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Day: 28 February 2025

Football: Mika Biereth nets another hat-trick in Monaco victory

by: Luke Entwistle
28/02/2025
Mika Biereth walking ahead of Maghnes Akliouche after netting one of his three goals for Monaco against Reims

Mika Biereth continued his scintillating form at the Stade Louis II, netting his third hat-trick in as many home games in Ligue 1 as Monaco swept Reims aside (3-0).

The warning signs were there from the opening seconds but they weren’t heeded by Reims, who afforded Biereth too much space throughout. The former Arsenal forward missed his first chance, heading wide but he wouldn’t be denied for too long.

Reims threatened rarely in the first half. Les Stadistes are something of a bogey team for Monaco, who have failed to beat them in the last eight encounters at the Stade Louis II but they were completely passive. Their best chance fell to Junya Ito, the benefactor of a Thilo Kehrer error, but he was unable to get his shot away before the latter recovered to atone for his almost costly mistake.

Monaco enter cruise control

Thereafter, it was one-way traffic. Biereth missed a big chance, getting too fine a touch on Vanderson’s excellent ball across the face of goal but he wasn’t denied much longer. Just two minutes later, he volleyed home Caio Henrique’s ball to the back post and five minutes later, he had a second, picking the ball out of the air, unpressured inside the Reims box and tucking into the far corner.

There was an air of inevitability that was written across Biereth’s face as he tucked home his third, completing his hat-trick with a simple open net tap-in. His third hat trick in as many Ligue 1 games at the Stade Louis II didn’t even warrant a celebration from the Danish youth international.

Both sides had chances to add to the score. There was a drop-off from Monaco after the third and Reims were afforded more space. The visitors tested Radoslaw Majecki on multiple occasions but were unable to beat the Polish goalkeeper, whilst Maghnes Akliouche went close for Monaco; other dangerous situations weren’t exploited by Adi Hütter’s side, who were in cruise control for the entirety of the second half.

Biereth a “dream” – Hütter

“There was a gulf in class,” admitted Reims manager Samba Diawara post-match. Biereth and his ability to find spaces inside the Reims box exemplified that gulf in class and it was the Dane who was the centre of attention post-match too.

“It was impressive what he did again tonight. The third game with three goals, it is a huge impact,” reacted Hütter.

“Now we have a clinical finisher. He can score lots of goals. He is always in the right position in the box. He could have scored four or five tonight. To be honest, if you sign a player and in seven games he has 10 goals, it is a dream. In the end, I am a little bit surprised that his adaptation has been so quick,” added the Austrian, present on the sidelines, despite an illness in midweek.

Despite missing training on Thursday, Hütter is grateful for the increased time on the training pitch this week, in the wake of the Principality club’s elimination from the Champions League. The extra time in training he says will allow the team to work on its “balance between attack and defence” and – he hopes – will allow Monaco to finish the season strongly and finish within the Champions League qualification spots, as is the objective. If it is an objective that is achieved, Biereth will more than likely play a starring role.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: AS Monaco

AS Monaco Basketball fall out of EuroLeague top four after losing to Olimpia Milano

by: Elsa Carpenter
28/02/2025

The Roca Team fell short against Olimpia Milano, marking Monaco’s second consecutive EuroLeague defeat. The result, which came down to the last minute of the game, means that AS Monaco Basketball has dropped out of the league’s top four.

Despite all their attempts to fight back, AS Monaco Basketball lost 80-86 to the Milan team on their home court at the Unipol Forum on 27th February.

The Monaco side hadn’t played a EuroLeague fixture in nearly three weeks, having lost to Partizan in early February, and had to make do without the likes of Nick Calathes, Juhann Begarin, and Vitto Brown.

The starting five of Mike James, Jordan Loyd, Alpha Diallo, Jaron Blossomgame and Daniel Theis, making his first start for the team since joining in mid-February, enjoyed a strong early run, but the hosts slowly closed the gap to finish the first quarter 19-18.

See more: German international and NBA player Daniel Theis joins AS Monaco Basketball

The team traded blows during the second quarter, and by halftime, Milan was ahead by seven points.

After a series of changes in the first half, the starting five players were all back on court for the second.

