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Month: May 2025

Ten years of sun-drenched celebration: Nikki Beach Monte Carlo reopens for a milestone summer

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/05/2025

Perched above the coastline on the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Nikki Beach has once again opened its white-linen doors for the summer season—and this year marks a special occasion: the tenth anniversary of the brand’s Monte Carlo outpost. With its now-iconic “Celebration of Life” spirit, Nikki Beach returns with a full programme of signature events and a menu that perfectly captures its global flair and Mediterranean roots.

The official opening cocktail, held on Thursday 24th April, set the tone for what promises to be a standout summer in the Principality. Guests gathered beneath the Monaco sun for an afternoon of music, flowing rosé, and refined coastal dining—an early celebration of a decade-long success story that began with little more than a cult following and a contagious energy.

The Nikki Beach restaurant is a welcome retreat high above the busy streets of Monaco

On a beautiful bright day in May, I found myself back on the Fairmont rooftop, wedged delightfully between pool and sea, to experience a long lunch that felt like a brief escape to Saint Tropez—minus the sand, but with all the mood. The starters, a sea bass ceviche and a truffle tuna tartare, were crisp, fresh, and perfectly suited for the season. We moved on to the Mediterranean Octopus, tender and lightly grilled, and a rich Simmental Ribeye Steak, cooked to perfection.

Despite being full, we couldn’t pass up the table-side tiramisu and a crème brûlée infused with tonka bean, paired with a delicate homemade cherry sorbet. This is a menu crafted with flair and precision, and it’s no surprise—it’s overseen by Corporate Executive Chef Alessandro Pizza, a Nikki Beach veteran who blends his Italian heritage with influences from five continents.

The grilled octopus was a delight on this warm May day. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

Alex Pizza, who first joined Nikki Beach in 2002, has helped shape the group’s culinary identity, from Saint Tropez to Saint Barth and now in Monte Carlo. His expertise is evident in every course served on this rooftop terrace, where food, music, and atmosphere align to create something truly immersive.

The 2025 season at Nikki Beach Monte Carlo is set to be livelier than ever, with weekly events lighting up the rooftop every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Among the season’s standout moments, Formula One driver Charles Leclerc will unveil a new capsule collection with Ferrari Style during an exclusive private event at the venue, marking the start of a high-profile collaboration between the luxury fashion house and the beach club over Monaco’s Grand Prix weekend.

Sunbeds by the pool at Nikki Beach Monte Carlo

Additional highlights will include themed celebrations during Monaco Race Week, Ferragosto, and the Monaco Yacht Show. With its three distinct terraces offering everything from sun-soaked lounging to sunset soirées, Nikki Beach Monte Carlo continues to deliver the high-energy afternoons and glamorous evenings that have defined its decade of success.

There’s a reason Nikki Beach Monte Carlo has lasted 10 years in one of the most exclusive corners of the world. It offers a rare blend of elegance, consistency, and escapism that continues to draw an international crowd back, year after year.

See more of Cassandra Tanti’s experience at Nikki Beach Monte Carlo in the video reel below…

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.

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Charles Leclerc to launch Ferrari fashion line at Nikki Beach Monte Carlo during Grand Prix weekend

Main photo courtesy Nikki Beach Monte Carlo

Electric thrills return as E1 World Championship sets course for Monaco this July

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/05/2025

Monaco is preparing to welcome the return of the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, the world’s first all-electric raceboat series, with qualifying scheduled for Friday 18th July and race day on Saturday 19th July 2025.

Following its high-profile debut in 2024, the championship returns with nine teams, each featuring both a male and female pilot. Backed by global celebrities such as Rafael Nadal, Didier Drogba and Will Smith, the event promises another weekend of high-speed action on the Mediterranean, paired with the glamour that has become synonymous with the Principality. Last year’s Monaco race ended with Team Brady—co-owned by Tom Brady and Didier Drogba—claiming the win before an audience that included HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The 2025 edition will once again be anchored at the Yacht Club de Monaco, which will host the championship’s Ocean Club, a VIP hospitality venue for guests and team owners. French fans will be keeping a close eye on Rouen-native Tom Chiappe, who races for Team Rafa and is expected to contend for a podium finish after his strong showing in qualifying last season.

Monaco has played a central role in the development of the E1 series, serving as host of the E1 Pilot Academy, a talent programme aimed at cultivating future electric raceboat pilots. Two of its graduates—Sara Misir of Team Blue Rising and Micah Wilkinson of Team Drogba—have already achieved podium finishes in the current season.

