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Day: 1 April 2025

Box98 delivers on promise of fun new leisure centre for kids and teens

by: Niki Borisova
01/04/2025

Monaco’s newest entertainment hub, Box98, has brought electric karting, arcade games, bowling, and a touch of nostalgia back to the community. 

Officially opened to the public on 1st April following an inauguration by the Princely family on Friday, Box98 is located on the terraces of the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, at the former Car Collection Museum of the Sovereign Prince. Monaco Life visited the newly launched venue, which blends fast-paced fun with a nod to local history—offering everything from karting and gaming to a curated display of Stars’n’Bars memorabilia.

The entrance area is bright, loud and animated, filled with the hum of arcade machines and the buzz of electric go-karts zipping around the elevated track overhead. Neon lighting, racing simulators, a pool table, bowling alleys, karaoke rooms, and various gaming arcades give the space a distinctly youth-oriented atmosphere.

See more: New chapter for Fontvieille as Box98 set to open in former museum site 

But it’s the upper level that brings an unexpected nostalgic element. A sports bar and seating area have been fitted with display cases containing memorabilia from the now-closed beloved Stars’n’Bars sports bar. Among the items are original racing suits, signed photographs, and well-worn sneakers labelled with names like the Jensen brothers and Aaron Krickstein. The original signage from the former venue has also been installed, preserving a slice of Monaco’s social and sporting past.

The original Stars’n’Bars logo is now displayed at Box98, a nostalgic tribute to the iconic venue that once defined Monaco’s social and sporting scene. Photo by Monaco Life.

One 14-year-old local, who had just finished a karting session, told Monaco Life: “The track is so cool. I’m going to come back this weekend with my friends and hang out here.”

His mother added, “There used to be NiBox years ago, but since its closure there hasn’t really been a proper place for teens since. This is much better — it keeps them busy.”

See also: New youth leisure centre to open in Fontvieille in early spring

The track itself is designed to mimic elements of the Monaco Grand Prix, featuring sweeping curves, a raised layout and a short straight for overtaking. The fully electric go-karts come in various models, including options for young children, teens, and adults. A special boost button in adult karts provides an extra burst of speed.

Box98’s electric go-karts, available for all ages, race around a track inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix, complete with sweeping curves. Photo by Monaco Life.

After extensive calls from Monaco’s National Council for the reintroduction of a family-friendly leisure centre in Monaco, the government announced in December that it had secured a concept for the unused site in Fontvielle.

Pricing starts at €25 for a single adult session, with multi-session packages available. A ‘Grand Prix’ format, which includes practice, qualification, and a race, is priced at €75 per person.

Box98 is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It remains closed on Mondays.

Check out Monaco Life’s Box98 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.  

Photos by Monaco Life.

Frédéric Genta named chairman and head of Europe at Azura Partners

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/04/2025

Frédéric Genta, the former Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition in the Monaco government, has been appointed Chairman and Regional Head of Europe at Azura Partners, in a move that signals the firm’s growing ambitions on the continent.

Azura Partners, the Monaco-based global wealth management firm, offically announced on Tuesday 1st April that it has brought Frédéric Genta on board to lead its European operations as part of a wider strategy to strengthen its international presence. Genta will now spearhead the firm’s expansion efforts across Europe from its headquarters in the Principality, just months after stepping down from his high-profile role in Monaco’s government.

The move reflects a shift for Genta from the public to the private sector, following seven years as a senior official tasked with advancing Monaco’s economic appeal and digital infrastructure. During his tenure, he was instrumental in modernising the Principality’s tech ecosystem and attracting high-value investors and entrepreneurs to its shores.

Frédéric Genta is no stranger to the international business world. Prior to joining the Monaco government, he held executive positions at Google and Amazon, managing strategic partnerships and operations in both France and the United States. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and has served on multiple company boards across Europe. He is also the son of Gérald Genta, the celebrated watchmaker credited with revolutionising luxury timepieces in the 20th century.

In announcing the appointment, Azura Partners said the addition of Genta would bring “top-tier expertise” and reinforce its leadership capabilities in Europe.

“I am extremely thankful to have been able to serve His Serene Highness Prince Albert II as a member of the Monaco government for the last seven years, contributing to Monaco’s growth as a leader in both the finance and investment industries, as well as in innovation and digital transformation,” said Frédéric Genta in a statement. “I am now thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Azura Partners, an investment firm focusing on public and private markets for business leaders and leading institutions, working alongside Ali Jamal and the exceptional team.”

The firm has also appointed Anne Torrel-Izrael, a Monaco native with experience at Pictet, Credit Suisse, and Goldman Sachs, as Head of Client and Business Development for Europe. Together, they are expected to lead the firm’s next phase of European growth.

Azura Partners was founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Ali Jamal and has rapidly scaled its operations. With seven offices worldwide and nearly $5 billion in assets under management, the firm serves a global clientele of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Its headquarters in Monaco comprise a 60-person team, with women comprising 40% of the workforce.

