This April, Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum will once again welcome the Padel Best Village event, now in its third edition, having been rebranded from Padel Best Expo for 2025. The upcoming event, which will take place over the weekend of 26th and 27th April, aims to blend sport with business and networking opportunities, while providing a space for fans and players to meet and connect.
Padel Best Village, formerly known as Padel Best Expo, is adopting a new name and a new focus for 2025.
At the top of the agenda is the aim to establish a stronger sense of community and collaboration among the young sport’s players and supporters.
Padel is already a popular sport in Monaco, embraced by athletes from diverse backgrounds. It is also booming in France, with over 719 courts now installed, surpassing Italy’s tally for the first time. The sport boasts 700,000 players in France and has experienced more than 30% market growth in the past year.
One of the highlights of the weekend in Monaco will be the Givova Five Padel Cup, featuring the Italy-France Padel Cup. Eight clubs from each nation will compete, showcasing top talent and further strengthening ties between their sporting communities. Visitors can also look forward to appearances from notable names in the world of sport, such as Dario Marcolin, Jimmy Ghione, and football legends Frank De Boer, Nelson Dida and Fabio Quagliarella.
Beatrice Preziosi, Project Manager of Padel Best Village, tells Monaco Life, “We are grateful for the support of the International Federations, which have helped elevate this sport to an international level. Last year’s edition was a success, and we are excited to bring a prestigious event with high-level content to Monaco once again.”
Meanwhile, Gianmarco Nardi from the event’s PR team adds, “This event has the potential to become a real institution in Monaco. The extraordinary growth of padel in France reflects its potential, and the Givova Five Padel Cup will once again be a standout feature of the weekend.”
A groundbreaking new production of Richard Wagner’s Das Rheingold will be coming to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in February as visionary director Davide Livermore presents his bold interpretation of this iconic masterpiece, combining innovative visuals with a historically informed musical approach conducted by Gianluca Capuano.
Das Rheingold is one of four pieces in Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, and chronicles the theft of the Rhine gold by the Nibelung dwarf Alberich. The cursed gold, transformed into a ring, triggers a cycle of greed, betrayal and divine intervention. The story follows the gods Wotan and Loge as they scheme to outwit Alberich and claim the treasure, only to pass its curse on to the giants they seek to pay for building their fortress.
This new staging by Livermore seeks to bring to life Wagner’s mythic tale of gods, giants and accursed treasure by capturing the opera’s grandeur while introducing audiences to a revolutionary sound. Enter Conductor Gianluca Capuano, who will be recreating Wagner’s authentic and original sound by using period instruments such as gut strings and early wind instruments, played by Les Musiciens du Prince.
“Our sound will be transparent, maybe more coarse, but radically different from the monumental Wagner we have been used to during the past hundred years,” Capuano explains.
The singers are also set to explore Wagner’s original vocal demands, blending declamation and cantabile lines in a way that reflects the composer’s initial ideas.
It all makes for an incredibly groundbreaking series of world premiere performances, blending the best of old and new. There will be four separate opportunities to witness the spectacle on 19th, 21st, 23rd and 25th February. The opening night will be a gala performance.
Amid Monaco’s drive to enhance its anti-corruption measures, the newly established High-Level Steering Committee has convened during a strategic meeting to adopt a detailed roadmap for implementing reforms throughout 2025.
Presided over by Isabelle Berro-Amadei, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and interim Minister of State, the meeting on 24th January aimed to address recommendations issued by the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) during its fifth evaluation cycle. These recommendations highlight the need for increased transparency and accountability, particularly within Monaco’s executive leadership and law enforcement agencies.
Key outcomes of the session in January included the formal adoption of a dashboard that outlines specific measures tailored to Monaco’s unique institutional framework, alongside a detailed implementation timetable for 2025. The plan forms part of the government’s commitment to aligning with international anti-corruption standards while ensuring that proposed changes remain practical and effective for the Principality.
The GRECO report, published in July 2024, emphasised areas requiring improvement, including enhanced oversight of senior officials and stronger mechanisms to prevent unethical practices. The High-Level Steering Committee, initially proposed in December 2024, will play a central role in overseeing these reforms and ensuring their timely execution.
