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Month: April 2025

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

 

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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

Monaco students take part in NASA’s virtual ‘Earth to Space’ festival

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/04/2025

In an inspiring fusion of science and education, nearly 70 schoolchildren from Monaco’s Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré have been given the unique opportunity to connect with NASA as part of the Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky festival. The virtual event at the end of March gave students a chance to learn about the latest space missions, as well as the diplomacy and cooperation needed to navigate negotiations in the final frontier.

Close to 70 pupils from Monaco’s own Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB) were invited to take part in the Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky event on 31st March via a special virtual session with NASA Education Specialist and Principal Outreach Coordinator Dorian Janney, who has spent the last three decades sharing her passion for science and space with young people.

During the session, the students explored NASA’s Earth observation missions, gaining insights into the role of space exploration in environmental preservation. The event also highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and global collaboration in advancing scientific research.

The Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky festival, based at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, will run until 20th April. An unlikely mix of musicians, astronauts, researchers, filmmakers, space designers, environmentalists, engineers, dancers, visual artists and scientists have come together in honour of the event to highlight the marvels of the universe and to encourage collective action to protect our planet as well as outer space.

“Given that only a worldwide effort can protect space, including our own fragile little blue dot, Earth to Space brings together an international lineup of artistic and scientific luminaries, visionary projects and collaborations. Programming will appeal to all generations, with a special emphasis on young people, whose lives will be impacted by these developments the most,” say Alicia Adams, Vice President of International Programming, and Gilda Almeida, Director of International Programming, of the event.

Monaco’s involvement in the project was made possible through a collaborative effort between Monaco’s Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Maguy Maccarion Doyle, and the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS). The partnership reflects a shared commitment to inspiring younger generations to gain scientific knowledge and a broader understanding of global challenges. By engaging with leading experts, students were encouraged to consider future careers in science and technology.

Read related:

Monaco strengthens climate action by joining space-based climate observatory

 

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: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

 

E1 Championship publishes first sustainability report, highlights progress and future plans

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/04/2025

The UIM E1 World Championship has released its first-ever sustainability report, detailing how the all-electric raceboat series is already making environmental and social impact after just one season.

In a clear statement of purpose and ambition, the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF has published its 2024 Sustainability Report. The world’s first electric raceboat series, which held its inaugural races in cities like Monaco, Venice and Jeddah, is aiming to redefine marine motorsport through climate-conscious innovation, ocean conservation and gender equality.

At the centre of E1’s environmental approach is its Blue Impact Programme, which delivers a suite of initiatives aimed at regenerating coastal ecosystems and promoting awareness of marine threats. The 2024 season saw tangible action, including a major harbour clean-up in Puerto Banús and the ‘Save Posidonia’ campaign by Team Rafa in the Balearic Islands. These efforts are part of E1’s broader mission to leave every race location better than it was found.

The report also outlines the Championship’s progress in limiting its carbon footprint. In 2024, E1 recorded 1,672 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. By offsetting 92% of this total, the series achieved PAS 2060 certification for contributing to global carbon neutrality. A dedicated Marine Mammal Risk Mitigation Protocol was also put in place at each event to protect local marine life, including pre-race monitoring, adjusted course routes, and the use of spotters and response boats.

Social inclusion is a defining pillar of E1’s strategy. Every race team is required to field one male and one female pilot, a deliberate move to balance representation in a traditionally male-dominated sport. The E1 Pilot Academy also welcomed 40 participants from 14 countries, many of whom had no prior powerboat experience. Meanwhile, community programmes like the Acceleration Festival and partnerships with organisations such as the Cometa Foundation in Lake Como extended the series’ impact beyond the water.

Looking ahead, the report reveals plans to expand race locations in 2025 and deepen sustainability partnerships. With support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and governance from the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), E1 is positioning itself not only as a spectacle of speed and innovation, but as a platform for environmental action.

“This is just the outset of the journey in our race for the planet,” said E1 CEO Rodi Basso. “We’re buoyed by the opportunity to create real, lasting impact through this Championship.”

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: Spacesuit Media

 

Monaco’s Parent Spaces: thee months of helpful and supportive workshops for families

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/04/2025

Monaco’s Parent Spaces programme offers a place for parents and future parents to connect, share experiences and gain valuable insights from a range of experts. Over the next three months, the Early Childhood & Families Service will be running a variety of free sessions on essential topics such as child development, parenting techniques and family dynamics, providing practical tools and support to help raise happy, healthy children.

This month’s workshops focus on key parenting challenges, from how best to introduce food to children at different stages on 15th April to navigating the complexities of raising a three-year-old, often dubbed the “threenager” phase, on 22nd April. There will also be a thought-provoking discussion session on diverse parenting models, including same-sex parenting, adoption and single parenting, that will offer insights on supporting children through open conversations about personal family experiences on 29th April.

In May, the programme turns its focus to emotions, both for parents and children. A special discussion on postpartum experiences will help parents understand and navigate this transformative phase on 9th May. Another highlight of the month includes an interactive session where families can experience sensory discovery with their children, exploring the five senses in a fun and engaging way on 13th May. Parents can also pick up strategies to help children manage frustrations and emotional outbursts on 20th May, before learning practical solutions to improve bedtime routines and manage common sleep challenges in young children on 27th May.

June’s sessions tackle significant transitions and family dynamics. A discussion on parental separation will provide guidance on supporting children through family changes on 6th June. Another engaging workshop, led by a dietitian on 10th June, will focus on turning stressful mealtimes into moments of calm and connection. As summer approaches, parents can get advice on how best to prepare their children for school in September on 17th June. The month concludes on 27th June with a workshop dedicated to resolving conflicts between siblings.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS

Beyond these discussion-based sessions, parents can participate in psychomotor skills workshops led by a specialist once a month. These sessions will take place on 22nd April, 15th May and 12th June, offering hands-on ways to support children’s physical development. Additionally, parent-child play workshops will be available every Wednesday morning until the end of June, providing a space for bonding through play.

For the complete list of events, including times and locations, click here.

 

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: Yan Krukau, Pexels