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. 

See also:

Podcast Interview: Frédéric Genta on the great digital transition

Photo: Anne Torrel Izrael, Frederic Genta and Ali Jamal. Source: Azura Partners

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week to honour Renzo Rosso’s sustainable leadership

by: Niki Borisova
01/04/2025

Diesel founder Renzo Rosso is set to be honoured at Monte-Carlo Fashion Week 2025 for his role in driving sustainable change in the fashion industry.

The founder of Diesel and president of the OTB Group has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Positive Change Award at the Monte-Carlo Fashion Week Awards, which will be held on 24th April.

The awards, which are entering their 10th year in 2025, recognise individuals and brands who have made significant contributions to shaping a more responsible, ethical and sustainable fashion industry. The Positive Change Award, specifically, is presented to figures who demonstrate a commitment to responsible practices and long-term transformation within the industry.

Rosso is being recognised for his ongoing efforts to implement circular economy principles and promote social and environmental responsibility within his businesses. As the head of the OTB Group, which includes brands such as Diesel, Maison Margiela and Marni, Rosso has positioned himself as an advocate for more sustainable practices, with his work widely considered to have had a broader impact beyond his own companies. He is notably credited for his focus on rethinking fashion systems in a way that aligns creativity with responsibility.

The award ceremony is part of a wider programme that aims to bring together designers, entrepreneurs and creatives who are engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the fashion industry today.

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week will be held from 22nd to 26th April at venues across the Principality.

Read related:

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week: a global platform for sustainable fashion

 

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 supplied

Art meets sport at ‘The Grand Slam of Speed’ exhibit in Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
01/04/2025

The Grand Slam of Speed, an art-meets-sport exhibit timed to coincide with Monaco’s major spring events, brings the works of Sol Felpeto and Lina Condes to the lobby of Le Méridien Beach Plaza.

Now open at Le Méridien Beach Plaza on Avenue Princesse Grace, The Grand Slam of Speed explores the intersection of professional sport and contemporary art. Presented by Espinasse31 gallery, it brings together two distinct artistic voices: Sol Felpeto, known for her Pop-inspired “arttoons,” and sculptor Lina Condes.

Espinasse31 is a contemporary art gallery founded in Milan, with additional spaces in Monaco and Madrid. Known for its focus on both emerging and established international artists, the gallery often curates exhibitions that intersect with fashion, design and popular culture. In Monaco, Espinasse31 has an ongoing partnership with Le Méridien Beach Plaza and regularly transforms the hotel’s public areas into temporary exhibition spaces.

This event has been timed to coincide with key sporting events in the Principality, such as the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the Monaco E-Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix, aiming to engage an international clientele of art collectors, sports fans and industry professionals who are in town for the spring calendar.

Felpeto’s section of the exhibition features a series of paintings and illustrations that reimagine sporting history with cartoonish flair and cultural references. Her work typically incorporates animals, fictional characters and visual humour to comment on broader social themes. The artist has exhibited internationally at Art Miami, Art Taipei and other major fairs, and draws on a multicultural background shaped by time spent in Venezuela, Argentina and Spain.

Condes, meanwhile, contributes sculptural works that focus on the aesthetics of movement in tennis. Using stainless steel and industrial materials, her stick figure-inspired pieces depict tennis players in motion. Condes, who is Ukrainian-American, has shown her work at the Venice Biennale, Art Miami and in galleries across Geneva, Dubai, London and Monaco. Her sculptures are part of several private and institutional collections.

The Grand Slam of Speed will be on display in the lobby of Le Méridien Beach Plaza until 9th June.

Read related:

Monaco secures recognition of sport as a tool for gender equality at UN in New York

 

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: Espinasse31

Michelin Guide 2025: L’Abysse debuts with two stars, Elsa reclaims its place and Les Ambassadeurs retains its status

by: Elsa Carpenter
01/04/2025

Monaco’s gourmet scene has reached new heights following the unveiling of the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide, which sees newcomer restaurant L’Abysse claim two stars in its first year and Monte-Carlo Beach’s Elsa return to the prestigious listing. Blue Bay Marcel Ravin has also won a special Titre Passion Dessert, while Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac has retained its stars despite an interrupted season.

With the unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Guide in Metz on 31st March, a ceremony attended by hundreds of talented chefs from across France and the Principality, Monaco’s dining scene enters a new era of success and acclaim.

The Principality now boasts an incredible 13 stars across eight restaurants, six of which feature in Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s (SBM) esteemed portfolio.

The most famous of these is undoubtedly Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, Monaco’s iconic three-star address in the heart of Monte-Carlo, but there are others worth celebrating too.

The Hôtel Hermitage’s L’Abysse, which opened less than a year ago, replacing the Crystal Bar, has followed in the footsteps of its Parisian sister at the Pavillon Ledoyen by earning an impressive two stars in the 2025 edition of the guide.

