Month: March 2026

Nearly 490 students in their first year of lycée across Monaco’s public and private schools are taking part in an immersive escape room experience designed to raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol, drugs and risky behaviour in social settings, as part of the Prince’s Government’s broader youth health prevention programme.

Running until 27th March, the initiative is organised by the Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports, with support from three Monégasque associations — Fight Aids Monaco, Be Safe Monaco and the Croix-Rouge Monégasque. The escape room itself was designed by Nice-based company G – Addiction Jeunesse Citoyenne.

An immersive approach to a serious subject

Rather than a conventional awareness session, students work together in groups to solve an immersive investigation that takes them through four realistically designed spaces: a police station, a student flat, a nightclub and a road accident scene. Along the way, they encounter clues and props — some of which are actual prevention tools — that guide them through scenarios relating to substance use, consent, road safety, first aid and blood donation.

Each class-sized session lasts around one hour, giving all students across the participating schools the chance to take part before the programme closes.

What students take away

Beyond the immediate experience, the escape room is designed to familiarise students with the prevention resources available to them in Monaco, introduce them to the work of the three partner associations, and encourage reflection on consent and responsible decision-making in social situations.

The Prince’s Government said the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the health and wellbeing of young people in the Principality.

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Photo credit: Frederic Nebinger

A new Japanese fine-dining address is coming to Monaco. Sen, conceived as a discreet speakeasy-style restaurant at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, is set to open in April 2026 — the latest venture from the Kodera family, official purveyor to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

Positioned as a tribute to Japanese culinary tradition, Sen will be guided by seasonality, precision and the hospitality philosophy of omotenashi. Tokyo-trained Chef Hiroki Hiyama will lead the kitchen, bringing a menu spanning nigiri, sashimi, hot dishes and an omakase experience, built around a single guiding principle — allowing the ingredient to speak in its purest form. Hiyama most recently headed Auberge Tokito, a four-suite retreat in Tachikawa awarded one Michelin Key.

“Japanese cuisine is a language of gestures and seasons. In Monaco, I want to convey the spirit of Tokyo: respect for the ingredient, beauty in the details, and serenity in execution,” said Chef Hiroki Hiyama, adding that he will only use local, fresh produce in his dishes.

A restaurant still taking shape

During an exclusive press preview on Wednesday 18th March, journalists were given a private daytime tour of a space still very much under construction, before being treated to a tasting of the menu that will be served when Sen opens. The interior, designed by Archiee Studio, is taking deliberate shape: acoustic wood panels, Terra Red mosaic tiles and bespoke furniture are being assembled to create an atmosphere intended to reveal itself gradually, in keeping with the speakeasy concept.

Art meets gastronomy

Wednesday’s event was brought to life by a striking artistic performance that offered an early taste of what Sen aims to become. Kensaku Sato, a contemporary taiko drummer with more than two decades of international experience, delivered a set that focused on rhythm, control and quiet intensity rather than showmanship.

He was joined by Mimosa Koike, principal dancer with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Their collaboration reflected a meeting of cultures, where Japanese tradition and Monaco’s artistic elegance came together through movement, timing and subtle expression.

 

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The vision

“Monaco is our home. Excellence is our language,” said Aya Kodera, co-founder of Sen. “With Sen, we envisioned a Japan that is both faithful and contemporary — a discreet address guided by omotenashi, where guests come as much for precision as for emotion.”

Vincent Clinckemaillie, General Manager of Le Méridien Beach Plaza, said the arrival of Sen aligned with the hotel’s broader ambition to offer singular dining experiences for both local and international guests.

Reservations for Sen are set to open shortly ahead of the April launch.

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