Milan’s lead grew in the third quarter, despite James’ deep three attempts at a comeback. Monaco had other chances to make up the deficit but missed them, and found themselves down by seven points going into the final stage of the game.

There was a noticeable drought in points in the early part of the fourth quarter, with four scoreless minutes finally broken by Matthew Strazel with a three-pointer. One particularly bizarre moment came when Elie Okobo accidentally scored an own basket on a rebound, but he made up for the mistake with a three-pointer to bring the scoreboard to a 74-74 draw.

Monaco temporarily found themselves in the lead soon after, but the Italian side soon responded. With less than 20 seconds on the clock, Milan’s Leday made the most of a foul to hammer in two points, while James missed his final three-point attempt, sealing Monaco’s defeat after an intense few minutes of play.

“We found the resources to fight back,” said Monaco Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis post-game. “At the end, we defended well, but we were chasing the score all game, and that makes it difficult to control a match. We need to find solutions.”

The team next faces Cholet in the Betclic Elite on 2nd March, before playing Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague on 5th March.

Read related:

Want to be part of the Monaco Grand Prix? Applications now open for 2025 race staff

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball

High-end travel in focus: insights from the Forbes Travel Guide Summit

by: Niki Borisova
28/02/2025

Monaco hosted the Forbes Travel Guide Summit for the first time at the end of February, bringing industry leaders from around the world together in the Principality to discuss the future of high-end hospitality, from emerging destinations to the growing demand for experiential travel.

The Forbes Travel Guide Summit, an exclusive, invitation-only event held between 25th and 28th February, was targeted at top decision-makers from the hospitality and travel industries. Known for setting the standard in high-end travel, the summit typically takes place in Las Vegas but was hosted in Monaco for the first time this year. It attracted over 750 luxury travel professionals from more than 80 countries, with 150 leading luxury brands in attendance and over 50 industry speakers sharing insights on the future of hospitality.

Monaco Life attended the Grimaldi Forum-based section of the summit on 27th February to hear from industry leaders, such as Marriott International’s Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, Europe and Africa, Sandeep Walia, and Brenda Collin, the Executive Vice-President for the Europe branch of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, to learn more about emerging trends in high-end travel.

Luxury travel trends

Walia delivered an insight talk on trends at the top end of the market.

“At least 10 leisure trips a year—this is what ultra-high-net-worth individuals are now taking,” he said, pointing out the increasing demand for luxury travel.

According to Walia, 76% of these individuals choose their next destination based on the presence of a luxury hotel, reinforcing how high-end hospitality shapes travel decisions.

One noticeable shift is the growing trend of ‘bravecations’, as Walia described them—trips where travellers step out of their comfort zones.

“People say they would be braver on vacation than at home. They want to try new sports, new foods, even extreme activities like skydiving,” he explained.

Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, Europe and Africa at Marriott International, delivering a lecture on high-end trends at the Grimaldi Forum. Photo by Monaco Life

Luxury tourism is further embracing experiential travel, with significant growth in yacht tourism and high-end safari lodges. He cited Ilma, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest vessel, as an example of the increasing demand for ultra-luxury cruise experiences.

See more: Onboard Ilma: the Ritz Carlton launches luxurious maiden voyage from Monaco

Branded residences—high-end homes located within hotel properties—are also gaining traction, he said, particularly in the Middle East and the US, where markets like Miami have long been strong.

“All-inclusive resorts, once considered mass-market, are now entering the luxury space,” Walia explained. “The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Collection is even expanding into this area.”

Key destinations on the rise

One of the most anticipated luxury hotel openings for 2025 is Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Milan, which Walia described as “the most exciting opening in my opinion”. Other high-profile launches include The Palace Hotel in Madrid, W Florence, W Riyadh in the KAFD area, the Lake Como Edition and the Red Sea Edition.

Luxury safari tourism is also booming, with properties like the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp set to open imminently.

“It’s an elevated camp, so you can see the wildlife migrations happening,” Walia noted.

Sustainability and independent hotels in the luxury market

Another expert present was Collin, Executive Vice-President of the Europe branch of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, who accentuated the company’s commitment to sustainable travel.