“My team and I are especially proud and grateful for these stars, which come just eight months after opening,” says Chef Yannick Alléno, who also runs the hotel’s one-star Pavyllon Monte-Carlo. “They reward the dedication of a passionate team that has been working alongside me for many years. L’Abysse Monte-Carlo is now Monte-Carlo’s first two-starred Japanese restaurant.”

See more: Chef Yannick Alléno brings two-starred Japanese dining to Monaco with L’Abysse Monte-Carlo

This Alléno-signed restaurant, helmed by Sushi Master Yasunari Okazaki (pictured above), demonstrated its potential as a fine dining destination from the outset, earning a 17/20 rating in the Gault & Millau Guide just four months after its opening in summer 2024.

Meanwhile, Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach has reclaimed the star it lost several years ago. This return to Michelin-starred form is thanks to Chef Marcel Ravin, who also heads up Blue Bay Marcel Ravin at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, and the arrival of Chef Domenico D’Antonio, who has led the kitchen for a year. Under Ravin’s direction, Elsa has been transformed into a tribute to the sea and its bounties, well worthy of its stunning sea-facing locale.

The marriage of colour and flavour is a hallmark of Chef Marcel Ravin and his vision for Elsa. Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

“I am very happy and honoured by this award, which I owe to the passion of my kitchen and dining teams, and especially to Domenico,” says Chef Ravin. “Elsa has always fascinated and inspired me. I extend my gratitude to [SBM CEO] Stéphane Valeri, our General Manager Albert Manzone and Monte-Carlo Beach Director René Blino for their trust and for allowing me to embark on this wonderful culinary journey.”

Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, which holds two Michelin stars, has added further acclaim to its name in the 2025 Guide by earning a special Titre Passion Dessert. Pastry Chef Floriane Grand has worked alongside Ravin for six years, imbuing her unique creations with the Martinique chef’s passion for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and his Caribbean influences.

“This shower of stars for L’Abysse Monte-Carlo and Elsa, coupled with Blue Bay’s special Passion Dessert award, fills me with joy and pride,” says SBM CEO Valeri.

Pastry Chef Floriane Grand has earned the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin a Titre Passion Dessert in the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide. Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

Elsewhere in the Principality, the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is celebrating the continuation of its Michelin-starred journey at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac.

Just nine months after its launch in 2023, the restaurant was honoured with two Michelin stars in the 2024 edition of the guide. Now that status has been reaffirmed despite fears that its closure during hotel renovations would threaten its stars.

“Receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year is an immense source of pride,” says Chef Christophe Cussac. “These stars belong above all to the entire team, united by the same passion and unwavering commitment. Every day, we strive to elevate flavours with sincerity and precision, creating a unique emotional experience for our guests.”

Tradition meets modernity at Les Ambassadeurs de Christophe Cussac. Photo source: Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo

The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s Yoshi, meanwhile, lost its star following the departure of Chef Takeo Yamazaki.

The hotel and Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac are set to reopen in early May.

Read related:

L’Abysse, Marlow and other Monaco restaurants join Mr Goodfish’s sustainable seafood charter

 

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 courtesy of Monte-Carlo SBM

Monaco gears up for A1 Padel Tour after successful Grand Master in Beausoleil

by: Niki Borisova
01/04/2025

Argentinian duo Juan Ignacio de Pascual and Ramiro Pereyra have claimed the A1 Padel France Grand Master title after 10 days of intense competition in Beausoleil. The event’s organisers have since confirmed that a new tournament is set to take place in Monaco’s Port Hercule this summer.

The A1 Padel France 2025 Grand Master came to a close this past weekend after 10 days of competition at Tennis Padel Soleil in Beausoleil. The event marked the first time that a French stage of the professional tour has hosted a Grand Master, the top category in the A1 Padel tournament calendar.

Argentinian duo Juan Ignacio de Pascual and Ramiro Pereyra won the title, living up to their No.2 seed status after the early exits of several of the tour’s top-ranked pairs.

“This is an absolute success on all levels,” said Fabrice Pastor, President and Founder of A1 Padel. “The sporting results had a significant impact on the rankings, reinforcing the crucial importance of this tournament on the circuit this season. The rise of new players against the favourites made the event particularly open and captivating, with six of the top-seeded pairs being eliminated early on.”

The Grand Master attracted consistent crowds across the 10 days of play, with increased attendance for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. Matches were played on the central court at Tennis Padel Soleil, which features a permanent stadium and grandstands.

See more: Grand Master launches in Beausoleil as Pastor reveals next moves for A1 Padel

“Tennis Padel Soleil stands as a model for France,” added Pastor. “Its high-quality infrastructure… provided optimal conditions for players, as we clearly witnessed. The outstanding work of the club’s director, Cristina Pastor, and her team has paid off, making this tournament truly exceptional.”

The A1 Padel Tour, which has visited 36 countries to date, is now set to continue its global expansion. A new Grand Master is scheduled to take place in Monaco this summer, with three temporary courts due to be installed on Port Hercule. The event will be held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II between 18th and 27th July.

Further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

 

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 supplied