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Month: April 2025

From setback to comeback: Chef Biasiol honoured at Monaco gourmet gathering 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
24/04/2025

A prestigious cocktail dinner at Marius in Monaco has raised €13,800 for organisations supporting people with disabilities, inspired by the remarkable journey of Chef Jérémy Biasiol, from stroke survivor to Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France competitor.

Chef Biasiol’s impressive journey includes training under legendary chefs Paul Bocuse and Alain Ducasse before earning his first Michelin star at his Hong Kong establishment in 2012. His promising career took an unexpected turn in July 2019 when he suffered a stroke while working at a restaurant in Belle-Île-en-Mer.

The health crisis, which struck at just 39-years-old, left Biasiol with paralysis on his left side, vision loss in his left eye, and reduced hearing. Despite these profound challenges, his passion for cooking remained undimmed.

During the elegant soirée, where champagne flowed freely and gourmet canapés circulated, chef Jérémy Biasiol highlighted his determination to overcome adversity through his participation in the prestigious Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) competition. 

In an exclusive interview with Monaco Life, Biasiol shared the motivation behind his comeback: “What inspired me to return to cooking after my stroke was the desire to remind people that life continues after you become disabled. When something bad happens in your life, it’s possible to rebuild yourself and continue pursuing your passion.”

The chef also spoke about his decision to enter the challenging MOF competition: “It’s like an achievement because six years ago when I had my stroke, my life was totally upside down. I felt like an atomic bomb destroyed my entire life. Little by little, I started to regain confidence in myself. That competition for me was the best example to say, ‘OK, I’m alive again’.”

Chefs gathered in solidarity at Marius in Monaco, promoting inclusion and raising funds for disability groups, in the name of Chef Jérémy Biasiol. Photo by Monaco Life

Solidarity in gastronomy

The event, organised by Le Grand Cordon d’Or de la Cuisine Française in partnership with Monaco Goût et Saveurs, gathered culinary stars and gastronomy enthusiasts.

France’s Minister for Disabled People Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq joined renowned figures from the culinary scene, including MOF 1979 Jacques Maximin, Michelin-starred chef Joël Garault, and Prince’s Palace Chef Christian Garcia, in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.

Gilles Brunner and Fred Ramos of Le Grand Cordon d’Or highlighted the event’s deeper significance: “We wish to show the solidarity of chefs, pastry chefs, restaurateurs, gastronomes, and friends of gastronomy who have gathered around Jérémy. Beyond this project, it is also our wish to show that we must all have a new perspective on disability and inclusion.”

Representatives from numerous associations attended, including Kiwanis Club Monaco, Association des Sommeliers de Monaco, Rotary Club Lyon, and Les Disciples d’Escoffier Côte d’Azur Corse et Monaco.

As Biasiol continues his preparation for the 28th edition of the MOF competition, his story stands as a testament of determination and passion in the culinary world. 

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.  

Main photo of Chef Jérémy Biasiol by Monaco Life

 

Albert II Leisure Centre opens registration for 2025-2026 school year

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/04/2025

Parents of children aged three to 12 who are enrolled in a public or private school in Monaco can now register online for the 2025-2026 school year at the Albert II Leisure Centre, the Principality’s after-school and holiday care service.

The Direction of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS) has announced the official opening of administrative registrations for the Albert II Leisure Centre, a programme offering supervised activities and educational support for Monaco’s young residents. Registration must be completed online via the dedicated teleservice, accessible through the website, and remains open until 15th June.

The process is straightforward. Families who already have a personal account can log in, select the relevant child’s profile, and follow the on-screen instructions to finalise the registration. Those without an account must create one and provide personal details for all relevant family members, including legal guardians and children. Once the account is approved by the relevant authorities, parents can access and complete the registration form.

Following the administrative validation, families gain access to a range of online services, including updates to their family profile, booking for Wednesday afternoons and school holidays, submission of absence justifications, and payment of fees either via automatic debit or credit card.

For more information, visit Monservicepublic.mc or contact the DENJS directly at (+377) 98 98 84 95.

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: Katherine Hanlon, Unsplash

Ricky Whittle and Shy’m to host Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s star-studded closing ceremony

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/04/2025

British actor Ricky Whittle and French singer and actress Shy’m have been announced as the official Masters of Ceremony for the 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s closing night, set to take place on Tuesday 17th June in the Principality.

The prestigious event, held in the Salle des Princes at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum, will mark the grand finale of the five-day international festival, culminating in the highly anticipated presentation of the Golden Nymph Awards. The ceremony is widely considered one of the industry’s most glamorous nights, recognising the best in global television production.

Whittle, best known for his roles in The 100 and American Gods, is no stranger to the Monte-Carlo stage, having previously co-hosted the 2023 edition of the Golden Nymphs. “We’re delighted to welcome back Ricky Whittle, whose presence and benevolence left a lasting impression in 2023,” said Cécile Menoni, Executive Director of the Festival.

For Shy’m, who has made her name as a multi-talented artist in France across music, television and film, this will be her debut as Master of Ceremonies. She first appeared on the Festival’s red carpet in 2023, and now steps into the spotlight as host. “This year, he will be joined by Shy’m, an artist of singular talent and luminous personality. Their duo promises a vibrant closing ceremony, in the image of the Festival: elegant, festive and international,” added Menoni.

The event will also see American actress Robin Wright receive the Crystal Nymph in honour of her exceptional career in television, most notably for her role in House of Cards. The award places her among an exclusive list of international stars recognised in Monaco.

