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Month: April 2025

Mini-Club at Larvotto reopens for summer with registration starting mid-April

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/04/2025

Monaco’s beloved Mini-Club at Larvotto Beach is set to return for the summer season, with online registration opening from 14th April for Monegasque and resident families.

Run by the Monaco Town Hall’s Early Childhood and Family Service, the Mini-Club transforms the Jardin d’Eveil into a vibrant leisure centre during the summer months. This year, the club will welcome children aged 3 to 12 from Monday, 30th June to Friday, 29th August 2025. Daily hours will run from 8:15am to 5:45pm.

Pre-registration is compulsory and must be completed on the Mairie’s Portail Familles platform between 14th and 25th April. Once applications are reviewed and approved, families will be invited to confirm their bookings. Reservation periods run from 2nd to 11th May for children of Monegasque nationality and from 14th to 21st May for Monaco residents. Confirmation emails will be sent at the end of each booking window.

To register, families must create an account—if one does not already exist—on the Portail Familles, download the Mini-Club 2025 form, and upload the necessary signed documents under the Mes documents tab. A complete dossier must be submitted for each child in order for the registration to be validated.

The Mini-Club offers a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore, play and make new friends during the school holidays. For more information, parents can contact the team at (+377) 93 15 61 80 or email miniclub@mairie.mc.

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 Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Luxury car showcase returns to Grimaldi Forum for second edition of Special Days

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/04/2025

Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum will once again transform into a luxury car showroom on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April as the Special Days event makes its highly anticipated return. The showcase, organised by Monaco-Occasions and BPM Exclusive, follows a successful debut in 2024 that drew more than 3,000 visitors.

This second edition of the event aims to build on that success, bringing together a curated collection of 45 high-end pre-owned vehicles. Under the iconic glass roof and across the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum, visitors will find an array of prestigious marques including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, and Lamborghini. In response to growing demand for electric mobility, the line-up will also include a selection of fully electric models.

Organisers are promising a refined experience that reflects Monaco’s automotive standards. Each vehicle on display is offered with a guarantee, and bespoke financing and delivery solutions are available for buyers based in both Monaco and France. Prospective clients are encouraged to consult the full catalogue and schedule viewings via a dedicated landing page ahead of the two-day event.

A key highlight of Special Days is the availability of exclusive commercial offers, accessible only to attendees during the event. Visitors will also be able to have direct access to BPM Exclusive’s team of advisors, who will be on hand to offer personalised guidance throughout the purchasing process.

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: BPM Exclusive

 

Grimaldi Forum to host young leaders of tomorrow at Mediterranean Model UN 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/04/2025

Later this week, Prince Albert II of Monaco will welcome almost 500 students from elite high schools and universities across the Mediterranean region to the 2025 edition of the Mediterranean Model United Nations (MEDMUN) at the Grimaldi Forum. The annual event will host discussions in six languages on topics ranging from crime to climate crises.

Though Prince Albert II will officially open MEDMUN 2025 on Friday 4th April, it is the students who are the stars of the event.

These nearly 500 civic-minded young people from all over the region will converge first at the Grimaldi Forum for a series of engaging round tables and icebreaker activities, allowing participants to connect with fellow committee members, before heading to Menton for a welcoming fireworks display on the Plage des Sablettes.

Over the following two days, the action will be centred around the Sciences Po Paris Menton campus, where these young minds will be encouraged to discuss and debate some of the most pressing issues of the day under this year’s theme, Strategic Alliances: New Generations Turning Divides into Dialogue. Topics on the agenda include the problem of drug trafficking and related crimes, the illegal recruitment of children into armies, mental health in refugee camps and the rights of women.

Delegates will hold these talks in the six languages most widely spoken across the Mediterranean region: French, English, Arabic, Italian, Spanish and Turkish. Through discourse, the conference aims to give a new generation of forward-thinking delegates the passion to study and learn about the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.

MEDMUN 2025 will also feature 18 dynamic committees, including four crisis committees, three courts, the International Press Forum and the newly introduced Conseil MUNicipal, a French-speaking council that discusses and makes resolutions related to local policies. The event will also take a scholarly approach, featuring insights from 16 distinguished professionals who will contribute to discussions during opening and closing ceremonies as well as within the various committees. These experts will provide valuable perspectives to the delegates’ debates and proposed solutions.

In a related event earlier this month, the International School of Monaco hosted its own Model United Nations conference, ISM MUN 2024, on 13th and 14th March. More than 130 students participated, engaging in debates on critical issues such as health, well–being, human rights and environmental sustainability.

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 by Monaco Life

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