often featuring well-known DJs and drawing an international crowd for a night of celebration under the stars.
Parador La Huella, located on Playa Brava, is a José Ignacio icon and the ultimate place to see and be seen. Known for its relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, it has become a magnet for the well-heeled jet set. Monaco Life recommends going for lunch and trying the famous grilled squid and dulce de leche volcano dessert. Its reputation has earned it a spot on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Look no further than Parador La Huella on Playa Brava for beachside dining in José Ignacio. Photo by Monaco Life
Located on Playa Mansa, La Susana, also owned by the Viks, is a beachfront gem perfect for a leisurely lunch or sunset cocktails. It’s also a hotspot for parties, drawing in a lively crowd during the season. This year, the much-anticipated Summer Solstice Party on 21st December promises to kick off the holidays in style.
For dinner, Marismo is the place to go. Tucked away in a pine forest, it offers a magical setting with tables placed on the sand and surrounded by open fires. The combination of the starry sky, the glow of the flames and rustic fire-cooked dishes makes for an unforgettable experience.
Nothing beats the beach/forest setting of Marismo. Photo by Monaco Life
For wine lovers, Solera Vinos y Tapas is a cosy wine bar and restaurant that has become a beloved spot in José Ignacio. Known for its carefully curated selection of regional wines and delicious tapas-style dishes, it’s the ideal spot for an intimate evening. The charm of Solera goes beyond its offerings—its owner, Sole, is almost always on hand, greeting guests with warmth and ensuring everyone feels right at home.
Specialising in Nikkei cuisine, Osaka expertly blends Japanese and Peruvian flavours in a chic, modern setting. Known for its innovative approach to fresh, local seafood, the restaurant’s sushi and ceviche are standout options. Monaco Life recommends trying their signature Tiradito de Pejerrey.
Uruguay wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the legendary Francis Mallmann, whose Restaurante Garzón has been a cornerstone of the country’s culinary scene since 2003. Located in the tranquil village of Garzón, 14 miles from José Ignacio, the restaurant features Mallmann’s signature open-fire cooking. With boutique accommodations on-site, it offers guests the perfect way to immerse themselves in the serene Uruguayan countryside.
St Paul’s Anglican Church in Monaco has launched the Prayer Bear initiative, a heartwarming project aimed at bringing comfort and hope to local families, children in need, and those in foster care by providing cuddly toy bears, each accompanied by a handwritten prayer as a symbol of compassion and friendship.
The initiative, spearheaded by St. Paul’s Anglican Church, is dedicated to spreading joy and kindness to those in need, whether during a hospital stay or times of difficulty or loneliness.
Since its inception, the Prayer Bear initiative has made a profound impact, offering solace to numerous individuals of all ages.
Each teddy, a plush bear made by UK manufacturer Warmies, represents a tangible expression of care and is inscribed with “God is Love” in English, alongside “Dieu est Amour” in French. The bears are scented with soothing lavender and filled with high-quality, all-natural buckwheat filling. They can be microwaved for warmth, providing additional comfort.
With the festive season approaching, this is a perfect opportunity for locals and Monaco residents to embrace the spirit of giving. By supporting the project, donors help ensure that these symbolic gifts continue to provide reassurance, tenderness, and hope during difficult times. All proceeds benefit St Vincent de Paul, a Catholic charity supporting the less fortunate.
Visit the Prayer Bear initiative website by clicking here to learn more about the project or make a donation. Your contribution, big or small, will help ensure that these bears continue to bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most.
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton will return to France in 2025 for two highly anticipated concerts: one at the Accor Arena in Paris in May and a second at Nice’s Palais Nikaïa in June. Here are all the details.
Local fans of the iconic guitarist and singer-songwriter will soon have the chance to see Eric Clapton live on the Riviera.
On 2nd June, the English music legend will perform at the Palais Nikaïa in the west of Nice. This venue offers a considerably more intimate setting than the Paris arena for Clapton, whose career has spanned over six decades and produced timeless hits.
Clapton, often hailed as one of the greatest guitarists in history, is celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to rock, blues, and pop music. With classics such as Layla, Tears in Heaven, and Wonderful Tonight, he has become a household name worldwide. His influence is further cemented by his unique distinction as a three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—as a solo artist and as a member of both Cream and The Yardbirds.
The Nice concert will give audiences the chance to experience Slowhand’s mastery firsthand. The setlist is expected to include the biggest hits from his vast catalogue alongside tracks from his latest album, Meanwhile, released in 2024.
The shows are expected to sell out quickly, given Clapton’s enduring popularity and the rarity of his European appearances. Tickets are on sale now and can be found here.
