Day: 9 May 2025

The Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to inclusivity with the signing of a dedicated charter for patients with disabilities. The symbolic ceremony, held Thursday at the Salle Du Conseil d’Administration of the healthcare facility, formalises 17 concrete commitments aimed at making healthcare more accessible to all.

The event brought together key figures including Christophe Robino, Minister for Social Affairs and Health, and Lionel Galfré, Technical Advisor – Delegate for Disability, alongside partner associations and hospital management.

The charter is the culmination of extensive work by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Valérie Bernard, Head of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department and institutional disability liaison, and Damien Aimé, Management Officer at Cap Fleuri.

“Conscious of the difficulties that people with disabilities face in accessing healthcare, CHPG has made this challenge a priority,” reads the institution’s official document presented during the ceremony.

The initiative has already yielded tangible results with the implementation of four key measures: a unique phone number with an online form for pre-visit needs assessment, personalised care pathways designed a case-by-case basis, practical guidance sheets for all staff, and the formal charter that codifies the institution’s approach to inclusive care. 

Alignment with Monaco’s Handicap policy

This development comes as part of Monaco’s broader Handicap strategy launched by the Princely Government in December 2023, which encourages all organisations across the Principality to adopt standards facilitating the inclusion of people with disabilities.

During the ceremony, Christophe Robino highlighted the significance of the initiative: “I believe this is truly an excellent response to the government’s initiative, which is expressed through the Handicap policy. Ultimately, our objective is that individually and collectively, we are ready for a society where disability no longer presents barriers to accessing services and participating fully in daily life.”

The 17-point charter addresses multiple dimensions of healthcare accessibility, from guaranteeing care regardless of disability type to enhancing communication quality. It outlines commitments across six categories: healthcare access, reception quality, patient autonomy, needs assessment, caregiver support, and professional training.

The working group, which includes doctors, caregivers, administrative staff, management, and user representatives, collaborated closely with the Principality’s associations to develop this comprehensive framework.

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali – Direction de la Communication

 

 

In a place like Monaco, where gleaming superyachts are as common as supercars and brokerage banners jostle for attention along the docks of Port Hercule, it takes something special to stand out. Moravia Yachting does just that—not by shouting louder than the rest, but by doing things differently.

This is not another brokerage with a legacy name and corporate polish. Moravia is sleek and youthful, Monaco-born yet globally fluent, boutique in scale but bolstered by the weight and reach of Hill Robinson, one of the world’s most respected yacht management firms. It’s a fusion that’s rare in the brokerage space.

In 2017, Hill Robinson acquired Moravia Yachting with a clear purpose in mind. The two companies would remain distinct yet complementary – Hill Robinson continuing its low-profile, technical management of some of the world’s finest yachts, while Moravia took a more visible, client-facing role in sales and charter. It was a deliberate move, one that would allow Hill Robinson to offer a full-spectrum service without diluting its own core ethos.

“We acquired Moravia in 2017 and set about building a brokerage team,” Niall Robinson, Founding Partner and CEO of Hill Robinson, tells Monaco Life. “Now, we’ve reached a level of maturity where we have a very strong team, a compelling market proposition, and clear differentiators from our competition.”

Those differentiators come into sharp focus the moment you step inside the Monaco office. There’s a spirit here that feels different – lighter, more agile. The team is young, but not green; ambitious, but not brash. And that’s by design.

“We’ve built what I’d call a family-like team culture,” says Kurt Fraser, Moravia’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Lone-wolf salespeople who are only in it for themselves don’t really fit here. We’re about mutual success – for the brand, the company, the individual broker, and most importantly, the client.”

That sense of shared purpose underpins every part of the business. Moravia is not about stacking listings or pushing volume; it’s about curating a highly focused fleet and delivering deeply personal service. It’s this nimble, hands-on approach – backed by Hill Robinson’s technical muscle – that makes the offering so compelling.

Service with substance

Kurt Fraser, whose global background spans luxury real estate and branded residences, has brought a holistic lens to the yachting world over the past several years. He talks not about transactions, but about transformation – about the joy and purpose that yachts can bring when treated not just as assets, but as lifestyle platforms.

“I’ve had something of a Forrest Gump journey,” he says with a smile. “I’ve worked on branded luxury beach, ski, and golf resorts, as well as superyacht marinas, from the Islands of Hawaii to the shores of the Indian Ocean. Along the way, I’ve learned that people aren’t just looking for a product — they’re seeking fulfilment. Our mission is to create lifestyle value, not simply deliver luxury.”

This is a recurring theme at Moravia: going beyond the expected. Whether it’s in how they build client relationships, act in the client’s best interests through sales and purchase transactions, help clients select their ultimate charter yacht and itinerary, or even choose which yachts to represent, the focus is always on quality, depth, and alignment.

That alignment begins with the client. “First and foremost, it’s about having a strong relationship with the client and their team,” Fraser explains. “When representing a yacht for charter or sale, we seek yachts where there’s good communication and shared goals. That way, our team can work effectively, and we can deliver the results the owner expects.”