Together, Whittle and Shy’m are expected to bring charisma and energy to an evening that celebrates creativity from all five continents and reflects the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s global outlook and Monegasque flair.

See also: 

Judith Light and Mireille Dumas to chair juries at Monte-carlo Television Festival 2025

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.

Photos source: MC Television Festival

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

 

Sustainable brand Monacqua partners with George Condo for new art-inspired bottle

by: Niki Borisova
23/04/2025

Monacqua and George Condo have teamed up for a limited-edition bottle series, blending art, sustainability, and philanthropy in a project unveiled at NMNM Villa Paloma.

A breakfast launch event held on 22nd April at the New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM) – Villa Paloma marked the official debut of the collaboration between the sustainable water brand Monacqua and American contemporary artist George Condo. Monaco Life was present as the limited-edition bottle—featuring Condo’s artwork—was unveiled ahead of its distribution rollout. Among those in attendance was also Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco

Monacqua, a Monaco-based brand founded by Geeta Kalwani in 2022, has partnered with Condo to produce 100,000 bottles over a six-month period. The artist’s distinctive portrait appears on both paper-based cartons and glass bottles, continuing Monacqua’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging. The bottles will be available through the company’s usual distribution channels, including cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Monacqua is a Monaco-based sustainable water brand combining eco-friendly design with cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Photo by Monaco Life.

Kalwani, a long-time admirer of the arts, said the idea took shape after Monacqua received a generous advertising proposal. However, she felt it went against the brand’s ethos. “Diluting something I had built with such care and affection felt wrong,” she explained. “Why not use the bottle to spread beauty, poetry, and culture? It’s the same as spreading joy.”

The turning point came in October 2024 when Kalwani attended a lecture on George Condo. His strong ties to Monaco and the Princely family made him a natural fit. “I pitched the idea to him—we could celebrate his retrospective at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris at the end of 2025 and pay tribute to the noble work of the Princess Grace Foundation,” she said, adding “The collaboration took shape very naturally from that moment on.”

Art in a bottle

At the launch, Kalwani called the partnership “a great source of pride”, spotlighting Condo’s longstanding and meaningful connection to the Principality. That relationship will also be celebrated in October 2025, when a major retrospective of his work opens at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris.

Björn Dahlström, Director of NMNM, commented on the relevance of the partnership and venue, “George Condo has long been part of Monaco’s cultural landscape, and it feels entirely fitting to host this collaboration at Villa Paloma, where his Humanoids exhibition was presented in 2023. The project reflects the museum’s commitment to facilitating dialogues between contemporary art and the Principality’s cultural heritage.”

The unveiling of the Monacqua & George Condo collaboration took place at Villa Paloma, with a breakfast held at Regulus, the museum’s heliotropic pavilion-bar designed by Guillaume Aubry and set in the gardens of the NMNM. Photo by Monaco Life.

Describing the spirit of the edition, Kalwani said she views the artwork “as an interpretation of the Monaco woman: attractive, complex, and with eyes everywhere! With her bold yellow tones and surreal, fragmented features, the work is joyful, mischievous, and deep. It’s unmistakably George Condo—inviting people to pause, reflect, and feel, even just for a moment.

The collaboration also has a philanthropic dimension. A charity auction of signed bottles will be organised by auctioneer Simon de Pury, with proceeds benefiting the Fondation Princesse Grace. Each bottle sold will also contribute a portion of its revenue to the foundation’s work with children facing serious illness.

The limited-edition Monacqua x George Condo design will be available in two formats: a recyclable paper-based carton and a glass bottle, both featuring the artist’s signature portrait. Photo by Monaco Life.

Condo, who has maintained strong ties with the Princely family and Monaco’s art scene, first gained prominence in the 1980s while working alongside Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His works are held in major institutions including the MoMA, the Tate, and the Centre Pompidou.

Rather than positioning the collaboration as a collector’s item, the bottles will be priced at Monacqua’s standard retail rate in an effort to make contemporary art more accessible

Further details regarding the charity auction will be announced closer to the end of the year.

 

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.

Main photo supplied.

Monaco honours law enforcement with annual Saint-Georges Mass at Sainte-Dévote

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/04/2025

Monaco paid tribute to its police forces on Wednesday morning with a solemn Mass in honour of Saint Georges, the patron saint of public safety, held at the historic Église Sainte-Dévote.

The annual ceremony, held on 23rd April, brought together senior Monegasque authorities, French institutional representatives, and members of the public. Among those in attendance was Charlotte Casiraghi, godmother of the Sûreté Publique, whose presence underscored the importance of the occasion.

The service began with an address by Éric Arella, Controller in charge of the Direction de la Sûreté Publique, who welcomed attendees and reaffirmed the symbolic significance of Saint-Georges Day for Monaco’s law enforcement.

The Mass was co-celebrated by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David and Abbé Julien Gollino, Chaplain of the Sûreté Publique. Their shared officiation reflected the unity between the Church and Monaco’s public institutions in support of those who serve and protect.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Police Officer’s Prayer, composed in 2022 for the 120th anniversary of the Sûreté Publique, was read aloud by a police officer. The text honours the values of courage, duty, and service that Saint Georges represents and that Monaco’s police embody in their daily work.

The Saint-Georges celebration remains a deeply symbolic moment for the Principality, offering an opportunity each year to express gratitude to its law enforcement personnel and reflect on the enduring principles of protection and bravery that define their mission.

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.