“We launched our Climate Action Plan in December 2024 with clear, actionable steps towards achieving net zero by 2050,” she said.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, represents more than 600 properties across 80 countries, with 130 of its hotels recognised in the Forbes Five-Star Awards.

The Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Travel Summit was hosted at the Grimaldi Forum. Photo by Monaco Life

Among its latest additions is the Armani Hotel Milan, further reinforcing Milan’s position as a booming luxury travel destination. Other highly anticipated openings include Maison Albar Le Victoria in Nice, Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands, The Visions Resort & Spa in Florida, Oros in Crete, The Newman in London and Romegas Hotel in Valletta.

See more: Monaco Life goes around the world: Milan

Preferred’s I Prefer loyalty programme now has five million members, reflecting the growing appeal of independent luxury properties.

Industry voices

Monaco Life also spoke with Casey Lavin, President of Beemok Hospitality, a US-based luxury hospitality company. With 20 years in the industry, Lavin said he values Forbes Travel Guide’s role in maintaining service excellence.

During his talk, Lavin pointed out a growing demand for real human connections in luxury service.

“We are training staff to be intuitive, to listen and to read people,” he said. “Emotional intelligence is crucial in this business.”

He also addressed the shortage of trained professionals post-COVID, saying, “When the pandemic hit, hospitality workers were told they weren’t essential. Now, hotels are expanding, but there aren’t enough people going into the industry.”

On travel trends, Lavin noted, “People want authentic experiences in lesser-known places, not just major cities like New York or London. The Middle East is also on the rise, with exciting developments reshaping tourism.”

Casey Lavin, President of Beemok Hospitality. Photo by Monaco Life

Similarly, Dino Michael, Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands, reinforced the shift toward more rural and experiential destinations.

“People want uniqueness, authenticity and a break from mass tourism,” he said. “There’s also a renewed trust in hotels as people prioritise meaningful getaways. Time is luxury.”

Michael highlighted Greece, especially its smaller islands, as a key destination, alongside North Africa, Morocco and Japan, with Albania also emerging as a hotspot.

With Monaco set to host the summit again in 2026, the Principality is solidifying its place as a key player in the global luxury travel conversation.

Monaco Life was there! Watch our Instagram reel below: 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

All photos by Monaco Life

Maserati arrives in Monaco: BPM Exclusive unveils new showroom and MCXtrema supercar

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/02/2025

Maserati has officially established its presence in Monaco, appointing BPM Exclusive as the brand’s exclusive dealer in the Principality. The partnership and new showroom were inaugurated with the unveiling of the Maserati MCXtrema, a 730-horsepower track-only supercar. 

On 27th February, Monaco’s press and car enthusiasts gathered at the newly acquired Maserati showroom on 9 Rue des Açores for the announcement.

“We are proud to represent Maserati in Monaco and excited to share this passion with our clients,” Guido Giovannelli, General Manager of BPM Exclusive, told Monaco Life.

Giovannelli brings a wealth of experience to this new partnership, having spent a decade with Maserati in various strategic roles across EMEA, Japan and Western Europe.

BPM Group, founded in 2004 by French entrepreneur and racing driver Patrick Bornhauser, has become a significant player in the specialised automotive distribution sectors of France, Monaco and Switzerland. The group reported a turnover of €1.9 billion in 2024, operates 151 sites and employs 2,850 people. Its luxury division, BPM Exclusive, manages 15 prestigious brands, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari and now Maserati.

The new MCXtrema is on show at the new Maserati showroom in Monaco. Photo by Monaco Life

Unveiling the MCXtrema

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the Maserati MCXtrema, limited to just 62 units worldwide. This remarkable looking car represents the pinnacle of Maserati’s engineering prowess. Designed exclusively for the track, this supercar boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 730 horsepower. Its design pays homage to Maserati’s rich racing heritage, featuring advanced aerodynamics and a lightweight carbon-fibre structure. 

“The MCXtrema connects directly to Maserati’s long history and heritage in competition racing,” Julien Brunet, General Manager of Maserati West Europe, told Monaco Life.

