Monte Carlo - Chic Summer Fun in Monaco's capital city with Prince Albert- FASHIONTRIBES TRAVEL PODCAST & BLOG
Ready for some gambling, shopping and flirting with Prince Albert? Monaco is worth a trip. Deck yourself out in your flashiest designer wear and bejewel your fingers, wrists and neck. Whether it be by helicopter, car, or luxury yacht it's time to check out Monte-Carlo, a capital city bursting at the seams with what appears to be more royalty, supermodels and celebrities than a Hollywood awards show.
The Principality, known for its lack of taxes, high rolling gambling and unabashed wealth, is rich with hospitality and excitement all year round.
Here is our Lucky Seven in a city where you can live footloose and IRS free!
1. 
Amber Lounge:
OK, it’s not fair of me to mention it a few months after the Grand Prix. But, I contend you have to put it on you calendar – as there’s no better time to plan for next year. Available to those of you in Monte-Carlo for the race, Amber Lounge is the ultimate in exclusivity. Sonia Irvine, sister of racecar driver Eddie Irvine, opened this lounge, club and restaurant last year. It’s closed 362 days a year (363 this year), but come May, the lounge is hopping with celebs and personalities like Prince Albert, Bono, The Edge, Wesley Snipes, Ronaldo, Heidi Klum and Helena Christensen. Located in Grimaldi Forum, the sea-front lounge is 200 meters from the entrance to the tunnel on the F-1 Circuit, and is a favorite among drivers like Irvine and Schumacher. Veuve Cliquot tables are available for 3850 Euros per night, while an evening at one of the Cristal tables is 7500 Euros. There is also a Moroccan VIP terrace looking over the ocean that serves canapés and drinks. Open 10:30pm-5:00am dur¬ing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Grand Prix weekend. Amber-lounge.com.
2.
Le point rouge
Opened in November 2002, this concept restaurant, bar and club immediately attracted the jet-setting tanned and fabulous, including celebrity party-goers P. Diddy, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Schumacher. Run by Frank Fiorito, who has been on the forefront of ‘hot’ for 15 years (having worked at Jimmy’z, Caves du Roy in St. Tropez and Olivia Valere in Marbella), the discothèque couldn’t help but make a splash with the nightlife-loving society. He has brought together all of the elements to make a unique, sophisticated yet über-chic evening. Le Point Rouge’s elegant and cozy lounge space is a great place to chill out with a bottle of Krug, Dom or Cristal, and the slate-walled and torch lit dance floor is fabulous if international music is going to move you. You can also enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurant — perhaps the scampi fritters or lobster salad. Open Wednesday to Saturday; Restaurant 7:30 a.m. -1:00 a.m.; Club 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 am. Lepointrouge.mc.
3.
Jimmy’z
This is classic Monaco at its finest. Jimmy’z is one of the most famous bars in the world, known for beautiful clientele like Naomi Campbell, Bono and Lionel Richie, and an outdoor dance floor with extraordinary views of Monte-Carlo and the Mediterranean Sea. Created by French entertainer Régine, the nightclub is still going strong after 30 years and boasts a new interior design including an authentic “Gold Mine,” a private parlor and new bar. For reservations, call after 11 p.m. +377 92 16 22 77; 24 . Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte-Carlo.
4.
Columbus Hotel:
Monaco has several hotels one could call “trés Louis” but just one that reflects “Riviera chic,” all about the modern lifestyle of young jet-setters. The Columbus was opened in 2001 by Scottish hotelier Ken McCulloch and Formula One driver David Coulthard. Sleekly decorated by Amanda Rosa (who is also McCulloch’s wife — creating a formidable team), the Columbus’ interior is accented with leather, marble, wood, and stone, in soft lavender, gray and beige. The elegant yet contemporary hotel offers views of the Mediterranean, mountains, and the Princess Grace Rose Gardens. It has a chic restaurant and bar, which celebs Naomi Campbell, David and Victoria Beckham and Princess Stephanie have been known to enjoy. Rooms feature all of the high tech and high style comforts of home: Italian furni¬ture, interactive TV, PlayStation, Video on Demand, and an online concierge. You can “keep busy” at the Columbus by lounging at the swimming pool or on the private beach, or by playing tennis or golf. The hotel is also happy to assist in arranging a private helicop¬ter or luxury boat charter to allow you a new perspective on the Principality. 23 Avenue des
Papalins, Monaco. Columbus-hotels.com.
5. 
Le Louis XV:
Life at its most opulent is lived in the Hôtel de Paris. And food at its finest is served at Le Louis XV. Alain Ducasse’s prestigious Mediterranean restaurant located in the hotel has been awarded 3 Michelin stars (within 4 years of being open, no less). Ducasse’s ‘sun-kissed’ cuisine features the seasonal flavors of the region, and is simple and traditional at its essence. The springtime fare includes asparagus, morels and artichokes, and come summer spicy and aromatic tomatoes are featured. The dining room in the exclusive hotel is befitting of a royal court with its rich fabrics, woods, mirrors and marble, all gilded a la Louis. At the end of a meal, diners can enjoy a choice of 15 tobaccos or a cigar. The whole experience should be reserved for those who still revel in the bygone days where life that felt good was to be embraced and celebrated. Alain-ducasse.com
6. 
Zebra Square
The brasserie style food at swanky Zebra Square is not to be missed when in Monte-Carlo. The bar/restaurant attracts models and celebrities as well
as foodies who know its sister restaurant in the 16th arrondissement in Paris. Although decorated a la safari (Zebra prints abound, as well as leather and velvet in hues of chocolate and sable), the restaurant does not offer African cuisine, but rather French fare, everything from tartars to tarts. Zebra Square’s menu is refined, inventive and modern. You can enjoy an intimate dinner inside or can sit outside overlooking the sea, taking in the panoramic views of luxury yachts while sipping on what we hear is a delicious vodka cocktail. Located on the top floor of the Grimaldi Forum, 10 Ave. Princesse Grace
7. 
Les Thermes Marins
Sometimes when you are immersed in all the wealth and luxury Monte-Carlo has to offer, you lose the inner you. Time to step back into yourself, relax and find the harmony and balance that can get lost after too many nights dancing and drinking the night away at the city’s famous hotspots. Les Thermes Marins is all about reuniting body and soul and bridging Oriental wisdom with life in the 21st century. It’s about rejuvenation, relaxation and harmony. Splurge on the Sea Luxury Treatment. This spa service uses a range of La Prairie body care products, rich in marine extracts. You can close your eyes and detoxify your body and soul as you are being slathered with a caviar cream. Sea Luxury Treatment: 188 Euros for 90 minutes. +377 92 16 49 46; montecarloresort.com
That was rolling the dice in Monaco and the weekly Travel podcast with Jennifer Cattaui for Fashiontribes.com.
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