Monaco restaurateur and entrepreneur Samy Sass is expanding his celebrated brand beyond the Principality, unveiling Cabana Sass’ Algarve on 12th September. Nestled in Portugal’s prestigious Golden Triangle, the new venture captures the Sass lifestyle in a setting where Mediterranean authenticity meets Atlantic soul.
Best known in Monaco for Sass Café, a long-standing institution that has attracted royalty, celebrities and international tastemakers for decades, Samuel ‘Samy’ Sass is now exporting the Sass philosophy of dining and lifestyle to Portugal.
“Cabana Sass’ Algarve is about creating a refined yet relaxed escape, where nature, design, food and music meet,” he explained ahead of the opening. The concept offers guests a sanctuary amid a pine forest on the Atlantic coastline, combining the vibrancy of Mediterranean living with the laid-back rhythm of the Algarve.
Photo credit: Fabbio Galatioto
A vision realised through design
The architecture and project execution were led by ERG Dreams with Ana Águas overseeing management, while design house Yodezeen provided the conceptual framework.
Viterbo Interior Design then brought the spaces to life, ensuring the interiors reflected a balance of simplicity, natural textures and understated luxury. The result is a seamless blend of contemporary elegance and coastal authenticity, aligned with the Sass brand’s hallmark of refined yet welcoming environments.
Photo credit: Fabbio Galatioto
Mediterranean flavours with Atlantic soul
At the heart of Cabana Sass’ Algarve is a menu celebrating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Ocean-inspired dishes highlight Portugal’s coastal richness while staying true to Sass’ Mediterranean heritage. Every element, from food to music, has been curated to immerse guests in the dual influences of the region. Evenings are enhanced with curated DJ sets, creating a soundtrack that reflects both Monaco’s sophistication and Portugal’s coastal charm.
Travellers heading through France’s airports on 18th September can breathe a sigh of relief, at least partially. The SNCTA, the country’s main air traffic controllers’ union, has announced the suspension of its strike notice originally planned for that date. However, the reprieve is only temporary: a new three-day strike has already been scheduled for 7th, 8th and 9th October.
The decision comes in the wake of the collapse of the Bayrou government. With the appointment of a new Prime Minister and the need to form a government, the SNCTA argued it no longer has a valid negotiating partner until the new head of the civil aviation authority (DGAC), Chems Chkioua, formally takes office on 1st October.
“The date of September 18 is no longer compatible with the possibility of bringing our demands to a successful conclusion, due to a lack of interlocutors and the necessary time devoted to them,” the SNCTA said in a statement.
This isn’t the first time political turmoil has disrupted industrial action. In June 2024, the dissolution of the National Assembly also prompted air traffic controllers to withdraw a strike notice.
What passengers should expect on 18th September
Despite the SNCTA’s suspension, other unions including UNSA and CGT have not lifted their strike calls. Disruptions therefore remain possible, particularly at Paris’s major hubs, Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly. The grievances are wide-ranging: inflation-driven pay demands, unresolved governance issues at the DGAC, and anger over the recent introduction of biometric badge readers in control centres.
October showdown ahead
By shifting its mobilisation to October, the SNCTA—representing around 60% of the profession—is keeping the pressure on. The union hopes the new government will have time to respond to demands, but the looming three-day strike could prove especially disruptive for French aviation.
At the top of the agenda is pay. The union argues controllers’ salaries should be indexed to inflation, just like the fees airlines already pay to fund civil aviation.
Perhaps most contentious is the compulsory rollout of biometric badge readers to monitor working hours, imposed by decree and seen by many controllers as an attack on long-standing practices. Unions argue the measure is not only heavy-handed but may also lack legal validity.
The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses will return to the Sporting Monte-Carlo on 26th September under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II.
Themed ‘Sail into Royalty’, the 2025 edition promises unforgettable moments with special guest Riccardo Cocciante, top-tier performances, Michelin-starred cuisine, and an atmosphere evoking timeless princely grandeur. Part of the evening’s proceeds will benefit charitable causes, including paediatric research and support for children in care.
A night of glamour and generosity
The annual gala, organised by Noble Monte-Carlo, brings together figures from film, politics and business in an event inspired by royal traditions. For 2025, ‘Sail into Royalty’ guides the aesthetic journey; artistic arrangements will transform the venue into a fairy-tale palace at the Sporting Monte-Carlo. Guests will be entertained with performances of world-class calibre, enjoy a gourmet dinner crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, and be immersed in an ambiance reminiscent of historic courtly balls.
Adding to the prestige, Italian composer Riccardo Cocciante, famed for his work on Notre-Dame de Paris, will attend as a special guest, bringing musical and cultural star quality to the evening.
Beneath the jewels: a charitable mission
Part of the proceeds is earmarked for the Princess Grace Foundation of Monaco, supporting paediatric medical research in French hospitals and assisting children in care.
Previous editions have graced iconic locations such as Dubai’s Burj Al Arab in 2024, Venice in 2023, and have frequently returned to Monaco since 2020.
Starting with the Monaco Yacht Show this September, bus travel on the CAM network will be free of charge during the Principality’s most high-profile events.
The Government announced Friday that it was aiming to make travel easier for residents and visitors during Monaco’s busiest event periods. From Thursday 19th September to Tuesday 1st October 2025, buses operated by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) will be completely free to use across the network, coinciding with the Monaco Yacht Show and its surrounding setup and dismantling period.