Monaco’s first Maserati atelier

The new Maserati showroom in Monaco is designed to offer an immersive experience, reflecting the brand’s Italian craftsmanship and elegance. Customers can explore bespoke configurations through the Fuoriserie programme, selecting from a range of materials and colours to personalise their vehicles. The showroom combines the refinement of a tailor’s atelier with the functionality of a workshop, allowing clients to bring their unique automotive visions to life.

Julien Brunet, Guido Giovannelli and the Maserati team at the new Maserati BPM Exclusive showroom in Monaco. Photo source: BPM Exclusive

Q&A with Julien Brunet, General Manager of Maserati West Europe

Monaco Life: BPM has been a well-known group in France for a while. How did this partnership in Monaco come about?

Julien Brunet: BPM stood out because we already had a strong relationship with them in Bordeaux and also in Paris. Given their experience and reputation, it was a natural decision to collaborate with them here.

Where is Maserati positioned in the luxury supercar market?

Maserati’s positioning is driven by a balance of sportiness and elegance. We are not looking for radical designs—though the MCXtrema is an exception, as it’s the most extreme model in our lineup.

Our core principle is to develop grand touring cars, following the legacy of the GranTurismo nameplate, which has been part of the Maserati brand for the past 20 to 25 years. I don’t like to compare ourselves directly to competitors because what truly matters is how people perceive us in the market.

We have been very successful with our grand touring concept—offering cars that are not overstated but simply elegant, with distinctive characteristics and exciting driving dynamics. This philosophy has carried over from previous generations to our current lineup, which includes V6 internal combustion engines as well as fully electric models.

Unveiling the MCXtrema at the new Maserati showroom. Photo source: BPM Exclusive

What role does electric technology play in Maserati’s future?

You will get a better look at our electric technology during the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament, where our new EV will serve as a shuttle car for the players.

The same car is available with both a V6 engine and a full battery-electric (BEV) version with 800-volt technology. This is quite impressive from an industry standpoint because the same platform accommodates two very different powertrains. The battery layout is also unique—it is spread across the chassis to keep the centre of gravity at the same level as the internal combustion version.

Most EVs place the battery under the floor, which raises the seating position. Instead, we chose to shrink the battery and position the seats closer to it, preserving the spirit of a true GranTurismo. Our goal, regardless of the powertrain, is always to deliver the most exciting driving experience possible.

Are you seeing strong demand for Maserati’s electric models?

We are currently evaluating market demand across all model ranges. The reality is that not every market is fully mature for electric cars yet. While we have set a clear direction towards electrification, we are also closely analysing how customers are responding to our offerings.

Today, Maserati is one of the very few luxury brands offering both a high-performance V6, a hybrid and a fully electric alternative within the same model lineup. We are carefully listening to our customers and will adjust our strategy based on their preferences. For us, luxury is about giving customers a choice rather than imposing a single path. That’s why we aim to provide a broad range of possibilities.

Maserati MSG Racing is, of course, Monaco’s own Formula E team. How does that involvement fit into this strategy?

Formula E plays a crucial role in demonstrating that high-performance vehicles can also be sustainable. It’s a proving ground for cutting-edge electric technology, and we use the insights gained from racing to improve our road cars.

Our goal, regardless of the technology, is to create the most exciting cars possible. Formula E is an exciting laboratory for innovation, and it allows us to push boundaries in performance and efficiency.

See more in our video below…

See more: 

Monaco Luxury Experience thrills supercar enthusiasts at Paul Ricard F1 Circuit

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Main photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Microplastics in bottled water: which brands are the safest to drink?

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/02/2025

Amid ongoing concerns that tap water is becoming increasingly polluted by microplastics and PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, the spotlight has temporarily shifted to bottled water in a study by 60 Millions de Consommateurs, which reviewed a range of commonly available brands to identify the safest choices.

The average annual consumption of bottled water in France is 133 litres, equating to around nine billion bottles per year for the total population. Some people choose bottled water over tap for the taste, while others are increasingly turning to this option to limit their exposure to the pollutants found in tap water.

A veritable stream of studies highlighting the extent of tap water pollution has been published in recent years. One found that 340,000 km of French pipelines were contaminated with vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a carcinogen, while another from 2022 estimated that up to 12 million people in France had consumed tap water with pesticide levels exceeding safe limits.

