The Mediterranean city state, known for its luxury yachts, hotels and casinos has been a playground of the rich and famous for more than a century
When Rachel Chu first stepped on the plane to Singapore with her beau Nick Young in the film Crazy Rich Asians, little did she know what eye-opening, jaw-dropping wealth lay in store for her.
But even if the “Lion City” has more than its fair share of real life “Crazy Rich Asians”, one country is synonymous with wealth like no other: Monaco.
The tiny Principality of Monaco, as the city state is officially known, situated beside the Mediterranean, has been the ultimate playground of the rich and famous for more than a century.
Check out five ways to truly live and party like “Crazy Rich Europeans”.
Where to stay
When choosing where to lay your head during your sojourn, nowhere is more gasp-inducing than the new Princess Grace Suite at the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. This stunning ultra-exclusive residence covers a mind-blowing 910 square metres (9,800 square feet) over two floors and includes your own pool, garden and 440 square metres of terraces overlooking the superyachts below, for the ultimate in Instagram selfies. Yours for US$48,000 per night.
Dinner at the hotel’s Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse, perfect for any self-respecting Eleanor Young – the film’s Singaporean matriarch played by Michelle Yeoh – could be accompanied by one of 350,000 bottles of wine from one of the very finest cellars on the planet.
Where to shop
Nowhere does luxury retail therapy like Monaco. If you fancy some sparkle, then leading fine jewellery houses such as Graff, Harry Winston and Stardust Monte-Carlo seem to be on every corner. One-stop shopping options include Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, a luxurious mall which features 80 boutiques under one roof, with everything from Apple to Brioni or Tom Ford to Versace.
Where to go yachting
A great way to literally splash the cash in true “Crazy Rich Europeans” style comes at Monaco’s world-famous yacht marina. The 290-foot (88-metre)-long Barbara sleeps up to 12 and is looked after by a crew of no less than 32. They ensure that the facilities – from the lift to the cinema and helipad to jacuzzi – are all shipshape.
Built in 2017, the stunning motor yacht can make you the envy of your friends for a mere US$1,132,000 per week.
Where to try your luck
Once you’re rested and replete, it’s time to hit the casinos to try your luck. The world’s most famous high-end gaming venue, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, dates from 1863 and features glorious belle-époque styling. Blackjack, baccarat and craps tables then let you channel your inner James Bond. There are even tables alfresco, allowing you to gamble in the sun. Other options to wager include the Monte-Carlo Bay Casino or the Sun Casino with its more relaxed dress code.
Where to party
There’s only one spot to be seen dancing the night away, namely Jimmy’z. The billionaire jet-set have been packing the dance floor since 1971, while these days it’s frequently home to guest-sets by some of Europe’s hottest DJs. Don’t miss the outside deck with its perfect views over the Med.
Note – This story was originally published on SCMP and has been republished on this websit