This philosophy extends to the client experience as well. Moravia doesn’t claim to cater to a completely different crowd, but it does approach them with a different attitude. Where some brokers might be tempted to prioritise commission or volume, Moravia’s separation of interests – with Hill Robinson handling technical services and Moravia focusing on retail – ensures advice remains impartial, and clients’ interests are kept front and centre.

The result? A company that operates with personal service, agility and integrity and delivers on a global scale.

Navigating the next generation

Yachting is changing, and Moravia is right there on the wavefront. The post-Covid years have ushered in a new type of client – wealthier at a younger age, tech-savvy, and far more interested in experience than tradition. They’re just as likely to seek out heli-skiing adventures in the Arctic as they are to lounge in St. Tropez.

“Many of the younger generation entering yachting now grew up around it,” says Fraser. “But they want something different. They’re mixing it up – racing in regattas one month, chartering a sleek Med cruiser the next. It’s not about status. It’s about freedom.”

This shift has pushed Moravia to think differently about what it means to own or charter a yacht. Instead of just listing features, they focus on stories. Instead of selling luxury, they craft experiences. “Our job,” Fraser says, “is to know the client well enough to offer them something they haven’t even thought to ask for yet.”

It’s not just the client that’s younger, so is the team. And that youthfulness, far from being a disadvantage, is a powerful asset. It brings energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to an industry that can, at times, feel a little stuck in its ways.

“There’s a youthfulness to our brokerage team, backed by the deep experience of Hill Robinson,” Fraser says. “That gives us agility and the ability to do things differently – offering flexible, highly personal service.”

Building for the future

Of course, none of this means much without the infrastructure to support it. Behind the boutique façade is a remarkably robust operation. With 12 offices worldwide, Hill Robinson’s reach extends from London to Fort Lauderdale, from Antibes to Australia. This means Moravia clients benefit not just from personalised service, but from a global safety net that spans every aspect of yacht ownership and management.

Technology also plays a growing role. From AI-driven CRMs to virtual walkthroughs and predictive data tools, Moravia is investing heavily in systems that enhance – not replace – the human touch. “Technology should improve the client journey, not interrupt it,” Fraser says. “We embrace digital tools, but only to enhance our service delivery, as personal relationship will always come first.”

Sustainability, too, is part of the picture. All Moravia charters are carbon-offset unless clients choose to handle it themselves. Many of their central listings now feature hybrid systems, and the company continues to push for sustainable practices in both construction and operations.

“We’re very involved in sustainability initiatives, including our ‘Love of the Sea’ program,” Fraser notes. “It’s a work in progress, but it’s a priority – and increasingly, it’s something clients expect.”

Why Moravia?

There’s no shortage of brokerage firms in Monaco, but the sheer scale of many can leave clients feeling like they’re navigating a corporate maze – another name in a long database, another transaction on a spreadsheet. Moravia appears to be the antidote to that. It strips away the excess and delivers something far more valuable: genuine connection. In a market full of noise, Moravia is quietly rewriting the rules. And for clients who expect more than just a polished pitch, that makes all the difference.

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 image of Moravia Yachting marketing campaign. Source: Moravia Yachting

Prince Albert II of Monaco has extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following the historic election of the first American pope. In an official communiqué to the Vatican, the Prince offered his prayers and support, highlighting the spiritual and universal weight of the new pontiff’s role.

The message was sent shortly after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago was elected to the papacy on 8th May, becoming the 267th pope and taking the name Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Augustinian previously served as a missionary in Peru and held a senior role within the Vatican overseeing bishop appointments.

Prince Albert’s message conveyed both personal and national sentiments. “My family and I offer our fervent prayers for the greatness of His Pontificate,” he wrote, adding, “Together with the population of the Principality, we express our most respectful hope that the fulfilment of this eminent and weighty spiritual mission of universal scope will be marked by many satisfactions.” The letter concluded with a personal note: “I ask Your Holiness to kindly accept the respectful homage of my deep and filial attachment.”

Pope Leo XIV made his first appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with a message of peace and unity. His choice of name is seen as a tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for his emphasis on social justice and his role in modernising the Church’s engagement with the world.

While not a large state, Monaco maintains a historically close relationship with the Holy See. Roman Catholicism is the state religion, and official messages of congratulations have long been a tradition from the Princely Family upon the election of a new pope.

As the first pontiff from the United States, and with extensive experience in Latin America, Pope Leo XIV is expected to bring a global, pastoral perspective to the Vatican at a time of considerable challenges and change for the Catholic Church.

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 of Pope Leo XIV source Reuters

Switzerland has long been renowned for its academic excellence, attracting families from across the globe in search of a high-quality, well-rounded education. The country’s boarding schools are celebrated not only for their rigorous academic programmes but also for their cultural diversity and safe, supportive environments.

As demand continues to grow, more families are recognising the unique advantages Swiss schools offer — from multilingual education and international exposure to a forward-thinking curriculum that equips students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Among Switzerland’s most prestigious institutions, Collège du Léman in Geneva stands out. Perfectly situated between the majestic Swiss Alps and the sparkling shores of Lake Geneva, the school offers a unique and inspiring setting for learning and personal development.