Experts Marc Segonds and Gilles Duteil, instrumental in developing Monaco’s anti-corruption strategies, have been working closely with officials to refine these policies.
A high-level discussion on solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis took place in Davos on 24th January, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in partnership with UnaTerra. The breakfast meeting, held alongside the World Economic Forum, brought together 30 international leaders from major corporations to exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental threats, with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and human health. Despite widespread awareness and global initiatives, progress remains slow, and international negotiations on the issue have largely stagnated. In response, the event highlighted the critical role that private sector leaders, civil society, and innovators must play in driving practical and sustainable solutions.
The breakfast meeting brought together 30 international leaders from major corporations. Photo source: FPA2
Prince Albert II of Monaco, who opened the event titled ‘Bridging Perspectives: Advancing Solutions to Plastic Management’, called for decisive action and economic commitment to confront the issue. “Economic investment is indispensable in resolving the monumental challenge posed by plastic. At the same time, this investment represents a significant opportunity for innovation, development, and progress,” he said. “This is a vital threat, but we are not powerless in facing it. That is why we are here: to act, to mobilise the right resources, and to bring together the right people. Because the tools and the willpower exist.”
The discussion centred on pivotal questions, including the barriers businesses face when transitioning to circular economy models, promising innovations in plastic waste management, and how collaboration across sectors can scale up effective strategies. Attendees shared insights and best practices, with a focus on fostering partnerships to drive meaningful change.
The event was part of the Foundation’s broader mission to support the development of a sustainable blue economy, addressing critical threats to the world’s oceans. It also followed a series of other engagements during Davos week, including the Monaco House event on 23rd January, organised by the Government’s Attractiveness Department to promote Monaco’s initiatives in ocean conservation and sustainable development.
Marlow has brought a touch of British sophistication to Monaco and the French Riviera, with a menu that elevates classic British dishes set in a stunning Hugo Toro-designed space. With sweeping views and impeccable service, this elegant restaurant delivers a refined dining experience from morning to night, making it a highlight of Monaco’s newest district, Mareterra.
Marlow, the newest addition to Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s prestigious portfolio, has officially opened its doors in the heart of the Mareterra district, Monaco’s breathtaking new offshore extension. Inaugurated on 15th January by Prince Albert II and key dignitaries, the restaurant is already turning heads with its quintessentially British charm, impeccable service and mouthwatering menu that brings an elegant twist to classic English cuisine.
Whether it is tea time, breakfast or dinner, Marlow offers a different menu and unique vibe for each occasion. Photos source: Monte-Carlo SBM
A refined culinary journey through Britain
Food lovers are in for a treat at Marlow, where Chef Sébastien Blin has reimagined British staples with sophistication and flair. Breakfast features the iconic full English breakfast, perfect for starting the day on a hearty note, while tea time offers the refined rituals of an English afternoon, complete with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and a perfect cup of tea.
Lunch and dinner are equally enticing. Signature dishes include the decadent Beef Wellington, with its tender fillet of beef wrapped in mushroom duxelles and buttery pastry, served with a rich red wine gravy and an indulgent truffle purée. For seafood enthusiasts, the Lobster Roll and Crab Roll from the Roll Bar are must-tries, while vegetarians can savor the Marlow Pie, a comforting combination of walnuts, honey, mushrooms, rocket and Cheddar. The Guinness and Chicken Pie delivers hearty, slow-cooked flavors, and the classic Fish and Chips is elevated with a refined touch befitting the venue’s sea-facing setting.
Desserts are a celebration of British indulgence. Highlights include the Lord Mess, a sophisticated take on Eton Mess with tonka bean cream, meringue and fresh seasonal fruits, as well as a vegan-friendly Marlow Brownie and a traditional apple crumble. For something light, the refreshing pineapple carpaccio is an excellent choice.
Scotch egg, fish and chips and salmon gravlax. Photos source: Monte-Carlo SBM
An all-day dining destination
Marlow’s versatile menu is designed to cater to every moment of the day. The Roll Bar offers a casual yet indulgent option for those on the go, while Sunday brunch is a lavish affair with complimentary Champagne. Evenings see the venue transform into a stylish bar, with live soul music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays adding a lively edge. The cocktail menu pays homage to British classics, featuring favorites like the Vesper Martini—James Bond’s drink of choice—and the Hanky Panky, a historical concoction from London’s Savoy Hotel. Whisky connoisseurs will appreciate the extensive selection, while the cigar cellar completes the sophisticated English club experience.
Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM
Marlow: a chic British hideaway in Monaco
Situated on Place Princesse Gabriella in the eco-friendly Mareterra district, Marlow is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The venue is a tribute to late 19th-century British literature, embodied in the fictional Lady M., whose influence can be felt throughout. Designed by acclaimed interior architect Hugo Toro, the space blends Victorian panelled elegance with Mediterranean brightness. Rich woods, pink and green marbles, and Murano glass details create a warm and luxurious ambiance, while coral-inspired motifs add a unique twist.
Guests can enjoy a variety of settings, from cosy booths and private lounges to a lively seafood bar and a sunlit terrace opening in March. Whether visiting for breakfast, dinner, a signature cocktail or a Guinness, Marlow offers a comfortable and inviting escape from dawn until midnight.
Designed by acclaimed interior architect Hugo Toro
A new culinary chapter for SBM
Marlow is the latest venture in Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s strategy to expand its culinary horizons. The restaurant is expertly managed by Bryan Gaillard, whose background in leading London establishments ensures a level of service and attention to detail synonymous with the Group.
For Albert Manzone, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: “Marlow is the latest addition to the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s collection of bars and restaurants, which already includes some 30 addresses in Monaco. This new Maison concept has been created to appeal to the largely English-speaking clientele of the new district, but also of course to Monegasque residents, as well as visitors to the Principality.”
With its flawless execution of British elegance, Marlow is set to become a cornerstone of the Mareterra district, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to midnight (daily from April), this is British dining reimagined in true Monte-Carlo style.
Monaco Life was there! See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video reel below…
80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp where 1.1 million men, women and children were murdered between 1940 and 1945, a Monaco delegation joined representatives and leaders from across the globe at the infamous site in Poland to honour the dead, as well as those who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust.
On Monday 27th January, a Monaco delegation led by Acting Minister of State Isabelle Berro-Amadeï travelled to the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp to participate in the anniversary commemorations of its liberation by Soviet forces 80 years ago to the day.
During its almost five years, Auschwitz bore witness to the murders of 1.1 million men, women and children – most of them Jewish – at the hands of Nazi forces. The camp has since been transformed into a place of memorial and remembrance, a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust while also representing humanity’s collective responsibility to confront and prevent hatred and genocide.
Joining Berro-Amadeï, Monaco’s experienced Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, who stepped into the role of Acting Minister of State following the death of Didier Guillaume earlier this month, were other key figures from the Principality, including Lorenzo Ravano, Monaco’s Ambassador to Germany and Poland; Jean-Laurent Imbert, First Secretary; Tomasz Wardynski, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Warsaw; and Jacques Wolzok, President of the Commission for Assistance to Victims of Spoliation.
The official delegation was also accompanied by representatives from Monaco’s Jewish community, such as Mikhal Amsellem, President of the Jewish Religious Association of Monaco; Aaron Frenkel, President of the Jewish Cultural Centre of Monaco; Nikol Abecassis, a teacher from the François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré Institution; Laura Vaselli, a student from the Lycée Albert I; and Johar Benbrikhou from François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré.
Monaco’s delegation to the Liberation of Auschwitz commemorations, led by Acting Minister of State Isabelle Berro-Amadeï (second row, third from right) included government figures and representatives from the Principality’s Jewish community. Photo source: Monaco Communications Department
In a statement, Berro-Amadeï said that she was “honoured to represent Monaco, to uphold the duty of remembrance and to never forget”.
The commemorations were a thoroughly international affair and brought together world leaders and government figures from around the world. Among those who attended the ceremony were King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who was pictured wiping away tears during the ceremony, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz were both in attendance, while the US sent a delegation in the form of Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce.
A number of Auschwitz survivors were also present at the emotive event, with some invited to speak about their experiences. As their numbers dwindle—those who remain would have been children or teenagers during their time at Auschwitz—the ceremony underscored the imperative of preserving their testimonies and ensuring that the lessons of Auschwitz remain a guiding force against hatred and intolerance.