This free transport measure will also apply during the Luxe Pack Monaco exhibition and will continue into 2026 for several of the Principality’s most prominent events, including the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, Monaco E-Prix, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Vuelta cycling race. Practical details and specific dates for each period of free service will be announced by CAM.
Described as a product of collaboration with the National Council, the initiative is part of a broader governmental effort to enhance public transport usage and relieve pressure on Monaco’s limited road infrastructure. During these peak periods, the CAM network will be reinforced to handle increased demand and ensure smooth operations.
It is only fitting that this year’s Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival line-up was unveiled in the Bar Américain of the Hôtel de Paris, a venue that has long been a stage in its own right, echoing with stories, music, and the refined allure that defines Monaco.
Against this backdrop, organisers revealed a programme as eclectic and sophisticated as its setting — a 10-day celebration of jazz and its many tributaries, from gospel and funk to reggae, soul and folk, all performed in the jewel-box splendour of the Salle Garnier.
“This edition is determined to bring together different generations, aesthetics and audiences,” said Monte-Carlo SBM Artistic Director Alfonso Ciulla. “Jazz cannot be put into neat boxes, it is a breath of inspiration, a language in perpetual motion.”
Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival Co-programmer Reno di Matteo added: “The line-up is built around discoveries and legends. We want audiences to experience the depth of jazz in all its forms.”
A festival of discoveries and legends
As tradition dictates, the festival will open on 20th November with a free concert by students of the Rainier III Academy, an opportunity for Monaco’s young musicians to share the stage of the Salle Garnier.
On 21st November, French singer Gabi Hartmann will set the tone for the festival. “Her sound is an intense, inspired journey—between jazz, pop, bossa nova and folk. She is a complete artist and a beautiful discovery,” said Alfonso Ciulla. She will share the stage with trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf, who “revisits the work of Oum Kalthoum with modernity and depth, bringing us into the world of the thousand and one nights.”
The following evening, 22nd November, bass legend Stanley Clarke will headline, before the stage is handed over to Deluxe, “a French group that’s a tidal wave of groove—five moustachioed musicians who will set the stage on fire,” said Reno di Matteo.
Deluxe. Photo credit: Pilou
Voices of spirit and passion
On Sunday 23rd November, the Harlem Gospel Choir will bring its powerhouse sound to Monaco. “They have performed for three U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, and they continue to dazzle with their vocal power,” said Ciulla.
The programme will also include a special conference on 24th November, Jazz in Cinema, led by French critic and filmmaker Thierry Jousse in partnership with the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco.
1990s hitmakers Morcheeba will be among the headliners this year. Photo provided
Jazz without borders
The second half of the festival continues with Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander on 26th November, whose “fusion of jazz and reggae is full of humour, vocabulary, and sharing with the public.” He will be joined by Colombian salsa star Yuri Buenaventura, described as “an immense entertainer, full of energy and passion, who knows how to hold a room.”
On 27th November, Swiss singer Lea Maria Fries will open the evening before English trip-hop pioneers Morcheeba take the stage. “They were one of the groups that conquered the world in the 1990s, and their return is a real coup for us,” said Ciulla.
The 28th November concert will feature Rhoda Scott Ladies & Gentleman, the legendary barefoot organist whose performance style is described as “pure sensitivity and soul.” She will be joined by special guest David Linx. Later that evening, French favourite Michel Jonasz will revisit his greatest hits with fresh arrangements, joined by Manu Katché on drums and Jean-Yves d’Angelo on keyboards.
Legendary Stanley Clarke will also perform. Photo provided
A spectacular finale
The festival will close on 29th November with Les Égarés, a quartet blending Vincent Ségal, Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Peirani and Émile Parisien. “It’s a project born out of a jam session, combining jazz and traditional music in a way that feels like pure alchemy,” said di Matteo. The night will finish with the eclectic Asaf Avidan: “He creates an eclectic music inspired by jazz, rock, folk, blues, and electronic. With a full band, it’s going to be absolutely spectacular.”
Tickets range from €12 to €100, depending on the performance.
The Monegasque government has launched a new application campaign for state-owned apartments exclusively for Monegasque citizens, including newly available units in the Hemera A residence.
From Monday 15th September, Monegasque nationals will be able to apply for the latest allocation of government-owned apartments, with the Hemera A development among the available properties. The call, managed by the Direction de l’Habitat, is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality housing for its citizens.
Applications can be submitted online via the official portal teleservice.gouv.mc or through MonGuichet.mc. For those without internet access, paper forms are available from the Direction de l’Habitat at 5, promenade Honoré II – Entrance B, between 9:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Additional assistance is being provided at the Maison du numérique in the Jardins d’Apolline, where a digital advisor will be on hand to support residents in completing their applications online.
To be considered, all applications must be fully completed and submitted by 5pm on Friday 10th October. The government has confirmed that late or incomplete dossiers will not be processed, and postal submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted. Full details of the eligibility requirements and application conditions are available in the relevant ministerial decree published on the Monaco Public Services website, under the “Logement” section.
This latest housing initiative reflects the Principality’s continued investment in ensuring secure and sustainable living conditions for its growing Monegasque population.
