Long known as a playground for the rich and famous, Monte-Carlo, the central quarter of the principality of Monaco, is the ultimate summer escape.
And even though Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country (after the Vatican), it packs an outsize amount of sizzle and style.
Recently, I was in the area and had exactly one day to play in Monte-Carlo. Here’s how to have the most glamorous 24 hours of your life:
10am: Coffee and croissants at Chocolaterie de Monaco
Located in the city’s Old Town, the charming Chocolaterie de Monaco is an official supplier to the Palace of Monaco. Stop by for breakfast and browse the pretty boxes of sweets.
11:30am: Pomp and circumstance
From Chocolaterie de Monaco, walk through Old Town to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, located on the site of a fortress built in 1215. At 11:55am, visitors can watch the changing of the guard on the square in front of the palace. Next, follow the signs to nearby Monaco Cathedral, a 19th-century Romanesque-Byzantine church that’s the final resting place of past members of the ruling Grimaldi family including those of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
1:30pm: Michelin-starred fare on the water
After lunch, walk over to adjacent Monte Carlo Beach Club and rent either a chic stripped tent, cabin or sun lounger fronting a private beach.
Take a complimentary shuttle to sister spa property Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, a four-story complex overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Relax in the sauna, hammam and indoor pool. Or book the signature Riviera Sunshine Treatment to soothe sun-kissed skin. The 90-minute treatment starts with exfoliation and body wrap with seeds and scents of lavender, apricot, argan oil, bergamot and orange, then a soak in a hydrotherapy tub with citrus fruit essence (and snacks). A Star massage (head, hands, feet) and the application of a sun cream with fig, olive oil and antioxidants leaves skin glowing.
9pm: Champagne wishes and caviar dreams
At the Crystal Bar, a patio in the Hotel Hermitage, you can take in the view of all of Monte-Carlo, with a glass of vintage bubbly in hand. Feeling peckish? Order oysters, caviar or a cheese plate. (Save room for the hotel’s exclusive Ladurée macaroon flavors.)
10pm: Casino royale
Forget Vegas. For 150 years, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has elevated gambling. As you approach the Belle Epoch building, pause on the cobblestone streets to observe the fleet of rare luxury cars parked up front. (Don’t forget to dress to impress and bring your passport.) It’s worth the cost of entry to play in the VIP-only back room, where the roulette table is every-so-slightly more in your favor and the people-watching can’t be beat.
