Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has launched a group-wide climate adaptation review after extreme summer heat affected restaurant activity and exposed weaknesses across some of its venues.
The initiative was revealed by SBM Deputy Chairman Stéphane Valeri during a press conference following the group’s Annual General Meeting on Friday 18th September.
While SBM reported an 8% increase in revenue across July and August, Valeri said the growth was driven largely by accommodation, while restaurants recorded only a slight improvement.
“The restaurant business suffered from the heatwave this summer,” he said. “At lunchtime, when it is 30 or 31 degrees and the sun is beating down, people are less inclined to eat on a terrace or consume alcohol.”
Group-wide climate study ordered
Valeri has asked SBM’s new Director of Operations, Romain Meiran, to conduct a comprehensive study into how the group’s hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues must adapt to rising temperatures.
The report is expected by the end of 2026, allowing the first measures to be introduced in time for the beginning of the summer season in April 2027.
Proposals already being considered include greater use of vegetation and shade on terraces, more advanced misting systems, stronger air conditioning and lighter uniforms for employees working outdoors.
“This is something that concerns us all,” said Valeri. “We need to adapt better next year.”
Salle des Étoiles air conditioning to be upgraded
One of the priorities will be the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, where the existing air-conditioning system struggled to maintain comfortable temperatures during particularly hot evenings.
Valeri said the system would be strengthened after temperatures remained above 30°C at night during periods of the summer.
SBM is also assessing newer misting technologies capable of reducing temperatures without soaking guests – an important consideration, Valeri joked, for clients who do not want water falling on their hair.
Employee comfort will form another part of the review. The group is considering lighter uniforms for teams required to move continuously between tables and outdoor areas during extreme heat.
Later dining hours under consideration
Changing customer behaviour could also lead SBM to adjust the opening hours of some restaurant kitchens.
Valeri said demand at the traditional lunchtime peak had declined during the hottest periods, while more customers were arriving for lunch at 2.45pm or even 3pm.
“Eating at 3pm was not traditionally normal in Monaco, but customers are arriving increasingly late,” he said. “We may need to open kitchens later and close them later.”
The group will assess whether dining hours should shift at certain establishments to reflect both higher temperatures and the habits of its international clientele.
La Vigie among venues requiring changes
La Vigie Monte-Carlo is among the venues identified as needing further adaptation after lunchtime conditions became particularly difficult during the summer.
SBM plans to increase vegetation and improve guest comfort at the outdoor restaurant, which reopened this season under Italian chef Simone Zanoni. Valeri confirmed that Zanoni will return next year following what he described as a successful first season.
The climate review comes as the group continues to record strong overall growth. Revenue reached €271.3 million during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, up 11%, while July and August delivered a further 8% increase across all business sectors.
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Main photo source: MCSBM