Oh oh OH Monte-Carlo…
The Sybaritic Single traditionally spends his birthday weekend in Monte-Carlo where he eagerly keeps an eye on his favourite place to stay, Hôtel de Paris, undergoing a seemingly never-ending four-year-long renovation. The luxury hotel is finally coming back to life with the recent reopening of Le Grill on the top floor and Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse.
However, the main revelation this season is Hôtel de Paris’ new Princess Grace Suite, inaugurated by Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie. Very much like Sybaritic Single, Princess Grace agreed that Hôtel de Paris was her favourite retreat. In 1976, she celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary with Prince Rainier III in the wine cellar of the hotel, a treasure trove of more than 500,000 bottles.
Prince Albert has been closely involved in the design of the new suite. The Monaco royal family donated artwork, family photos and the princess’s favorite literary and poetic works from their private archives. The bedroom on the lower floor features a remarkable collage of dry flowers which was assembled by the princess herself.
The interiors and the materials are truly remarkable, from plush fabrics and gilded furnishings to a full-size steam room and sauna. However, it was the abundance of natural light which the Sybaritic Single enjoyed most of all. Panoramic windows illuminate every part of the suite as they envelop the space with 180-degree views of Port Hercule and the principality.
On his way from Monte-Carlo to Rome, the Sybaritic Single agreed that the new suite is the finest example of contemporary luxury he had seen to date. A union of exceptional quality, history, culture, artworks, technology, beauty – the vital necessities blended most effortlessly in a stunning location. He is now waiting for late 2018, when the entire Hôtel de Paris will come back to life with the completion of the grand foyer, Salle Empire, Le Bar Américain and yet another brand-new penthouse suite, with a view of the casino. Could that suite be a rival?
