With a recent mention in Smart Luxury on where to visit, and where to dine in Monaco, I thought I would add some additional smart luxury tips - a few for Monaco, and others which can be applied anywhere. Luxury is in abundance in Monaco - but how does one approach luxury in an intelligent way? Well - make it unique! I have felt that luxury has lost its fingerprint lately. It still holds its aspirational quality, sure, but what has been lost is its unique allure. (The rise of "quiet luxury" is surely a reactive response to feel unique and display "insider" knowledge on the subject.)
But exclusivity or exclusionary action need not be the focus here - rather lets focus on how to acquire deeply unique experiences that are both luxurious and something we can aspire to.
A quick recap - as a person who loves wine both as a subject of study and as a conversation accoutrement, my contributions to the Monaco article were to share recommendations of where to dine, where to sip on cocktails divine, and to dress to the nines.
Monaco is bustling throughout the warm months - especially in the months of May, August, and September. My favorite time of year in the principality is September-October. The yacht show is in September, and later the crowds thin out in October. Quiet streets, less crowding, and peaceful public spaces? Tell me that isn't a luxury within itself. Luxury anywhere tip: off-season travel is a uniquely charming experience and creates the atmosphere that your destination is a world that only you and the locals know.
A recommendation that I have for Monaco is the absolutely stunning and wholly unique experience of trading the designer shopping experience for a wine cave visit. Not just any wine cave mind you - the oldest in all of Monaco: Les Grands Chais Monegasques. This wine house supplies some of the most prestigious establishments in the world with bottles. From niche and lesser known wineries to some of the best appellations in the world, come here with an open mind (and wallet): buy a gift that you can enjoy in the years to come as you expand your wine collection and bragging rights. I personally guarantee you will leave with memories that no Chanel or Hermès sales associate could ever compete with. This is another Luxury anywhere tip: unique experiences that genuinely reflect your interests and hobbies will increase your joie de vivre. Immaterial luxuries can make us rich indeed: they make our encounters with others more engaging and help us to discover new horizons.
Looking to add a touch of sensuality and opulence to your life? Please allow me to introduce: Twiga Monte Carlo. Listen - I don't know how the Service Designers pulled it off, but Twiga manages to combine green interior lighting with stripes and have the result be moody-sophisticate in all the best ways. Playful, Art Deco, and sexy, this bar and restaurant are an immersive experience for all your senses. Combining Italian and Japanese cuisines in a playful, but an un-excessive way, guests are gifted sweeping panoramic sea views and some of the sexiest nightlife that the principality has to offer. Arrive to your dinner reservation ready to start with a cocktail. The drink menu offers carefully designed cocktails, and wine list that will delight. A pro tip: try to make your dinner reservation for slightly earlier or later than peak dining hours if you can.