Another body of research from the University of Toulouse revealed that 98% of microplastics in the city’s tap water are undetectable by current EU safety protocols, while a global study reported that has estimated 171 trillion microplastic particles are polluting waterways.

Meanwhile, the World Wildlife Fund has warned that the average person now ingests nearly five grams of plastic per week—roughly the equivalent of a credit card—which may lead to a plethora of long-term health risks.

And it is against this worrying backdrop that concerns about pollutants in bottled water are now growing as well.

A 2022 survey conducted by the environmental group Agir pour l’environnement found that 78% of bottled waters analysed contained varying levels of plastic microparticles. Among them, Vittel Kids, a brand marketed specifically for children, exhibited the highest contamination, with an average of 121 microplastic particles per litre.

Other big names have also made headlines for the wrong reasons. Nestlé Waters Group, which owns brands such as Perrier, Contrex, Hépar and Vittel, has faced accusations of failing to meet water quality standards and of employing illegal filtration methods.

In 2024, a report from the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs noted that nearly 30% of bottled water brands available in France, particularly those from Nestlé and Alma, which owns Cristalline, had used strictly prohibited purification treatments, such as activated charcoal filters.

Which brands are safest?

The report put out by 60 Millions de Consommateurs, first published by the magazine and later covered widely by the French press, sought to put a more positive spin on the situation by studying commonly available brands to find out which are the safest for consumption.

It revealed that Volvic is the top-ranking brand for low microplastic content due to its natural mountain filtration process, which significantly reduces contamination.

Montclar, Carrefour’s bottled water, follows in a close second and was praised for its balanced mineral content and similarly low levels of microplastics. Badoit sparkling water also demonstrated low contamination levels, while Evian ranked fourth, with just one microplastic particle detected per litre.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: George Becker, Pexels

Nearly 200 new state homes assigned, but demand outpaces supply

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/02/2025

Nearly 200 state-owned apartments have been allocated to Monegasque citizens in the latest housing round, but the National Council warns that demand still exceeds supply by 40%.

Since the start of the National Housing Plan in 2019, an initiative spearheaded by Prince Albert II with the goal of better addressing the housing needs of Monegasques—many of whom have struggled to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of owning or renting a property in the Principality—the Commission for the Allocation of State Housing has allocated 1,173 homes to Monaco citizens.

See more: Property prices climb to record heights in Monaco

During the last meeting of the Commission for the Allocation of State Housing, held on 27th February at the Ministry of State under the leadership of Pierre-André Chiappori, Monaco’s Minister of Finance and Economy, 194 state-owned apartments were allocated to Monegasques and their families who had submitted requests for housing between September and October 2024. The properties are located in developments across the Principality, notably in Block B of the Héméra Residence, following last year’s distribution of units in Block C, as well as several apartments that were recently renovated and made available once again in other buildings.

This may seem like quick work, but the National Council has been fast to criticise these results by pointing to the fact that 40% of the requests remain unmet and unanswered.

“This positive assessment is the result of the National Council’s determination to meet the legitimate housing needs of our compatriots,” reads a statement from the National Council. “Nevertheless, with a satisfaction rate of 60%, 40% of requests remain unsatisfactory, which the National Council deplores.”

National Council President Thomas Brezzo has taken an even bigger swipe at the tally, saying, “The housing of Monegasques is a vital part of the National Council’s DNA. The government must not—and should not—consider this major issue for Monegasques as an adjustable variable, particularly in budgetary matters.”

Meanwhile, in an official communiqué, the government has stated, “The Princely Government remains fully committed to this essential policy, continuing its investments and mobilising the necessary resources to provide new housing opportunities for Monegasques in the years ahead. In this context, the government is stepping up initiatives to enhance the living environment of state housing residents. In addition to constructing new buildings and accelerating the renovation of existing apartments, it regularly updates the Standard State Apartment Programme based on resident needs and feedback.”

To “better support residents in their daily lives”, the government has published a practical guide which addresses a series of questions related to the occupation and maintenance of state-owned properties. It is available online and can be accessed here.

Read related:

Monaco’s real estate market soars to €5.9 billion amid surge in new property sales

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life