“We are proud to welcome 260 boarding students aged 11 to 18, and 1,500 day students starting as young as 2 years old, representing 120 nationalities,” says Pauline Nord, Director General of Collège du Léman. “This rich diversity fosters a truly global community. Our school provides a nurturing and inspiring environment where students can grow, thrive, and excel both academically and personally.”

More than just a school, Collège du Léman offers a transformative educational experience, combining rigorous academics with holistic personal growth. Its multicultural environment fosters open-mindedness and global citizenship, while its internationally recognised boarding programme provides students with a supportive, enriching home away from home.

A boarding experience that fosters independence and lifelong friendships

For many families, choosing a boarding school is about much more than academics — it’s about finding a place where children can grow, build independence, and form meaningful connections in a safe and inspiring environment. At Collège du Léman, the boarding programme embodies these principles, offering a structured yet enriching setting where students develop into confident, globally minded individuals.

“Boarding at Collège du Léman is not just about providing a place to stay,” says Justin Usher, Director of Boarding. “It’s about giving students the freedom to explore, the structure to excel, and the friendships that last a lifetime.”

The international community nurtures lasting connections among students from a diverse range of countries, including Monaco, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, China, and beyond. With dedicated House Parents providing round-the-clock care, boarders receive the guidance and support they need to thrive academically while also learning essential life skills that will serve them well into the future.

“I think boarding has been a great experience for me. I’ve met people from all over the world, and it’s helped me grow as a person,” says Carlos, a former boarder at CDL. “The staff here are very supportive. They always encourage us to do our best and are there whenever we need help.”

“Our utmost priority lies in ensuring the students’ happiness, security, and personal growth during their crucial formative years,” adds Usher. “We believe in offering just the right blend of support and challenge to help each student discover and develop their unique potential, inspiring them to become their very best selves.”

A tailored approach to education

At Collège du Léman, a personalised approach to education lies at the heart of its commitment to academic excellence, flexibility, and real-world preparation.

Students are empowered to choose from five internationally recognised diploma programmes — the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), the American High School Diploma, the French Baccalauréat, and the Swiss Maturité — ensuring their academic paths align with their strengths and aspirations. The school’s academic success is reflected in its 100% pass rate across all diploma programmes, a testament to its rigorous standards and dedicated support.

This flexible framework is further enhanced by multilingual pathways, offering Francophone, Anglophone, and bilingual programmes that integrate English and French into daily learning. Boarders as young as 10 years old are given the opportunity to refine their language skills early and develop the cultural adaptability essential for global success.

“The IB allowed me to explore a vast array of subjects at a high level, which helped me prepare for my studies,” says Magnus, a CDL graduate now at Brown University.

Students who prefer a curriculum rooted in the French academic tradition can pursue the French Baccalauréat, which provides a strong foundation for entrance into French-speaking universities.

“The international environment at Collège du Léman made me more confident and prepared me for university life,” says Inès, a graduate now studying at EPFL.

In addition to academic rigour, the school places a strong emphasis on 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, blending real-world learning experiences with formal study.

“The school’s vision is to shape generations of global citizens who are ready to change the world for the better,” says Nord. “We have created a forward-looking curriculum centred on transferable skills, fostering resilience and flexibility. This ensures that students are prepared to navigate an ever-changing world and make meaningful contributions to society.”

Through interdisciplinary coursework and a focus on adaptability, Collège du Léman ensures its students are well equipped to succeed at leading institutions including the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, ESSEC Business School, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

An enriching experience beyond the classroom

Switzerland itself becomes part of the educational experience, offering students access to world-class outdoor and cultural opportunities. Weekends for boarders are filled with activities such as sailing on Lake Geneva, skiing in the Alps, and exploring Geneva’s historic landmarks like the United Nations.

“One of my favourite experiences was skiing in the Alps on weekends,” says Carlos. “We would wake up early, hit the slopes, and be back in time for dinner — it’s the perfect way to combine school and adventure.”

Experiential learning also extends well beyond Switzerland. Students participate in international trips, including social purpose initiatives such as community development projects in Tanzania, where they help improve access to clean water and education. These experiences provide real-world insight into global challenges and reinforce the school’s mission to nurture responsible global citizens.

Boarders also travel across Europe and further afield, engaging with diverse cultures and histories. The school curates exclusive educational expeditions that merge academic rigour with hands-on learning, helping students broaden their perspectives and leadership skills.

One of the most sought-after opportunities is the MIT trip to Boston, where students meet with innovators in science and technology. This immersive experience allows them to interact with researchers, explore cutting-edge developments, and deepen their interest in fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.

A model of Swiss education

As interest in Swiss private education continues to grow, Collège du Léman stands as a leading example of how academic excellence, cultural diversity, and a world-class boarding experience can be seamlessly combined. Its commitment to shaping well-rounded, globally minded individuals ensures that graduates are prepared not only for university, but for a meaningful life beyond the classroom.

For families seeking a holistic and internationally focused education, Collège du Léman exemplifies the best of Swiss private schooling — a foundation for lifelong success in an ever-changing world.

Discover more about Collège du Léman’s exceptional boarding programme here.

This article was created in collaboration with Collège du Léman. All photos provided.