As the fifth stop on a seven-race calendar that includes coastal cities such as Doha, Dubrovnik, Lagos and Miami, the Monaco leg is expected to further enhance the Principality’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable marine innovation and electric mobility.

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 provided

 

World premieres and youthful promise: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo prepare for a dazzling summer season

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/05/2025
les ballets de monte-carlo

This summer, the spirit of creativity will take centre stage in Monaco as Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo close their season with two highly anticipated world premieres. The excitement begins even earlier, with the rising stars of the Académie Princesse Grace showcasing their talent in a celebratory Gala that honours the next generation of international dancers.

On the 20th and 21st June 2025, the Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte-Carlo will host the Gala de l’Académie Princesse Grace. This annual event is a cornerstone for the renowned school, allowing audiences a privileged glimpse into its rigorous training. Combining classical and contemporary styles, the Gala offers a poignant farewell for eight graduating students, while welcoming newcomers as they make their debut on the iconic stage.

From the 17th to 20th July 2025, the spotlight returns to the same venue for a thrilling double bill of new works, commissioned by Jean-Christophe Maillot to close the season on an inspired note. Slovak choreographer Lukáš Timulak, a former dancer of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and graduate of the Académie Princesse Grace, will present a fresh piece developed alongside long-time collaborator Peter Bilak. Their work, shaped by the shifting forces of nature and guided by the philosophy that each performance should be a singular experience, promises a dynamic blend of fluidity, chaos, and organic transformation.

Joining him on the programme is the Madrid-based Compagnie Kor’sia, whose previous appearance in Monaco with the ballet Igra left a lasting impression. Led by Antonio de Rosa and Mattia Russo, Kor’sia continues to break boundaries with powerful visual storytelling and daring scenographic choices. Their latest creation, infused with the language of the body and a desire to transcend verbal expression, is expected to be a standout moment of the season.

While the Principality enjoys these artistic moments, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will also be representing Monaco on the international stage. The company is set to tour Cuba in May and Spain in June, performing in Havana, Valencia, and Granada, further reinforcing its role as a global cultural ambassador.

This end-of-season programme marks a continuation of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s artistic direction, bringing together Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the Monaco Dance Forum, and the Académie Princesse Grace in a collective effort that reinforces Monaco’s role in the international dance scene.

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: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

A feast of gratitude: Chef Marcel Ravin brings warmth and Caribbean soul to Monaco’s hospital heroes

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
07/05/2025

Two Michelin-starred Chef Marcel Ravin delivered a taste of his Caribbean heritage to Monaco’s Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) on May 7th, personally serving approximately 2,000 meals alongside his team in a continued gesture of appreciation for healthcare workers.

The ‘Rencontre Gourmande avec le Chef Marcel Ravin’ event marked the second time the Blue Bay chef has transformed the hospital’s dining experience, following an initiative that began during the pandemic.

“I wanted to bring something different this time, to share a bit of my culture and identity.” Ravin told Monaco Life at the event. “I’ve brought a little of what I do at Blue Bay to the CHPG, but in a more traditional way with classic dishes from the Caribbean.

The menu featured Caribbean specialties including ‘féroce d’avocat’ with cod, crab tart, lobster dombré, and chicken colombo—all meticulously prepared despite the challenge of high-volume service.

Preparation for the event began Monday, with coordination between Ravin’s team and the hospital’s culinary staff. “This year was much easier,” Ravin explained. “The first year they barely knew each other, now they know each other better, which makes everything simpler.”

For the chef, this culinary exchange holds profound meaning beyond mere food service, “It’s not just about cooking—it’s about saying thank you,” he said. “After our first event, people would stop us in the street to express their gratitude, but I’m the one who should be thanking them.”

Ravin hopes his initiative will inspire Monaco’s broader culinary community. “This shouldn’t just be Marcel Ravin’s action,” he highlighted. “There are many talented chefs in the Principality. I encourage others to understand this isn’t just about me—it’s about everyone.”

Despite managing multiple restaurants—including the newly-starred Elsa and Mada One—Ravin showed no signs of fatigue from the massive undertaking. “This is my life, my passion,” he insisted. “What exhausts me isn’t work but mediocrity and unkindness. To create, you need sensitivity.”

A labour of love and gratitude

When asked which dish made him most proud, Ravin’s response reflected his philosophy: “I’m proud of everything we do. You can’t cook if you’re not proud of what you make. The best dishes aren’t necessarily the most beautiful ones, but those made with love.”

