10 ideas you can bring back from the Grand Prix in Monaco which might be entertaining to your friends and colleagues on Monday mornings, who think that Monte Carlo is not worth visiting. It actually is a fun place to be as it seems to be completely out of this world, well, at least exceptional in Europe. It looks like Hong Kong, shopping feels like in Singapore and the old palaces reminds us of Russian aristocracy during the turn of the century. So why not give it a try.
1. Visit the exhibition of late American sculptor Duane Hanson (1925-1996) at Villa Paloma. Throughout the sculptor’s forty-year career, Hanson created lifelike sculptures portraying working-class Americans and overlooked members of society. Reminiscent of the Pop Art movement of the time, his sculptures transform the banalities and trivialities of everyday life into iconographic material.
Until 28 August 2016
2. Enjoy a chocolate in the box at the shore of the Nobu Restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel where you are as close as you can get to the ocean in Monte Carlo. We suggest a glass of chilled Whispering Angel Rose and you are up in the sky.
3. Take your time at The Monte-Carlo Pavilions which consist of 5 superb pebble-shaped spaces, with a total surface area of 2,500 m², large enough for twenty shops. With their rounded, futuristic shapes, the pavilions are located between the avenue de la Costa and the Place du Casino. You will find all the brands you are expecting and of course all the must-haves on stock.
4. Drive carefully or at least get in the racer’s mood of sharp curves and up and down the hill. Where else could you be test-driving a Formula One track in real life, only in Monte, before and after the race.
5. Chinese food as its best while sitting right by the street. Remember, space is true luxury and it is all about being close at Song Qi by Alan Yau (7, Avenue Princesse Grace).
6. Monte Carlo is one of the best places in Europe to look for vintage watches and jewellery. Guess why? Today a millionaire, tomorrow looking for a relocation…. Find some beautiful timepieces on onlyvintage.com
7. Walk around the narrow streets and enjoy the spectacular architecture, the new, the late modern, Art Deco and contemporary all in one small place rising high.
8. So close to the sea and so difficult to swim. Not if you are spending the day at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, which has one of the few straight accesses to the beach as well as a perfect pool. India Mahdavi redecorated this exclusive club which is also a hotel.
9. A pedi/manicure right at the curve of the Fairmont Hotel is a great treat during racing weekends. Just imagine getting pampered and relaxing, while speedy cars are driving by.
10. Shop mannequins are quite different here in Monte. We like Elie Saab’s version of getting ready for a ball, www.eliesaab.com