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Day: 23 April 2025

Monaco and Order of Malta reaffirm centuries-old ties during official visit

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/04/2025

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène welcomed Fra’ John T. Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, to the Prince’s Palace on Tuesday 22nd April, as Monaco marked a symbolic moment in its longstanding relationship with the Catholic lay order.

The visit came just a day after the passing of Pope Francis, casting a solemn tone over the occasion. Prince Albert paid tribute to the late pontiff, describing him as a man of faith and peace whose legacy would have a lasting impact on both the Church and international diplomacy.

Following a formal welcome in the Cour d’Honneur, Fra’ John T. Dunlap was received in private audience by the Sovereign Prince. In a ceremony held at the Palace, Prince Albert awarded the Grand Master the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles, one of the highest honours in the Principality. In return, the Prince was decorated with the Cross of Knight of Justice, while Princess Charlène received the insignia of Dame of Honour and Devotion from the Order of Malta.

At a luncheon following the exchange of honours, Prince Albert spoke of the values shared by Monaco and the Order, including a mutual commitment to humanitarian service and Christian ethics. He also announced a new cooperation agreement aimed at supporting patients with sickle cell disease in Burkina Faso. The partnership brings together the Monegasque government, the Monaco Red Cross, the local chapter of the Order of Malta, and two medical institutions in Ouagadougou.

The official visit, the first by a Grand Master in over a decade, was seen as a gesture of goodwill and a reaffirmation of the enduring ties between the Principality and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Their relationship stretches back more than 500 years, built on a tradition of shared values and collaborative humanitarian efforts.

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

Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais princier

Monte-Carlo Fashion Week 2025 opens with a celebration of ethics and elegance

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/04/2025

Under clear skies on Tuesday 22nd April, the 13th edition of the Monte-Carlo Fashion Week was officially launched in the Cour d’Honneur of the Monaco Town Hall, marking the start of a five-day event focused on sustainable, ethical, and inclusive fashion.

Marjorie Crovetto, Deputy Mayor for Quality of Life, Environment and Sustainable Development, led the opening alongside fellow Deputy Mayor Jean-Marc Déoriti-Castellini. They were joined by Federica Nardoni Spinetta, President of the Chambre Monégasque de la Mode, and Italian designer Elisabetta Franchi, whose evening gown installation lined the grand staircase for the occasion.

The Monte-Carlo Fashion Week, which runs until 26th April, has steadily grown into a key cultural fixture in the Principality’s spring calendar. Speaking at the launch, Crovetto praised the event’s evolution, attributing its success to the energy of the Chambre Monégasque de la Mode and its leadership under Spinetta. The 2025 edition puts a strong spotlight on fashion that not only innovates, but also considers its social and environmental footprint.

A major highlight this year is the 10th anniversary of the Monte-Carlo Fashion Awards, honouring designers committed to both creativity and responsibility. Another anticipated moment is the “Glad you’re awake” fashion performance, curated by students from the École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques – Pavillon Bosio. This experimental show, merging performance art with fashion, is scheduled for Friday 25th April at 6pm at the Espace Léo Ferré.

The Town Hall, a longstanding partner of the event since its inception in 2013, is also reaffirming its support for the fashion sector through education. For the second year running, the Pavillon Bosio is offering a Master’s-level specialisation in fashion scenography, reflecting Monaco’s broader commitment to nurturing future industry talent.

Follow Monaco Life for our coverage of this important spring event.

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

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Clarins unveils luxury spa at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, blending beauty and marine science

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/04/2025

A new spa by Clarins has opened its doors at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, but behind the treatments and soft lighting lies a deeper connection to Monaco – one that blends skincare with cutting-edge marine science.

Inaugurated on Tuesday night by Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins, Managing Director of the Clarins Group and son of the brand’s founder, the Clarins & myBlend Spa marks the brand’s first permanent presence in Monaco. For Dr. Courtin-Clarins, the opening is both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming.

“Monaco is a place I truly love for several reasons,” he told guests. “My niece, who also works with me, is now Monégasque, and I’ve worked closely with the Scientific Centre of Monaco here. It was important for me to be involved.”

The Clarins Spa at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

That scientific partnership led to a discovery now central to Clarins’ newest premium skincare line, Precious. While collaborating with researchers to better understand coral resilience, the team identified a protein they’ve dubbed the “longevity protein”—found in coral species that can live over 3,000 years.

“It’s an extremely interesting protein,” said Dr. Courtin-Clarins. “It plays a crucial role in coral survival. Interestingly, it’s also present in human skin, though it diminishes with age. Our new Precious line has shown its effectiveness in increasing this protein level in the skin.”

The 900-square-metre spa is the latest addition to the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort’s wellness offering and features a comprehensive menu of Clarins and myBlend treatments, from deep-tissue massages to high-tech facials using LED and cryotherapy. The collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer reflects both companies’ shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“The Clarins brand is more traditional, but it’s a traditional brand that remains innovative,” Dr. Courtin-Clarins said. “We’ve always embraced innovation—whether through products like the Double Serum, which emphasises epigenetics, or now with our firming line using Pro-Collagen.”

Treatment room

Clarins treatments are rooted in what he describes as the “art of touch”—a precise manual method based on over 450 techniques. “Our estheticians learn to identify skin tissues through the pressure of their hands. It’s not just about applying a cream; it’s a philosophy of engagement and care.”

Guests can also experience treatments from myBlend, a brand developed by Dr. Courtin-Clarins that combines skincare, nutrition, and technology. One standout is the “lower skeleton” therapy, which uses red and infrared pulsed light.

myBlend mask

“This technology has shown extraordinary results on skin tone and even produced a calming effect,” he said. “We didn’t expect that at first—but we were able to demonstrate it with neurological sensors measuring brain activity and heart rate.”

While Clarins products are sold in over 150 countries, the Monaco spa marks a new kind of venture—one that ties together beauty, science, and the unique character of the Principality.

“It all started with the Institute,” Dr. Courtin-Clarins reflected. “There’s always a kind of return to our DNA. And opening here, in Monaco, is exactly that.”

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

All photos sourced from Monte-Carlo SBM