Visiting Europe during Corona – Part 4: Monte Carlo
After the lovely days in Strasbourg, Lucerne and Lezzeno on Lake Como, it was time to travel to Monte Carlo. So far, we'd had few problems with congestion on the way, but that changed in the vicinity of Genoa….
An exciting stretch of motorway through Italy
After all these years, nothing had changed here anyway, old tunnels and bridges across the valleys had to make sure we arrived safely in Monte Carlo. I have to be honest, I don't scare or worry very easily, but it seemed as if time had stood still here. With the terrible bridge accident in Genoa in mind, I looked at the tunnels and bridges of the A7. The tunnels were leaking and looked like they had never been serviced. It was also enormously busy because most of the motorway had been turned from a four-lane highway into a two-lane one. Moreover, the maximum permitted speed was between 50 and 80 kilometres and it was extra busy because of the truck traffic. Besides the fact that it all took a long time, I was also not entirely at ease. In between, I read on the internet that 200 tunnels in Italy had overdue maintenance ☹ and that the load per bridge and tunnels had therefore been scaled back..... I didn't say anything to my husband and boys...., but honestly, as before, I didn't find the stretch on the A7 a nice stretch to drive over. Until you then drive into France, then suddenly it's totally ok....
Destination no. 4: Mesmerizing Monaco!
Arrived in Monte Carlo; that steep road down to the city centre, nothing changed here either. It seemed even busier than usual this time. We eventually arrived at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, one of my favourite hotels, also great for fancy incentives! In addition, it houses two of my favourite restaurants, namely restaurant Nobu and Beachclub Nikki Beach, the latter located on the roof of the hotel 😊! Monte Carlo lends itself perfectly (for example, in combination with Nice) to a fantastic incentive or Formula 1 Grand Prix trip. The Fairmont hotel also has rooms overlooking the circuit. Success guaranteed according to many of our clients! The hotel is located next to the Casino, under which there is another ‘must visit’ restaurant; the Buddha Bar. Walking into the Buddha Bar Monte-Carlo is like a trip to faraway Asia. The warm colours, Buddha statue and lounge atmosphere are perfect for relaxing and having a great time. Thai and Japanese cuisine are presented in a menu with a fusion of Asian flavours. The breathtaking décor includes a seven-metre-high ceiling, various woods, sculptures, cornices, stucco and gilding. Not to mention an impressive host: a colossal Buddha from Asia, in a meditation pose. Two open-air terraces complete this different kind of setting. The best way to enjoy the sweet summer evenings!
Style, luxury and enjoyment at the extravagant Nikki Beach, even during Corona
Check-in went quickly (do wear mouth guard in the lobby and general areas) and soon we were at Nikki Beach for a “late” lunch. Nikki Beach is known worldwide as extravagant and it is a treat to be there. You really feast your eyes and so did our boys. There was so much “beauty” to see, it worked out for the next two days! A little history behind this chain of beautiful beach clubs worldwide: Nikki Beach combines elements of dining, entertainment, music, fashion, film and art. On 24 December 1997, Jack Penrod initially created Café Nikki, a garden at Penrod's Beach Club in South Beach, which was later transformed into Nikki Beach. It was in 1998 that Jack Penrod decided to expand the beach club concept to the beach with a French-style beach club and restaurant. Nikki Beach was named after Penrod's daughter, Nicole (Nikki) Penrod, who died in a car accident in Miami in 1997. Nikki Beach expanded into a luxury lifestyle brand around the world, with locations such as Bali, Indonesia; Miami Beach, Florida; Barbados; St Barth, French West Indies; Marbella, Mallorca, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Marrakech, Morocco and so Monte Carlo. I have had the pleasure of visiting several Nikki Beach venues, but the one in Monte Carlo is surely the most extravagant as far as I can judge. In any case, you often run into well-known stars from the world of football, Formula 1 or film. After late lunch, we explored the city briefly, it was very hot, so pretty soon we sought the coolness of the pool again.
Enjoying the harbour, the city and top restaurants
The two days that followed were marked by a walk through the city and harbour (big, bigger, biggest, when it comes to the yachts lying there), Nikki Beach and delicious evening meals at Nobu and Buddha Bar. What a wonderful two days we had there. Nikki Beach in particular remains a very special memory for our boys, but now it was time to pack our suitcases again and travel to Nice to catch the plane to the island we all love, Ibiza. On the way to the airport, I did reserve one of my favourite beach clubs in Nice, Cocoon Beach, for lunch. When you're already there... 😉