“This work was first initiated by the Deputy President Stéphane Valéri, the Hospital Director Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, and our Director General of Monte-Carlo Bay. They approached me saying, ‘Marcel, we would be pleased if you could cook for the CHPG staff to give them a moment of happiness, knowing they’ll be enjoying the cuisine of a Michelin-starred chef,'” Ravin revealed to Monaco Life.

“But I didn’t do it simply because I’m a starred chef. I did it because I believe my role as a chef allows me to give and share with as many people as possible. There are no ‘big’ or ‘small’ clients for me, which is why cooking such a large volume—between 1,800 and 2,000 meals—is meaningful.”

As hospital staff took brief breaks from their duties to enjoy the meal, Ravin remained confident they would appreciate the moment despite their busy schedules. “They’ll take the time,” he said with certainty.

The event continues Ravin’s belief in sustained commitment rather than one-off gestures. “I always tell my team that what’s important in life is to endure over time,” he reflected. “That’s when we see results.”

Monaco Life was there! See more in our video reel below… 

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 by Monaco Life

 

Princess of Hanover joins Monaco Scouts for charity dinner supporting school in Argentina

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/05/2025

In a heartfelt show of support, Caroline the Princess of Hanover attended a charity dinner hosted by the Guides and Scouts of Monaco to raise funds for a school renovation project in Argentina.

On the evening of Wednesday 30th April, the Princess of Hanover honoured the Association of Guides and Scouts of Monaco with her presence at a special charity dinner held at the Méridien Hotel in Monaco. The evening, organised under her high patronage, brought together supporters of the Scout movement and international solidarity, all united in their commitment to a meaningful cause: the renovation of a school in Argentina.

Guests were treated to a refined Latin American-inspired menu crafted by Chef Laurent Colin, whose culinary creations took diners on a flavourful journey through the Andes. The event blended generosity with gastronomy, highlighting Monaco’s long-standing tradition of charitable engagement and cross-cultural connection.

The presence of the Princess of Hanover further elevated the evening’s significance, underlining her enduring support for youth development and humanitarian causes championed by the Scout association.

With the funds raised, the Guides and Scouts of Monaco will be one step closer to completing their project in Argentina, reinforcing the values of service, international cooperation and compassion 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.

Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais princier

Roca Boys book historic return to EuroLeague Final Four after thriller in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/05/2025

In front of a roaring crowd at Salle Gaston Médecin, AS Monaco Basket edged out FC Barcelona in a nail-biting 85-84 victory to secure a place in the EuroLeague Final Four for only the second time in club history. The next stop: Abu Dhabi.

It was a night to remember on Tuesday 6th May for Monegasque basketball fans as AS Monaco pulled off a dramatic Game 5 win against European giants FC Barcelona. With the best-of-five series tied at two apiece, everything came down to this decisive clash at home, where the atmosphere was electric and the stakes could not have been higher. A ferocious defensive stand in the dying seconds, capped by Georgios Papagiannis contesting the final shot from Barcelona’s Punter, sealed a one-point win and a ticket to Abu Dhabi.

The 5,000-capacity Salle Gaston Médecin was sold out and seething with energy, evoking memories of Monaco’s past European exploits against Fenerbahçe and Maccabi Tel Aviv. In a game that swung with every quarter (15-19, 30-20, 20-23, 20-22), Monaco found its rhythm in the second frame and held strong against a late Catalan resurgence. Mike James and his teammates showed grit, resilience, and mental fortitude in a high-pressure contest that tested both squads to their limits.

“We wanted to make it tough for Barcelona,” said the Monaco captain after the game. “They’re a great team, and they really pushed us. After the first two wins, maybe people saw us in the Final Four already—and subconsciously, maybe we did too. But tonight, we did what we had to do. Now it’s time to go there and try to win. We’ll give everything for 40 minutes.”

With the win, Monaco returns to the EuroLeague Final Four two years after its first appearance. The team will face Olympiakos in the semi-finals on Friday 23rd May at 22:00 local time (20:00 in Monaco), a rematch of their previous showdown on Europe’s biggest basketball stage.

Coach Vassilis Spanoulis praised his squad’s unity and resolve. “I’m proud of my players and staff. Everyone put in a huge performance, full of heart. We expected a tough match—Barcelona came to fight—and we were ready. Georgios [Papagiannis] was excellent under the basket, but tonight was all about the team. Reaching the Final Four was a key goal for the club. Now that we’re there, we’re going to try to win it. Each team has a 25% chance. Us included.”

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: Stephane Dana, Government Communication Department