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Day: 29 March 2025

Fairmont Monte Carlo’s Joël Darfeuille crowned the World’s Best Receptionist

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/03/2025

The Fairmont Monte Carlo’s ever-dedicated Joël Darfeuille has been crowned with the prestigious David Campbell Trophy as well as the title of world’s best receptionist at the Amicale Internationale des Sous-Directeurs et Chefs de Réception annual awards in Athens, an event that celebrates the very best in luxury hospitality.

On 22nd March, Joël Darfeuille climbed the stage in the Greek capital to accept his award as the World’s Best Receptionist. His journey to the top had begun several months ago, when he clinched the title of Best Receptionist in France in December 2024. With the backing of his mentor, Sébastien Brincat, head of reception at the Fairmont, Darfeuille went on to outshine 17 finalists from across the world in a test of skill, composure and charm.

The competition wasn’t all about warm smiles and polite greetings, though—it was a rigorous challenge designed to separate the exceptional from the merely excellent. Darfeuille had to manoeuvre through four demanding rounds, including a back-office preparation session, two high-pressure role-playing exercises featuring demanding guests and a strategic meeting with all the competitors.

It was in this final stage that he truly set himself apart, demonstrating not only leadership and innovation but a razor-sharp strategic vision that left the judges in no doubt that he was the one to beat.

“Joël is a passionate professional with an exceptional ability to anticipate guest needs and deliver top-notch personalised service while maintaining remarkable consistency,” says Brincat. “His victory reflects his commitment, excellence, team spirit and tireless work. We are proud to have him with us at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.”

Before his tenure at the Fairmont, Darfeuille honed his techniques at prestigious establishments such as Aman Le Mélézin in Courchevel, Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges Courchevel, La Bastide de Gordes in Provence and the Hotel Café Royal in London.

Read related:

Fairmont Monte Carlo announces Alexandre Ariel as new General Manager

 

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 courtesy of Fairmont Monte Carlo

Step into the world of costume-making and theatre sets with three-day NMNM course

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/03/2025
nmnm stage

Young creatives aged eight to 12 are invited to explore the world of costume-making and theatre sets at a three-day interactive workshop at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco during the Easter holidays, where they can express creativity, learn new skills and, above all, have fun.

In this engaging and entertaining programme, called Performing Textiles and scheduled for 16th to 18th April, participants will immerse themselves in the creative process by crafting stage props and large-scale objects, as well as having the unique opportunity to interact with fabrics, headdresses and stage costumes from La Collection Voyageuse, a segment of NMNM’s extensive collection of 4,000 stage costumes and 400 set models donated to the institution by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

The workshop will take place in the Agora, a specially designed space created by artist, designer and scenographer Olivier Vadrot, providing an inspiring environment that encourages creativity and exploration.

The culmination of the workshop will feature a public presentation on 18th April at 4pm, allowing the students to showcase their creations to family and friends.

This hands-on experience aims to heighten the appreciation for the art of performance and textile design among the young attendees and is an excellent way for kids to spend a few days during the break.

The workshop fee is €45 per child. Given limited availability, early registration is recommended to ensure participation in this artistic experience. For more information and reservations, email public@nmnm.mc.

 

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: Eva Blue, Unsplash